The Met Gala is a black-tie event held yearly to raise money for the Costume Institute, the only department in the museum that funds itself. A single theme is celebrated each year, usually in honor of art movements, distinguished periods in history, and great minds.
Ever since Vogue editor Anna Wintour took over as the chair of the gala in 1999, the benefit has become the “it” shindig to attend. Only the most important and relevant personalities get the ever-elusive invite to it.

Deviant artistry

This year, the Met Gala is all about respect for Comme des Garçons’ designer Rei Kawakubo and her deviant artistry. She has helped elevate fashion into an art that represents and defines.

So who did her—and the Gala—justice? Here are my picks.

The best dressed Rihanna, in her avant-garde Comme des Garçons number, obviously wins. Not only did she pay lip service to the designer, she has consistently been more conscious to showcase the work she’s wearing. For years now, RiRi has never let any insecurity—if she even had any—keep her from wearing the craziest garb the Gala or the world has seen.

Model Bella Hadid also makes it to my favorites. Donning a sheer, sparkly bodysuit from Alexander Wang, she exuded elegant minimalism and cheeky daring. Vogue reports that she even cut her hair into a bob to mimic Rei’s.

Kendall Jenner chose a risqué La Perla dress. Made with 85,000 crystals and just thread, the number wrapped around Kendall in a sensual yet tasteful fashion.

The worst dressed

The ones that disappointed me are those outfits that did not seem to keep up with the “artsiness” of the event and celebrate the designer.

Jennifer Lopez, while looking stunning (if we’re only talking about appearances here), is among my worst dressed. Her flowing powder blue Valentino gown went against the theme as she channeled old Hollywood and drew attention to herself.

Same went with Selena Gomez. Her summery Coach number may have been a nice complement to her beau The Weeknd’s suit and tie, but it also screamed “prom” in a formal event that aimed to exalt an artist rather than showcase the self.