Met Costume Institute Gala 2010 Whammy’s & Schammy’s

The Met Costume Institute Gala is the time of the year when every celebrity is given license to take the stick out of their butt and have some fun with fashion.  Trends don't matter, playing it safe is abhorred and taking the right risks are praised.  Still not everyone understands that fact which is what leads to a best and worst dressed list.  This year's theme is "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity."  So let's take a look at which stars know their style and which ones are having a fashion identity crisis.

 

Met Whammy

 

Jennifer Lopez:

Yes, for giving drama!  Call her Jenny, princess from the block.

 

Janet Jackson:

Breasts!  Gorgeous hair.  Breasts!  Edgy take on a gown.  Breasts!  You get the point why this look really works.

 

Andre Leon Talley:

This look breaks so many rules and that's why I love it for this event-and this event only!

 

Thandie Newton:

Love it or hate it, this is the kind of dress that makes ya do a double take if only to future out what the hell it all adds up to.

 

Rosario Dawson:

It's not super flattering on her but it's just the right touch of something extra (the frills) to make this a standout.

 

Jessica Szohr:

A nice dark whimsicality makes this look one of the more memorable of the night.

 

Joy Bryant:

I don't love it but those sleeves are working overtime so I have to give it a pass.  The sleeves add just the right touch of couture.

 

Oprah:

Since I don't expect Oprah to go down the carpet rocking a revealing super edgy ensemble I have to grade her on a scale.  And she passes!

 

Chanel Iman:

Disco lights and boogie nights.  All I can think of is Studio 54 but that's not a bad thing.  It's not nearly as memorable as Rihanna's tuxedo look from last year but it's hot enough for a pants look.

 

Met Schammy

 

M.I.A.

Why in the good Lord's name does M.I.A. look like she's about to audition for a ghastly Spiderman musical as a spaced out villain?

 

Zoe Saldana

On any other carpet she'd be a whammy but for this kind of gala you have to bring it.  Safe just won't do.

 

Mary J. Blige:

Did this chile just go into her grandmother's closet and pull out her Sunday best?  This look is more church wear than diva wear.  Let's try again, Mary!

 

Iman:

Pretty but way too subtle for this kind of event.

 

Anthony Mackie:

This is his first time at this event and based on this look it should be his last.

 

Gayle King:

She gets points for trying and obviously having some fun with the "costume" aspect of the event.  Still it ain't working!

 

Naomi Campbell:

You're a model now act like it!  This is style for the Oscars or any other stuffy awards show.  For the Met bring the avant garde!

 

Whoopi Goldberg:

She not only starred in "Ghost" but she practically is one in this hideous new age look.

 

Diddy:

Boring.

 

Cassie:

Love the color but not nearly the dazzling risqué look I was hoping for after Cassie worked it during Paris Fashion Week earlier this year.

 

Kerry Washington:

Kerry is smoking hot in this number.  Too bad it wasn't worn at some other event.

 

Eva Longoria:

Someone has a stylist out for revenge.  Totally misguided.

 

Eva Mendes:

Perhaps if there were more drama to this look it would have worked. As it stands it's too safe to bloom.