Scenes from the Costume Institute's Annual Gala

What a sea and lovely ladies and of course, equally handsome men. Oh, and the gowns and dresses......what a stunning assortment! Of course I've added my personal comments regarding some of the nights looks.

Nicole Richie in Marc Jacobs with Donatella Versace

Jennifer Lopez is wearing Zuhair Murad and looking very much the princess.

No information on the designer of Janet Jackson's gown, but she is fashion perfection.

Tory Burch

Carey Mulligan in Miu Miu. While I love this dress, it's certainly a departure from her usual Red Carpet style.

Claire Danes in custom Burberry

Coco Rocha can be credited with wearing one of THE most beautiful dresses of the night! No information provided on the designer, but the mingled colors and details all add up to impeccable!

Dylan Lauren

Emma Watson in Burberry of course.

Ivanka Trump-while I like the dress overall, I would like it better without the ruffled back.......it looks a bit out of place.

Jessica Schzor-Another stunner!

Joy Bryant-This is another favorite......very soft and feminine.

Lily Collins in Chanel-As short dresses go, I like this design.

Margherita Missoni looks like a goddess in this gorgeous dress.

Mila Kunis is a vision in tulle.

Oscar de la Renta and Oprah Winfrey in custom Oscar de la Renta......magnificent gown.

Bee Shaffer, daughter of Vogue's Anna Wintour, is simply stylish.

Maggie Grace-Another favorite.....fishtail bottoms are are always flattering.

. Amanda Brooks-I love this look......simple yet classy.

Zoe Saldana is lovely in Calvin Klein.

M.I.A. and Zoe Kravitz with Alexander wang and wearing Alexander Wang for Gap. Wow, Zoe is really looking classy and well put together these days......good for her!

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte for Gap.

Katy Perry made a wonderful choice.....this is a good look for her, even though it is actully illuminated!

Anne Hathaway in Valentino.......she's always a do.

Blake Lively in Marchesa-Love the dress, especially the color.

Camilla Belle & Jason Wu. Camilla is resplendent in classic red.

Chanel Iman in Michael Kors, tops my list as one of the best looks of the night!

Chloe Sevigny is truly a vision in Proenza Schouler....this in my opinion, is one of her best looks; right down to the hairdo.

Demi Moore "glows" in this metallic stunner!

Elizabeth Banks-Love the dress!

Emma Roberts in Marni

Emmy Rossum is certainly a do in this colorful dress and equally colorful statement necklace.

Erin Fetherston

Eva Longoria in Marchesa with Georgina Chapman-Both are fabulous!

In my book, Eva Mendes can do no wrong, as this dress attests.

Gayle King is also fabulous in her choice of dress......love the color.

Gisele opted for a sort of "rocker chick" vibe clad in Alexander Wang.....I love it!

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale are a stunning couple.

Carolina Herrera and Calvin Klein-I love the dress!

Hillary Rhoda

Iman radiates in her slinky Prada number.

Perennial fashion favorite, Jessica Alba chose Sophia Theallet for Gap. A perfect choice!

Jessica Stam-Simple but classic with gold jewelry.

Wow, is that a new James Bond!? Jimmy Fallon is handsome in his white jacket.

Elisa Sednaoui and Karl Lagerfeld-Beautifully embellished dress!

Kate Bosworth in Valentino-Lovely!

Maggie Gyllenhaal-Nice choice

Mammie Gummer-looks lovely in Donna Karan

Marion Cotillard appears as though she stepped from the pages of a magazine in this elegant offering from Dior. She is perfect from head to toe.

Thandie Newton is also a stunner in this lovely gown.

Mariska Hargitay is resplendent!

Stella McCartney, Liv Tyler and Kate Hudson wearing Stella McCartney.......I'm loving the whole "draping back" thing!

Tempermental diva though she is, Naomi Campbell always look lovely.

Naomi Watts (beautiful choice) and Liev Schreiber

Natasha Poly-This dress reminds me of something from Halston in the 70's......simple yet classic.

Zoe Kazan and Peter som-another stunning dress....it appears perfectly fitted for her. In my opinion, this is not a good dress choice for someone with an ample bosom.

Sean P. Diddy Combs looks great in his suit, but I guess it would be asking too much to lose his signature sunglasses.

Rachel Zoe-I like the dress, but it looks just a bit overwhelming on her thin frame.

Rene Zelleweger looks gorgeous from head to toe! This is one of the best photographs of her that I've seen in quite some time. Usually her hair is a little outta wack, but this a good night for her. She is wearing Carolina Herrera as she does most often.

Riley Keough in Thakoon for Gap (another one of the best looks of the evening) with Thakoon Panichgul.

I love Mary J. Blige's gown, but as I stated in a post from last week, the hairstyle just doesn't do much for the look.

Jude Law and Sienna Miller both clad in Emilio Pucci.

Ever stylish Sarah Jessica Parker in Haltson Heritage

Actress Viola Davis is a vision in purple.

Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren

Pharrell Williams certainly "cleans up well!"

Tina Fey

Tom Ford exudes class.

Tamara Mellon definitely went for the VA-VA-VA-VOOM, pictured her with a dapper Usher.

Doutzen Kroes appears as a lovely princess in the tulle confection.

Rosario Dawson

Kerry Washington is a winner in this Thakoon for Gap number.

When it comes to dressing, the theme of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute gala, “American Woman,” left guests with two options: Be the patriot or promote international relations.

Firmly in the first camp was Diane von Furstenberg, whose frock was literally star spangled. “I am the Statue of Liberty,” she said with pride. Joining her were Taylor Swift and Jessica Biel in Ralph Lauren, Brooke Shields in Michael Kors, Mamie Gummer in Donna Karan and co-hostess Oprah Winfrey in Oscar de la Renta (he may not have been born in the U.S. of A., but he is one of its proudest citizens).

And what’s more American than the humble baseball cap, like the one worn by Marc Jacobs? His choice, however, had nothing to do with patriotism. “I had hair transplants,” he said. (And in another sports moment, Eli Manning and Tom Brady greeted each other with a big hug. So Super Bowl XLII is clearly forgiven.)

The patriotism was enough to make the Europeans in attendance green with envy. “There’s something really relaxed and comfortable about their style,” said Emma Watson in Burberry. “They don’t try too hard.”

“I like their forthrightness,” said Mick Jagger.

“There’s a sense of richness that you have here on so many levels,” said Marion Cotillard in Dior. “You have a good mix of the high and the low.”

Nevertheless, a few of the American women chose to represent our European allies. Kristen Stewart wore Chanel; January Jones, Yves Saint Laurent, and Anne Hathaway, Valentino.

And then there was Katy Perry, who flew the flag for American individuality. Her electric gown came from a shop in France called Cute Circuit and had flashing lights, presumable enough to get her through the evening. “I have backups,” she said. “But I do feel like a terrorist wearing all these batteries.”

(WWD)