When we heard this year’s Met Gala theme would pay homage to technology, we immediately pictured Lady Gaga-inspired dresses. Much to our relief, the event ended up equal parts classy and theatric. Sure, there were still a lot of out-of-this-world red carpet dresses, but they were mostly the awe-inspiring ones and not the cringe-worthy costumes we’ve often associated with futuristic, technology-themed events.
Without further ado, we present to you our favorite dresses from the recently concluded 2016 Met Gala.
1. Claire Danes in Zac Posen (Full Story)
Claire Danes in a glow in the dark gown at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
It would be a crime not to put the Cinderella, fiber optic glow-in-the-dark dress of Claire Danes first on this list. It was the highlight of the night and days later, people still couldn’t stop talking about it. We’re fairly certain it will be the talk of the fashion world for ages and for a good reason.
Zac Posen enticed his Instagram followers with a photo of Claire Danes in the illuminated gown
When lit up, the gown looks just like a real-life Cinderella dress. It is celestial and we’re floored with the technology and concept behind this.
2. Blake Lively in Burberry (Full Story)
Blake Lively at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
The “Gossip Girl” alumna helped create this dress. It made use of highly technical fabric and was highlighted by a long train with sewn-on floral applique. We think the look was more appropriate for last year’s oriental-themed Met Gala, but this was a stunning dress, nonetheless.
3. Kate Hudson in Versace
Kate Hudson in a cut out gown at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
Kate definitely understood the night’s theme. While the other celebrities took the theme literally and went to the event in metallic dresses, the actress went in a white studded cut out gown from Atelier Versace. This dress boasted advanced construction and ingenious use of material that still made it look classy and wearable.
4. Nina Dobrev in Marchesa
Nina Dobrev posed for the cameras at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
Marchesa always releases some of the most memorable red carpet dresses and this one on former “The Vampire Diaries” actress Nina Dobrev was no exception. The intricacy was jaw-dropping. Whether the dress was handcrafted or employed the use of machinery, we really don’t care since the output was obviously worth the process.
5. Emma Watson in Calvin Klein (Full Story)
Emma Watson at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
One of the most unconventional looks of the night was on Emma Watson. The actress showed up in a black and white ensemble, which was a collaboration from Calvin Klein and Eco Age 30. It was a sustainable outfit comprised of recycled materials and pieces that could be re-worn differently and in different ways.
6. Emma Roberts in Tory Burch
Emma Roberts rocked a gradient purple dress at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
This ombre plisse gown from Tory Burch may not have been the most dramatic but it was a sight for sore eyes amidst the sea of metallic dresses. We’re glad Emma Roberts didn’t take the theme literally and went for something more feminine instead.
7. Chloe Grace Moretz in Coach
Chloe Grace Moretz at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
We actually like this understated (for a Met Gala!) dress from Coach. Chloe exuded an air sophistication, which is saying something for someone her age.
8. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Ralph Lauren
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley opted for a minimalist look at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
Not a fan of futuristic looks? Rosie Huntington-Whiteley went for just a hint of the theme in this pristine white Ralph Lauren dress. The metallic detail at the strap seemed enough for the model.
9. Kate Bosworth in Dolce & Gabbana
Kate Bosworth at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
If the future looks anything like this, we’re in. We love how there’s a fine juxtaposition of classic Grecian style and modern intricacy in this dress.
10. Beyonce in Givenchy (Full Story)
Beyonce dressed up in nude at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
Perhaps the most controversial dress of the night was Beyonce’s latex number from Givenchy. Some thought it was sheer genius while others were just plain grossed out by it. Well, if somebody had to wear latex dress on Met Gala, it might as well be Beyonce, right?
11. Emma Stone in Prada
Emma Stone at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Insitute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
Emma was practically unrecognizable in this white dress as she channeled her inner fierce. The eye smolder and the rosette details on the leather parts of the dress were on point.
12. Kendall Jenner in Versace (Full Story)
Kendall Jenner at the ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology’ Costume Insitute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
It must have taken great precision in order to achieve the look that this dress presented. The cut outs were flawless and the dress itself fit Kendall perfectly. She definitely outshone her sisters!
13. Dakota Johnson in Gucci
Dakota Johnson at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” Costume Insitute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016
The “Fifty Shades of Grey” actress reminded everyone she’s a big star now with her Gucci number that has star cut outs all over it. It didn’t adhere to the theme as literally as some of the other outfits we saw, but she managed to bring some sparkle to the event.
What do you think of our picks? Which dress was your favorite?
Credit: WENN/Andres Otero/Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/Instagram @zacposen