Here’s what’s more exciting than the Oscars — the Met Gala. It’s something we look forward to each year simply because it is like a fashion parade. Sure, celebrities dress to the nines for the Oscars, but they do more than that for the Met. They go the extra mile, some even taking risks with their sartorial choices.
This year’s Met Gala took place last evening. And while we were quite thrilled to check out all the outfits, we were a little disappointed by the underwhelming turnout of breathtaking ensembles — outfits that simply leave us speechless.
A handful of the attendees got it right — Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Suki Waterhouse, Rihanna, and Emmy Rossum, to name a few — but the event’s stylish regulars like Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger, and even Nicole Richie failed to deliver.
Taylor Swift, Emmy Rossum, Blake Lively, and Karolina Kurkova scoring high fashion-wise on the red carpet of the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
Nicole Richie, Kate Bosworth, and Diane Kruger opting for simplicity and elegance at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
No, don’t get us wrong. They were dressed quite well but not up to par if you catch our drift. Let’s just say that we expected more. Even Queen Bey’s head-to-toe Givenchy outfit felt a little lacking. Perhaps it was due to the event’s theme, which was “beyond fashion,” a tribute to designer Charles James.
Nevertheless, we still enjoyed checking out everyone’s red carpet looks even though there wasn’t a lot of shoe action going on since majority of who’s who came in floor-grazing frocks. Fortunately, a few arrived with their heels on display. Some nailed their footwear choices, while others failed. Either way, they were all striking enough to get noticed. Here are the nine celebrities we spotted wearing standout pairs of shoes:
1. Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney
Ever the rebel, Cara Delevingne arrived at the event in an outfit that was more ideal for clubs than for a ball. Then again, the dress code for the evening was “beyond fashion,” so maybe this was the supermodel’s interpretation of that.
Cara finished her monochromatic ensemble with black-and-white platform pumps from Stella McCartney’s fall 2012 collection.
Cara Delevingne in head-to-toe Stella McCartney at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
How do you like Cara’s red carpet look?
Her pumps are called “Scott.” They are a pair of off-season heels, so don’t count on finding them in the stores now. You can try searching for a knockoff, or simply search for the style at discount stores and marketplaces like eBay.
Stella McCartney Scott Pumps, Fall 2012
2. Emma Stone in Miu Miu (Dress by Thakoon)
We love Emma Stone’s two-tone ensemble by Thakoon. It was modern and fresh, but she could have done better. Do you agree?
Emma finished her look with a loose side braid and a pair of metallic ankle-strap sandals from Miu Miu. Do you fancy these shoes, or do you think she should have worn a busier pair?
Emma Stone looking stunning per usual at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
3. Georgia May Jagger in Sergio Rossi (Dress by Thierry Mugler)
Georgia May Jagger was stunning in her tuxedo-inspired creation by Thierry Mugler. Old-Hollywood glamour looked good on her, but she was also interestingly edgy and fierce at the same time.
Capping off her outfit were a pair of ankle-strap pointy pumps from Sergio Rossi. We couldn’t locate the shoes online, but if you like this style and would like to grab something similar that is cheaper by a few hundred dollars, then consider the SJP “Diane” pumps below.
Georgia May Jagger looking stunning in a long black gown and black pointy stilettos at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker “Diana” Pumps, $365
4. Kim Kardashian in T-Strap Pumps (Dress by Lanvin)
Kim Kardashian was, well, one of the few who somehow got it wrong with her fashion choice for the night. The reality TV star opted to slip into a strapless number from Lanvin that was pleated to the hilt. It was a nice dress, but it didn’t suit her curvy figure at all as it made her look puffy.
Her chosen footwear, on the other hand, was quite interesting. Kim wore a pair of strappy t-strap pumps. They were quite ladylike, but they didn’t really match her dress.
Kim Kardashian wearing Lanvin with her t-strap heels at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
For those who dig Kim’s strappy shoes, you can try the SJP “Etta” pumps. These are just as feminine and pretty although certainly not as expensive.
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker “Etta” Pumps, $425
5. Marion Cotillard in Dior Haute Couture
French chic would be the best way to describe Marion Cotillard’s style at the Met Ball last evening. She wore Dior from head to toe and looked completely fantastic. Even more glorious were the heels she used to go with. They were gleaming and retro-inspired, yet they appeared futuristic as well.
Marion Cotillard kicking it up a notch by wearing Dior Haute Couture at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
6. Leighton Meester in Jimmy Choo (Dress by Pucci)
Like her co-star Blake Lively, who attended the event with hubby Ryan Reynolds, Leighton Meester also graced the occasion. For the ball, the ‘Gossip Girl’ alum slipped into a boho-inspired gold beaded dress from Pucci and finished the frock with gold strappy platform sandals.
Leighton Meester at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
Leighton’s strappy heels are called the “Deny” from Jimmy Choo. These sandals feature ruched nude suede straps that are trimmed with gold at the edges.
Jimmy Choo “Deny” Sandals
Here’s an alternative that you can consider. The Nina “Bridget” sandals feature a million rhinestones on the straps that make them perfect for black-tie events and high-profile soirees.
Nina “Bridget” Sandals, $119
7. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada
Lupita Nyong’o took a huge risk with her custom flapper-inspired Prada outfit. We can’t say we love the look she put on because it was rather theatrical, but we think she actually managed to pull it off. The award-winning actress finished her outfit with jeweled ankle-strap sandals that were also from Prada.
Lupita Nyong’o taking huge risks with her strange Prada outfit at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
We couldn’t find Lupita’s green sandals online, but take time to look at a similar pair in cobalt blue below. These vintage-inspired heels are crafted from suede leather and feature jewels at the asymmetric vamps. While they may not look high, the heels of these sandals are actually 4.5 inches tall.
Prada Jeweled Ankle-Strap Sandals, $1,300
8. Rita Ora in Casadei (Dress by Donna Karan Atelier)
Rita Ora went the extra mile with her outfit for the gala. The singer slipped into a creamy beaded number that was not only strapless with a low-cut neckline but also fashioned with a slit so high up her thigh. She finished the piece with thigh-high strappy pumps from Casadei.
Rita Ora wearing striking strappy thigh-high pumps at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
Do you like Rita’s outfit, or did she go overboard? While we no longer get surprised by what this singer wears, she is always a spectacle to watch, and we quite enjoy checking out what she regularly puts on the table. Hats off to her for being brave enough to rock those thigh-high pumps. We can’t say we agree with the shoe choice, but they are indeed very unique.
If you’re thinking of channeling a little bit of Rita’s look here, you can try the following lace-up pumps from Jessica Simpson. These shoes aren’t as adventurous, but they are just as head-turning. Pair them with a long gown to create a one-of-a-kind mix.
Jessica Simpson “Cecerre” Lace-Up Pumps, $110
9. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Balmain
The last looker to turn our heads with her shoes for the evening was Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. It was hard to miss the leggy blonde, especially since she was decked in an edgy frock that was completely gleaming with gold. One glance was enough to tell us that the dress and shoes were from Balmain. Rosie looked picture-perfect, and we could not find any fault in her attire.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing Balmain from head to toe at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014
Rosie’s Balmain sandals are not available online at the moment, but a similar style from Coach is available. These sandals also feature gold details and even come with exotic snake-print-wrapped heels. The “Josey” will help you achieve Rosie’s look for a lot less at $258.
Coach “Josey” Sandals, $258
Credit: Andres Otero/Alberto Reyes/Rob Rich/Michael Carpenter/WENN