Much like the Oscars, the Met Gala is a well-celebrated occasion flocked by the most famous and fashionable. But unlike the Oscars, it’s a red carpet gathering that actually allows its guests to take more fashion risks and, to a certain extent, push the limits.
For this year’s Met event (which took place the other night), these so-called limits were seriously pushed—more so because the gala’s theme was “Punk: Chaos to Couture.”
Yes, we spotted many “safe” looks at the event. But the faces who dressed the part played it to perfection or went a little extreme. Nonetheless, they were all fascinating to watch.
Of course, we’re all about shoes here, so gorgeous heels were what we looked for first. Check out the standout stilettos (and boots) we spotted at the gala. Who do you think wore the hottest pair? And who nailed the best punk outfit of the night?
1. Beyoncé Stuns in Givenchy: A Bold Red Carpet Moment
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
Beyoncé graced the red carpet in head-to-toe Givenchy. The dress was gorgeous, but pairing it with over-the-knee-boots in the same gold paisley fabric was a little too much, don’t you think?
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter in head-to-toe Givenchy Haute Couture
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter styled her dress with over-the-knee-boots in the same gold paisley fabric
2. Karolina Kurkova Impresses in Manolo Blahnik and Mary Katrantzou
Karolina was a tad underdressed for the event, but her beautifully printed Mary Katrantzou number was sinfully gorgeous.
Karolina Kurkova on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
Even more stunning were the studded ankle-strap pumps she wore it with — a pair from Manolo Blahnik.
Karolina Kurkova shows off her feet in studded ankle-strap pumps
3. Elizabeth Banks Rocks Atelier Versace and Custom Brian Atwood Sandals
Elizabeth Banks was one of the ladies who did the punk look to perfection.
Elizabeth Banks posing with shoe designer Brian Atwood on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
She wore an Atelier Versace tuxedo jacket in glittery gold paired with custom Brian Atwood sandals called the “Elizabeth.” Yep, this blonde got a pair of shoes named after her. And they’re exquisite!
Elizabeth Banks shows off her sexy toes in custom Brian Atwood shoes
4. Christina Ricci Shines in Casadei: Sky-High Cross-Strap Pumps
Christina Ricci was among those who stood out at the gala, thanks to her pretty plaid dress. The dress was gorgeous! She paired it perfectly with sky-high cross-strap pumps from Casadei. Sadly, we couldn’t find her shoes online.
Christina Ricci on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
5. Gwen Stefani Keeps It Classic in Giuseppe Zanotti at the Met Gala
Gwen kept it classic in black and white at the event. But the one-sided do, peek-a-boo bodice, and stunning Giuseppe Zanotti Fall 2013 t-strap sandals were enough add-ons to keep her from looking boring.
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
Gwen Stefani shows off her feet in Giuseppe Zanotti sandals
6. January Jones Steps Out in Unique Nicholas Kirkwood Heels
We weren’t so thrilled with January Jones’ dress for the gala, nor did we find the makeup exciting, but her one-of-a-kind Nicholas Kirkwood heels more than made up for it.
January Jones on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
January Jones wears striking Nicholas Kirkwood open-toe heels featuring bold fan-like embellishments and star details
7. Jennifer Lawrence Looks Sublime in Brian Atwood Sandals
Jennifer Lawrence> didn’t exactly look punk the other night, but she did look sublime.
Jennifer Lawrence on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
She paired her beautifully decorated black gown with an equally decorated set of sandals from Brian Atwood — the Shina.
Jennifer Lawrence’s decorated sandals from Brian Atwood
8. Julianne Hough Channels Princess Vibes in Giuseppe Zanotti
Julianne was more princess-like than punk in her silvery tea-length dress, but the gorgeous blonde looked fabulous nonetheless.
Julianne Hough on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
She finished the outfit with glittery heels from Giuseppe Zanotti for added drama.
Julianne Hough in glittering Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and a silvery tea-length dress
9. Kate Beckinsale Slays in Giuseppe Zanotti’s Ankle-Wrap Sandals
Per usual, Kate Beckinsale was a beauty to behold at the Met. She channeled girly punk by donning a pink dress and pairing it with black ankle-wrap sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti.
Yes, ladies, it sure looks like Giuseppe Zanotti ruled the Met Gala last Monday night.
Kate Beckinsale on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
10. Kate Mara Goes Bold with Charlotte Olympia Spiderweb Sandals
Kate Mara was all feminine and pretty in her plum-colored dress (from Delpozo). She paired the frock with standout sandals from Charlotte Olympia — the Spiderweb Octavia.
Kate Mara on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
Kate Mara shows off her sexy feet in Spiderweb Octavia heels
11. Kelly Osbourne Glitters in Brian Atwood Satin Sandals
Kelly Osbourne didn’t have to stray from her usual style the other night. She was all purple and pretty in her glittery belted kimono-like gown finished with sky-high satin sandals from Brian Atwood.
Matthew Mosshart and Kelly Osbourne on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
12. Madonna Rocks Hot Pink Casadei Heels in Outrageous Style
Madge didn’t exactly wear a dress at the Met Ball, but she did put on some hot pink heels from Casadei to go with her outrageous look.
Madonna on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
13. Marion Cotillard’s Retro Dior Look with Ladylike Wedges
French actress Marion Cotillard wore Dior from head to toe. Her dress was a blush confection worthy of a red carpet walk, though not quite for an occasion such as the Met Gala.
Nonetheless, she earned a spot here, thanks to her seriously retro heels. We are loving the ladylike appeal of those black-and-white pointy wedges. Don’t you just want to own a pair?
Marion Cotillard on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
14. Pixie Geldof Keeps It Mysterious in Black Mary Janes
Pixie Geldof was in black from head to toe. She had on a black ribbon-detailed frock finished with mysterious black peep-toe Mary Janes. Would you say her look was boring or perfectly pretty? Can you ID her shoes?
Pixie Geldof on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
15. Rooney Mara Embraces Neo-Punk in All-White Givenchy
The epitome of neo-punk, Rooney Mara, stood out in an all-white Givenchy ensemble. Capping off her look were a pair of white shark-lock ankle-strap sandals, also from Givenchy. You can purchase other colors of the Shark Lock sandals at Nordstrom.
Rooney Mara on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
16. Sarah Jessica Parker Dazzles in Louboutin Over-the-Knee Boots
SJP went a little overboard with her gold faux-hawk at the Met event. However, we can’t say she didn’t look fabulous because she did!
Sarah Jessica Parker on the red carpet at the 2013 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2013
Everything about her outfit was perfect; even the odd way she paired her printed frock with plaid over-the-knee-boots from Louboutin seemed to work.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s plaid over-the-knee-boots from Christian Louboutin
Credit: Ivan Nikolov / Patricia Schlein / Rob Rich / Andres Otero
Credit: Michael Carpenter / Caroline Torem Craig / WENN