Celebs turned out for one of New York's most anticipated fashion nights of the year tonight: The Costume Institute Gala at The Met.  This year's theme is "American Woman: Fashioning A National Identity".  The Gap is one of the sponsoring fashion exhibits, and many top designers created pieces specifically for the brand.

It is tradition that the fashion designers host and dress their celebrity/model muse for the night.  And both M.I.A. and Zoe Kravitz were guests of Alexander Wang.

This event is always the time for folks to break out their fashion risks they're scared to take any other time:

Both ladies rocked interesting Alexander Wang for Gap designs.  Very interesting looks.

Zoe Saldana looked gorgeous.  I'm not loving the crochet aspect of her Calvin Klein dress, but she pulls it off perfectly with the stunning hair and makeup.

Jennifer Lopez rocked a gown that looked similar to her Armani Oscar gown.  She still looking amazing as usual in this Zuhair Murad strapless and tulle and embellished gown.  This color and look just work for her.  One of my faves of the night.

Usher was the guest of HBIC of Jimmy Choo Tamera Mellon tonight.  Her dress will indeed be a talking point.

WORK Ms. Jackson.  Janet hit tonight's red carpet in all black and an eye catching one sleeved dress.  And she's flaunting her curvy yet more svelte bod.  Hot.

Mrs.Blige rocked a rosette detailed peach gown and looked very nice.

The ever regal Iman looked stunning as usual.

Actor Anthony Mackie hit the event for the first time.

Gayle King popped up in a fuschiaish strapless gown that I'm not sure if I'm feelin'.

Chanel Iman looked modelicious in a gold metallic Michael Kors pants suit.

That damn Naomi never misses the mark.  She vamped it up in this Dolce and Gabbana gown.  With the perfect accessory--her hot man Vladimir.

Dammit Tangy Turban Talley--you got Whoopi!

The two rocked Ralph Rucci.  Sigh....

Diddy hit the carpet in Dries Van Noten.  Very dapper.

Y'all know Cassie wasn't far.  Very interesting look.  Her skin is perfection as well.

"Gossip Girl" Jessica Szohr rocked this pretty Atelier Versace gown.  Great colors, but a bra wouldn't hurt.

Joy Bryant looked pretty in a white whimsical Marchesa gown.  I'm not feeling the sleeves at all. But Joy is a fab chick nonetheless.

Oprah was escorted by her designer Oscar de la Renta:

Looking fabulous O.

Thandie Newton looked gorge as usual in this purple interesting fabric of a gown.

Kerry Washington rocked Thakoon For Gap.  Not my fave dress for Kerry when she usually shuts it down.  Especially not that slit on what is supposed to be an almost couture-ish gown.  But her makeup is on point.

Eva Longoria rocked her usual mermaid train gown by Marchesa.  And was decked out in Harry Winston jewels.

Eva Mendes always takes fashion risks.  This one would have read better with a better and lighter shoe than a black pump.  But her Dolce and Gabbana gown is def an attention grabber.

And finally, I absolutely adore Rosario Dawson's Giambattista Valli lavendar extra frilly gown.  But the fit is just not complimentary for her body type.  On a CGU chick, this would have easily been my fave.

Who are your faves?

Photogs: Mazur/Bedder