- Cheryl Shops

Costume Institute Gala fashion roundup
Considering the theme of this year's gala was "superheroes," I was waiting with bated breath to see what kind of wacky getups the crème de la crème of the world's fashionistas would come up with. And, for the most part, I was not disappointed. This year's gala seemed more star-studded than usual; Style.com has a whopping 162 red carpet pictures. Armani and Versace appeared to score the heaviest hitters, but Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Pucci, and Dolce & Gabbana made respectable showings as well. I had a hard time picking my favorites; if this were the Oscars, a lot of looks that didn't even make my honorable mention list here would've been among the best. Before I start, however, I will note that the quality of these photos is a bit strange--most likely due to fear of rain, there was a tent over the red carpet, and it had the effect of making everyone look very tan and really washed out at the same time. Odd, yes, but don't pay any attention to anyone's makeup (like you would anyway--this is a fashion blog!). Onto the dresses, each with a succinct one-liner from yours truly.

Best
Lou Douillon has more style in her wrist than the rest of us have in our entire bodies; the short-sleeved leather jacket is genius (the whole ensemble is Marni), and I can only hope that one day I will look this cool.

I normally am not so enamored with Emmy Rossum, but, by god, this dress by Phi is gorgeous. Note to Emmy: take more chances on the red carpet!

If Christina Ricci's dress is any indication, Givenchy is finally getting its act together, thank god.

When I die, I want to come back as model Jessica Stam. Extra points for wearing a minidress to a black-tie gala.

Need proof as to why Ashley Olsen was named to Maxim's Hot 100 list when Mary Kate wasn't? Check out this va-va-voom dress (and in MK's defense, I like her dress too, but not quite as much).

Honorable Mention
Taylor Swift, in Badgley Mischka (with Badgley and Mischka), is wearing something that Beyonce would wear, except she makes it look so much better.

Katie Lee Joel is wearing Yigal Azrouel, and she looks completely comfortable and at ease, which is totally appealing to me. Bonus points for her arm candy, Oprah's fave decorator Nate Berkus.

Lake Bell gets major points in my book for wearing a Balmain dress with a clear superhero inspiration and actually looking pretty cool in it.

In spite of her uncomfortable-looking pose, Teen Vogue's Amy Astley is wearing a dress so awesome, it has to be vintage (so far, the designer is unidentified).

Not only was I completely excited to see motherfucking Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, but check out her pose--she's wearing awesome cuff bracelets! (I wonder if they're bulletproof.)

Dishonorable Mention
Dear Mulleavy sisters, please stand up straight, especially in the presence of cameras and supermodels. Sincerely, Cheryl Shops

Doutzen Kroes is a gorgeous, gorgeous model, but even she cannot make this metallic hefty bag look good.

I wonder if anyone told Naomi Watts that Marylin Monroe wasn't a superhero.

I love Rachel Bilson, but I do not love her in this Calvin Klein dress. It's a bit too much fabric, but I'm convinced that if it were sleeveless, it would've worked.

I think Armani needs to hire new seamstresses, because both Tom Cruise's pants and Katie Holmes's dress are about an inch too short, which, especially in Tom's case, has the unfortunate effect of making him appear even shorter than he is.

Worst
Georgina Chapman's dress looks like a '70s key party reject, poor Dita von Teese looks like the belongs in a jewelry box, and Keren Craig's dress was worn by JLo to the Oscars last year (what, like she thought we'd forgotten)? All Marchesa, all bad.