This year’s Costume Institute Gala theme, “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion” held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, was a major disappointment! Last year the ladies came with IT! Everyone looked stunning on the 2008 red carpet, from Victoria Beckham to Janet Jackson. Maybe it’s the recession, but the gowns at this year’s gala were yawn inspiring at best.

BEST DRESSED

I have to give it up for Miss Tyra Banks! The former supermodel was runway ready on the red carpet last night wearing a black gown and upswept hairdo. Her makeup was a bit overdone, but all in all, she was a spectacular beauty to behold!

Rihanna came in a distant second wearing this extremely weird looking Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009 tuxedo suit with high water pants and puffy shoulders. Sorry y’all, I’m not feeling her style anymore. Rihanna ain’t been right ever since Chris Brown went upside her head. That short cropped hairdo with the blond streaked highlights didn’t do it for me. I could use stronger words to describe my disappointment in Rihanna, but I’m trying to be nice. The only thing that works for me is Rihanna’s makeup, which is on point. And, is it just me or is Rihanna subconsciously — or consciously channeling Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” look?

Note to Rihanna: if you’re going to rock the tuxedo pantsuit at an A-list affair, do it the way actress Lake Bell did: with understated elegance.


Speaking of understated elegance, ex-supermodel Iman was stunning in this shimmery satin gown


WORST DRESSED

Who else? Ciara took last prize in this horrid ‘Night of the Living Dead’ ensemble by Emilio Pucci that looks like the designer stitched it together at the last minute after running out of black material. As my friend would say, “no ma’am, put that back!”

Madonna, on the other hand, knew she was wrong for this ridiculous outfit complete with bunny ears. But still, she came in second to Ciara. I thought Madonna understood that it wasn’t that kind of costume ball? Save that ish for Halloween, lady!

Oh, no ma’am, Kerry Washington… who did this to you? Nevermind. I forgot Marc Jacobs organized that mess last night. Kerry’s dress is from the Louis Vuitton Spring 09 collection.

Jessica Alba came in a close third as Worst Dressed. Can you believe Michelle Obama’s favorite designer Jason Wu designed this frock? I just know Jessica was joking when she paired this frock with black stockings and platform shoes. The top half of her strapless dress goes perfectly with the sequined skirt Bey wore in Paris the other day. Not a good look.

Victoria Beckham, who killed the competition last year wearing just a house coat, looked utterly ridiculous this year in a polka dotted Louis Vuitton mini dress with long train. Posh looks hotter sashaying through airports than she did last night. The shoes look like they belong on a horse. And, no, your monitor doesn’t need adjusting. Posh’s tan came straight out of a bottle. Why pay for tanning sessions when you can spray it on in minutes and be out the door?

Kanye West and Amber Rose look like they should be wearing each other’s outfits. Why were they there anyway? Do they let just anybody come to these costume galas? Oh, I forgot, Marc Jacobs is responsible for that mess last night. No wonder the real stars stayed away.

Model Chanel Iman is too beautiful to let a dress wear her like this.

Photos: Wireimage/Getty