By Megan Riedlinger
5:00am PDT, May 8, 2022
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Fashion's biggest night of the year is here! The stars walked the steps at the 2022 Met Gala in New York City on May 2 in their finest duds inspired by this year's theme, "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" — with an emphasis on the "Gilded Glamour" era in our country's history. Vogue reported that the dress code requested that attendees "embody the grandeur and perhaps the dichotomy — of Gilded Age New York," but did the stars nail it or fall flat? Wonderwall.com is rounding up the best and worst looks of the night! First up? Despite being anything but boring, we didn't love Billie Eilish's polarizing pick. The music superstar opted for this corseted gown by Gucci complete with a bustle, sheer green lace sleeves and a massive floral embellishment at the neckline. At least it was on theme! Another plus? It was eco-friendly — Billie told Vogue it was made completely of "existing materials."
RELATED: Crowns, hats and headpieces from the 2022 Met Gala
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When we think "Gilded Glamour," gold Versace certainly comes to mind. Cardi B arrived in this show-stopping halter-style design by the fashion house — alongside Donatella Versace, no less! — which was crafted from layers of gold chains, charms and Medusa heads. Let's take a closer look…
RELATED: See the best photos from the 2022 Met Gala red carpet
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A closer look shows just how detailed this golden Versace gown truly was. Cardi B's embellished frock was completely covered in intricate golden chains and charms — which totaled nearly a kilometer in length, according to the brand — that turned the entire dress into an exquisite work of art that was more like jewelry. Speaking of jewels, she didn't skimp on those either…
RELATED: See Khloe, Kourtney, Travis and more stars at their very first Met Gala
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If there wasn't enough gold on her gown, Cardi B took things up another notch when it came to her jewels, rocking layer after layer of gold chains and Medusa-clad necklaces.
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A baseball cap-rocking bride? That seems pretty American to us! Kylie Jenner understood the assignment in this Off-White gown reminiscent of a wedding dress and topped it with a backward white baseball hat that included a veil and floral embellishments. Seriously, check it out…
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The top of Kylie Jenner's gown included the iconic Off-White logo from late creator Virgil Abloh's brand. And her wedding-ready dress complemented the veil that hung from the back of her white baseball hat.
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Blake Lively truly always understands the assignment at the Met Gala, so it was no surprise that she wowed in a stunning Atelier Versace number inspired by the Statue of Liberty and its patina. Her column-style frock featured crystals, tritone copper foil and metallic leather embellishments to give a New York City skyline feel. And because the beauty takes her fashion seriously, it involved a total transformation at the top of the stairs as she unfurled the massive copper bow tied at her hips! But first, let's get a better view of her first look…
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Stunning! From her copper-hued opera gloves to the intricate embellishments down the front of her Atelier Versace creation, we were already madly in love with Blake Lively's look even before she pulled off a total transformation…
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After unwrapping the bow of her dress, Blake Lively showed off an entirely new look — one in an oxidized green shade that paid homage to a truly American icon: the Statue of Liberty. There was even an accessories change, with new opera-length gloves to match Lady Liberty's light green patina.
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Blake Lively's second look included a lengthy train featuring a hand-painted map based on the ceiling of Grand Central Station (a fun little detail for "Gossip Girl" lovers!).
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Blake Lively elevated her incredible two-part Atelier Versace look with equally stunning jewels including a copper crown and drop earrings comprised of pale pink and green gemstones, both by Lorraine Schwartz.
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Well, this one was truly on-theme! Kim Kardashian borrowed the iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe as she sang "Happy birthday, Mr. President" to John F. Kennedy 60 years ago. The golden shimmery frock apparently required a lot of work to wear — Kim lost 16 pounds to fit into the gown, which was lent to her by the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum (which purchased it for nearly $5 million) and dyed her hair platinum blond to really get into character.
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Love her or hate her, you have to admit Kim Kardashian looked stunning in Marilyn Monroe's iconic gown. Let's get a better view of her blonde updo…
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Beautiful! Kim Kardashian rocked her new blond locks in a sleek bun that helped show off that famous frock and her diamond drop earrings.
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Cara Delevingne arrived in this all-red getup, which maybe was channeling a military-esque ensemble with its cropped blazer and satin pants combination. But she quickly turned this one into a massive miss…
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Immediately, no. Cara Delevingne ditched the red blazer to reveal golden body paint and pasties for a truly disastrous look.
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OK, Khloe! For her first Met Gala appearance, Khloe Kardashian embraced the gilded element of the theme and arrived in this form-fitting golden Moschino design. The shimmery frock showed off the star's fabulous figure, and she accessorized with some dramatic black additions — opera-length gloves and a shawl.
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Julianne Moore's Tom Ford gown left a lot to be desired. From the strapless, straight neckline and shapeless silhouette to the pairing with matching opera-length gloves, this was simultaneously disappointing and not on theme.
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Emily Ratajkowski wore a piece of fashion history on Met Gala night — but unfortunately, we don't see how it was even slightly on-theme. The beauty rocked a vintage Versace number that first went down the runway into 1992 — it featured a multicolored beaded bodice paired with an equally vibrant high-low skirt crafted from various fabrics, textures and shades. Let's break this one down further…
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Look at that beading! Gold chains and strategically placed stones in blue, red and green shades made up this structurally stunning Versace top on Emily Ratajkowski. The skirt was just as much a work of art…
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The fringe! The mesh! The silky fabrics and gold embellishments! Emily Ratajkowski's high-low Versace skirt was truly a sight to behold.
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Emily Ratajkowski's Versace ensemble included this stunning high-neck detail in the same stones as the bodice. She wisely opted for an updo to put the intricacies of the couture on display.
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Get ready to see a lot of black dresses and ask "does this have anything to do with this year's theme?" The answer will largely be: nope, nothing. Take Kendall Jenner's voluminous Prada pick, for example. The two-piece look — a cropped tank top and full ballgown skirt with stripes of ruffled fabric — was certainly pretty, but didn't seem to even hint at the "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" theme…
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Though the full skirt of Kendall Jenner's Pradda selection included a dramatic train that alluded to the opulence of "Gilded Glamour," we struggled to see what this had to do with this year's theme. Next up? A look at her bizarre beauty choices…
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Kendall Jenner rocked a dark lip and inexplicably bleached eyebrows with smokey eye makeup to complete her Met Gala aesthetic this year.
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Bella Hadid didn't get the memo about the night's theme, "In America: An Anthology of Fashion," either. The model turned up in this disastrous leather Burberry number — which included black lace tights, gloves and a bizarre garter-like white detail at the ankle.
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Without Met Gala queen Rihanna on hand, we were really hoping Katy Perry would be the one to knock the theme out of the park. Unfortunately, the pop star arrived in… this. Her boring black-and-white Oscar de la Renta dress featured an asymmetrical neckline and a super-high side slit for a seriously underwhelming showing. Next up? A look at the bodice that made us very nervous about an impending wardrobe malfunction…
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Katy Perry's disappointing Oscar de la Renta pick included this bodice with an illusion sheer lace neckline. The one redeeming part of her look? Those beautiful diamond earrings!
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Hailey Bieber explained her ultra-glam arrival at the Met Gala while speaking to E!, noting that it was an homage to Jerry Hall's iconic Yves Saint Laurent moment and therefore a piece of Americana fashion history and on-point with the theme. We loved the thought that went into the pick — and the unique way she styled this slinky halter-style silk Saint Laurent number. Let's take a closer look…
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Hailey Bieber's white Saint Laurent gown included a backless silhouette that she topped with a feather-trimmed duster coat. She paired the pretty selections with the odd choice of black tights and strappy sandals. Though it was unorthodox, we didn't hate the strange combo.
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Hailey Bieber completed her Met Gala getup with a sleek updo and dreamy diamond earrings from Tiffany & Co.
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Kacey Musgraves turned up in this Prada pick — a sleeveless number with plenty of crystal embellishments and a cut-out below the bust. She paired her pretty but underwhelming and loosely-themed dress with another big accessory of the night — opera gloves — and also added another odd element to her getup…
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Kacey Musgraves also had a feather-embellished fan on hand, an addition that served as a weak nod to the "Gilded Glamour" American theme.
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Kacey Musgraves added an exquisite diamond necklace to her look that paired perfectly with her diamond stud earrings.
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Emma Stone's pick for the "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" theme? This white Louis Vuitton dress. Upon first glance it was a strange pick — a super-simple silky minidress with a feathered hemline and plunging neckline — but it turns out it was actually full of meaning: She wore it at her 2020 wedding afterparty! Yep, the star rewore one of her wedding dresses on fashion's biggest night! Though we appreciate the sweet sentiment, we're not sure this minimalist gown was Met Gala-worthy attire.
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Gigi Hadid struck a pose in Versace, putting a modern twist on the "Gilded Glamour" theme in this Americana dark red design. The model rocked a corseted bustier paired with latex pants that ended in boots underneath a dramatic puffy coat. And the monochromatic look didn't stop with the outfit…
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Gigi Hadid truly embraced red with her whole look — adding a bold red lip and a Chopard necklace with rich red stones to boot.
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Finally, someone doing it right! Jodie Turner-Smith was a gilded goddess in Gucci, arriving in this show-stopping halter-style design with delicate silver fringe and a stunning pale pink skirt that trailed behind her. We need to see this one from another angle…
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Jodie Turner-Smith's dreamy Gucci frock was even better from the side. Just look at the fringe details and how the skirt trailed behind her. Next up? Her equally exquisite beauty look…
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Bedazzled eyebrows! Jodie Turner-Smith added even more shimmer to her glamorously gilded Gucci ensemble with studding on her eyebrows and dazzling diamond earrings.
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Here's Kaia Gerber like we've never seen her — with long curly hair! The beauty rocked a wild mane to go with her ethereal Alexander McQueen gown — a metallic dreamy piece made of silver lace that included cut-outs and delicate embellishments. Let's take a closer look…
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Kaia Gerber's wild curly mane was held in place with pretty silver clips that complemented her Alexander McQueen gown flawlessly.
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Austin Butler opted for a sleek black look at the Met Gala, tapping Prada for his suit. He added a couple simple accessories to jazz up the otherwise all-black ensemble…
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A sparkly brooch and a simple chain necklace added a little bit of shimmer to "Elvis" actor Austin Butler's black Prada outfit.
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When asked about her take on the "In America; An Anthology of Fashion" theme, Janelle Monae said this Ralph Lauren look was meant to be gilded glamour from the future. We'll take her word on that, as this bejeweled black gown with a matching headpiece didn't feel very exciting or innovative.
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Kerry Washington looked stunning dripping in tulle in this off-the-shoulder Tory Burch design with a thigh-high slit. The only problem? We have no idea how this is supposed to be channeling the night's theme!
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Shawn Mendes sent hearts racing when he stepped on the red carpet in this Tommy Hilfiger outfit. The hunky singer rocked a peacoat at first, complete with crimson lapels, and then ditched the coat to reveal a new look…
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Underneath the peacoat, Shawn Mendes sported a sleek Tommy Hilfiger suit. Fun fact: This was made from recycled fabric.
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God bless Sebastian Stan for infusing some serious color at the Met Gala — neon pink! The star rocked the bold shade from head to toe in this Valentino outfit — a wool coat over top a bomber jacket with a T-shirt and trousers. Finishing off this highlighter-inspired ensemble? Matching sneakers in the same shade!
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A ray of (neon!) sunshine! Gwen Stefani turned heads in this eye-catching highlighter-yellow Vera Wang combo of a crop top with a full skirt and matching opera-length gloves. The fabulous frock made for a major fashion moment when she posed on the stairs of the Met…
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Gwen Stefani looked like a neon Barbie in this Vera Wang confection. And she even committed to the bold shade with her nails…
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Gwen Stefani added neon yellow nails to the mix, keeping her beauty look simple with slicked straight hair and a pale lip.
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Silver fringe definitely exemplified "Gilded Glamour," so Daisy Edgar-Jones's Oscar de la Renta number certainly adhered to the theme. The thin-strapped frock featured custom crystal chainmail with fringe at the hemline, which paired with her strappy silver embellished sandals perfectly.
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Daisy Edgar-Jones's Oscar de la Renta frock deserved a closer look. Check out the crystal chainmail detailing and the beautiful rings she rocked with her look.
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Can you say "boring"? Amy Schumer turned up in this incredibly dull Chloe design with long sleeves and a V-neckline and paired it with equally forgettable black sandals.
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Maude Apatow went with Miu Miu at the Met Gala, sporting this slinky black number with a sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoudler sleeves and all-over subtle embellishments. Though the dress was pretty, in a sea of black dresses it was nothing special. Next up? We'll check out her interesting diamond necklace…
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Maude Apatow's black Miu Miu dress was forgettable on Met Gala night — but her beauty look channeled Old Hollywood glam, from the dark lip to the wavy hair — that standout diamond necklace was the icing on the cake.
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Sarah Jessica Parker's Christopher John Rogers ballgown was certainly a statement. We weren't crazy about the busy frock with alternating black, white and gray panels making up the plaid pattern, but it definitely had an interesting backstory. It was inspired by first lady Mary Todd Lincoln's official dressmaker, Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, the first Black female fashion designer in the White House. The star added a fascinator by Philip Treacy and a wild updo to complete the look.
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Megan Thee Stallion arrived at the Met Gala in this striking golden gown by Moschino. The feather details along the top gave it almost an American eagle vibe and they deserve a closer look…
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Megan Thee Stallion's Moschino gown included some seriously impressive feathered details, epitomizing the gilded vibe of the night with a hint to Americana as well.
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On any other red carpet we would have been wild about Kate Moss's tuxedo-inspired black gown. The off-the-shoulder detail and the thigh-high slit combined for a fabulous fashion take on traditional menswear. But on Met Gala night, the frock felt like a snoozefest.
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Though it wasn't exactly the American Girl doll we wanted someone to embody, Lucy Boynton served up some porcelain toy realness in this sweet pale pink confection from Chanel. The frock included subtle silver embellishments on the short-sleeved bodice and a full tulle skirt and was even better upon closer inspection…
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Absolutely adorable! Lucy Boynton wowed in this detailed Chanel ballgown, which she wore with doll-like makeup to complete her memorable Met Gala moment.
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Vanessa Hudgens chose to go gothic in Moschino, interpreting "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" with this long-sleeved black design. The mostly sheer frock featured embellishments on the bodice and a cape-like detail that followed behind her. And though her black gown was mainly forgettable, her jewels certainly weren't…
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Vanessa Hudgens rocked a smokey eye and an elaborate updo to complement her dark Moschino look, but it was her earrings that stole the show — dazzling diamond drop pieces that added some sparkle to her ensemble.
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We knew this was Versace the second we laid eyes on it! Lily James embraced the shimmery part of the Gilded Age in this slinky Atelier Versace frock. With a one-shoulder detail, thigh-high slit and strategically placed embellishments in a stunning metallic shade, this one stood out amongst a sea of unimaginative ensembles.
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If you're going to interpret "Gilded Glamour" with black, at least don't make it boring! Gemma Chan got the memo, rocking this structured Louis Vuitton look right from the runway, topping it with a shimmery bolero-style coat and finishing things off with strappy black sandals.
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Though we were desperate for some color, or another take on gilded other than a black studded gown, Rachel Brosnahan's approach to the theme wasn't quite right either. Though we appreciated the all-over golden sequins, we weren't wild about her sleeveless Altuzarra frock with cut-outs at the waist or its train. Making things more puzzling? Her beauty look…
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Rachel Brosnahan rocked an updo, some blunt bangs and boring gold hoops with her gold Altuzarra gown.
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Oh, look! Another black dress! Not only that, but another semi-sheer black dress! This one was Louis Vuitton, worn by Phoebe Dynevor, and included a sleeveless silhouette with a ruffled peplum detail and entirely sheer skirt.
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Thank you, Chloe Grace Moretz! The star served up a look that was the farthest thing from an LBD — a military-inspired Louis Vuitton ensemble that included an ornate coat with a high neck over top a cropped and ruffled blouse and wide-legged pants. Tying things together? Those silver pointy-toe Louis pumps.
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It's not every day that Olivia Rodrigo serves up a fashion hit (no, really! It's so rare!), so her 2022 Met Gala look was a pleasant surprise. The singer tapped Atelier Versace to dress her for the big night and arrived rocking this slinky purple number with spaghetti straps and delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves. She added opera-length gloves (who, didn't?!) and matching purple pumps and very fun accessories in her hair…
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Olivia Rodrigo sported two stunning purple butterflies in her hair, continuing with her purple theme. She also rocked purple eyeshadow. But before we finish talking about her pretty look, we've got to see that Versace dress one more time from another angle…
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Olivia Rodrigo's shimmering purple Versace confection was even better from the side. And the train made for great posing on the Met stairs.
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Mindy Kaling provided another pretty purple moment in this Prabal Gurung gown and matching pointy-toe pumps. The sleeveless confection included floral embellishments at the shoulders, a plunging neckline, a thigh-high slit and sashes that draped from her shoulders down to the floor.
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We thought those embellishments looked familiar! Naomi Campbell sported Burberry at this year's Met Gala — her black frock featured the classic equestrian knight logo in sequins that complemented the sequined neckline. This take on gilded was at least fashionable, paying homage to the brand, and Naomi elevated it further with her beauty look choices…
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Gorgeous! Naomi Campbell added jewels to her face, matching the embellishments on her frock and those dazzling diamond earrings.
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Apparently, Camila Cabello's sleeveless white look by Prabal Gurung was meant to embody a modern day Gilded Age… but we don't really understand how that adheres to the theme. The top included a lace-up detail that transitioned down to connect to the skirt, which featured flowers along the inside of the ruffled fabric and culminated in a lengthy — and we mean lengthy! — train.
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Check out her train! Camila Cabello's dress didn't even fully fit in this frame. We'll check out the floral details of this Prabal Gurung creation next…
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Camila Cabello's gown's floral details took over a month to hand paint. The pretty pops of color complemented how she styled her hair…
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Camila Cabello added flowers to her updo to continue her floral theme and rocked stunning earrings with pearls and multicolored gemstones in blue and gray hues.
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If anyone should really be on-theme, it's Anna Wintour. Unfortunately, the Vogue head honcho arrived in this snoozy Chanel number — complete with feathers and a pretty embellished column-style skirt that didn't scream anything overtly American.
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We're not sure what La La Anthony was going for with this LaQuan Smith getup, but we weren't fans of any of it. From the cut-outs at the shoulders and hips to the thigh-high slit and strange headpiece (which we'll get a better view of next), this one was a miss for us.
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Does anyone suddenly feel like going to Target? La La Anthony's headpiece included a bullseye design that reminded us of our favorite store.
