Every year, just as awards season fatigue has finally waned, the A-list dig out their best designer duds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s annual Costume Institute Gala. Traditionally an opportunity for stars to showcase some more outrageous, over-the-top looks (after all, it is a costume gala) the 2012 red carpet turnout did not disappoint, with bold jewelled tones, metallics and ostrich feathers proving to be the hits of the evening.

Prada was a favourite among many celebrities on the night, including Milla Jovovich, the ever-flawless Dianne Kruger and Australia’s own Mia Wasikowska, who both served up understated elegance in rich shades of purple and raspberry, soft toussled locks and simple make-up. Ms. Kruger kept things quirky and playful with her ostrich-feathered hemline (another big trend on the night), whilst Mia‘s prim ensemble was a perfect example of the demure, olde worlde look she does best.

Glee starlet Dianna Agron and French ingenue Marion Cotillard wowed in a jade-green silk Carolina Herrera number and moody amethyst Christian Dior Couture gown respectively.

Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev shone in a black and gold backless Donna Karan Atelier gown, complete with breathtaking train, but Gwyneth Paltrow proved that not all that glitters is gold in a silver halterneck Prada mini that once again showed off her red carpet prowess (and ridiculously bangin’ body).

Face of Burberry Body, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley cut a strikingly elegant figure on the red carpet in her custom-made copper-and-black striped tulle Burberry gown with embroidered glass bead neckline. Meanwhile, Rihanna‘s slinky serpantine Tom Ford gown and curly quiff embodied the Barbadian beauty’s sense of adventure without being OTT or tacky.

Cate Blanchett and Beyonce Knowles showcased the OTT spirit of the Gala perfectly in traffic-stopping feathered numbers. Both Cate‘s Alexander McQueen Fall 2012 offering and Beyonce‘s black lace, crystal and ostrich feather Givenchy Couture number were complimented by barely-there make-up and simple ponytails. Red carpet glamour (and feathers) has never looked so good.

Via Red Carpet Fashion Awards