This Week, the Best Dressed Stars Kept the Party Going

For certain celebrities, the party never truly stops. Last week belonged to those with the stamina—and wardrobe—for 24/7 revelry. The pomp and circumstance of Monday’s Costume Institute Gala did little to wear attendees out. The glitz on display in the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” exhibit gave guests a second wind that saw them through a flurry of quick changes into flirty dresses flecked with sequins. 

In Pam and Tommy, Lily James plays the ultimate mid-’90s sex symbol, Pamela Anderson, but after the Met James appeared to be channeling another of the era’s sirens. Her after-party outfit, a purple Versace minidress held together by pins covered in the brand’s Medusa head logo, called to mind the black and gold Versace safety pin gown that transformed Elizabeth Hurley into a household name back in 1994.

The metal-mesh texture of James’s dress and its gleaming pastel color kept it from feeling reductive. Still, its shade and silhouette connected with other noteworthy style statements at the Met after parties. After going retro on the red carpet in a ’50s style, custom sustainable look from H&M, Laura Harrier switched gears and changed into a ruched lavender lamé dress from Khaite’s fall 2022 runway. Everything about the Catherine Holstein-designed piece, from its ultra-short, leg-baring length to the surprise of its open back, worked beautifully on the star. 

Unexpected choices continued to delight throughout the week. At the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design ceremony, Kate Middleton broke from protocol and added a new name to her repertoire: Edeline Lee. The British-Canadian designer’s emerald midi length ‘Pedernal’ dress was a welcome departure for the royal. Its distinctive bubble jacquard material is unlike anything the Duchess had worn before. Likewise, in Monte Carlo, Kristen Stewart stunned by arriving at the bash that concluded Chanel’s cruise 2023 excursion in a swimsuit with a completely sheer skirt layered over top. Though the Spencer star is committed to casual fashion, no one could have predicted that she’d channel Esther Williams and capture the serene spirit of pre-season with one look. 

At the world premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, Jennifer Connelly gave the week its most glamorous moment. The actor boarded the USS Midway alongside co-star Tom Cruise wearing a custom Louis Vuitton look embroidered with thousands of gold beads and crystals. Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Connelly’s gown was a welcome throwback, much like the film she’s currently promoting.