"The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion" Costume Institute Gala

Last night the fashion event of the year took place, the Met Costume Institute Gala.
While most of the attention is given to the ladies-in their always fashion forward, stylish, and sometimes sexy gowns-every year there are a few exceptional men who deserve to be
recognized for the elegance and style throughout the night.

We countdown the three best dressed men of "The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion" Costume Institute Gala:

3. Francisco Costa



Creative director of Calvin Klein and CFDA Award winner Francisco Costa
shows us just how influential tailoring can be towards a suit.
Wearing a Calvin Klein tuxedo next to none other than Eva Mendes-also in Calvin Klein-Costa
shows off this classic tuxedo that is fitted to a tee, giving it exceptional
quality and style.


2. Zac Posen



Zac Posen pulls the number two spot not because his suit was pure classic,
not because he was the picture of elegance, nor because he looked exceptionally
great, though he didn't look half bad. He pulls the number two spot because
he took a chance(something that, believe it or not, the Met Gala is all about). Unlike
the dozens of other men who attended the Gala, Posen opted out of the traditional choice of a
black tuxedo, white button down, and black bow tie. Posen stepped out in a design
of his own-a brownish purple lined tux with a black embezelled shirt underneath
and a black scarf rather than tie.
And as odd as it sounds, it work...it works incredibly well. Though I would have
recommended a better fit, Zac Posen still looked great.
And who wouldn't, standing next to Helena Christensen.

and now to the best dressed of the Met Costume Institute Gala...

1. Kanye West



Surprise, surprise.
Anyone who is anyone knew that Kanye would pull out the stops
for the Met Gala, and that is exactly what he did.
Choosing a classic and simple tux to compliment his beau Amber Rose,
Mr. West looked nothing but custom. The tuxedo fit snug, which is a good thing,
and Kanye decided to break tradition a bit by going sockless! sockless!
Not only did this modernize his entire look a bit, it personalized it
and gave way for a big trend that will be ever present this Spring/Summer.
Clean, smooth, and classic.

Now, with the 2009 Met Gala gone its time to make room for the 2010 Gala.
Any guesses to what the theme will be??

Check out more pictures from the Met Costume Institute Gala below...