We're suckers for gorgeous red carpet gowns, but the images that are most captivating from last night's Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are the tight shots that show off the fabrication and embellishments of dresses. Scroll down to see all the night's prettiest images, and then make sure to examine the bags, shoes, and jewels that finished off each outfit.
Dita Von Teese's dress was custom crafted for her curves, and it was never more apparent than when viewed from behind.
The strong lines of Maggie Q's black gown deserve to be checked out from the side.
Thick straps and a deep neckline are pretty, but we love the dramatic green tie of Ming Xi's pick.
There was volume aplenty for Ivanka Trump, whose vibrant green dress had a large folded pleat in the center of her back.
Solange's sweet satin dress cut a gorgeous figure on its own, but we really liked the matching topper she covered up with when leaving her hotel.
With the light hitting her just right, Suki Waterhouse's tiered dress looked even more ethereal.
Minimalism has quickly become Allison Williams's signature, but her basic dress looked anything but when you see the dramatic train cascading down the stairs.
The dove-gray gown Amy Adams chose had smart folds and details, best viewed in this off-duty moment.
As one of the brave women to wear a crop top to the carpet, Cara Delevingne's was made up of multiple bands, keeping it supersexy.
Long fabric panels on Blake Lively's dress evoked wings when moving.
With layers of sparkle and tulle, Rita Ora's romantic golden dress was made for the profile shot.
Far from a simple strapless dress, Reese Witherspoon's hot-pink pick had dips and peaks when examined from the side.
Seen from the side, Lily Aldridge's gunmetal-silver gown looked especially sleek.
The shape of Karen Elson's blush-pink dress was unlike any we've ever seen before.
Neon flowers placed by sheer side panels meant that to get the best view of Julie Macklowe's dress, you needed to stand by her side.
This candid shot was too cute not to include: Stella McCartney is clearly feeling very friendly with Rihanna!
Ascending the stairs, Suki Waterhouse's gown had such movement it almost appeared as if she was dancing.
Rihanna's red carpet crop top landed her on top of our sexiest list, but it was this different view that made us realize how breathtaking her outfit was.
While Lupita Nyong'o's dress might've felt like a surprise choice for the buzzy actress, it certainly looks fun when you see it in action.
At first glance, the pure glamour of Karolina Kurkova's dress was all we could think about. But this elegant image, showing the angular wing on the bust, had us entranced.
Naomi Watts's red carpet bling is nice, but we gravitated to this image simply to investigate the scale-like construction of her dress.
Extreme mermaid style gowns like Dita Von Teese's are at their most stunning when viewed in motion.
Up close, it was both Brie Larsen's hand cuff and rich gold scales that captivated our attention.
The cape-like back of Kate Mara's golden gown made it appear as if she was ready to take flight.
Thigh-high leg slits can sometimes miss the mark, but the perfect placement of the one on Elettra Wiedermann's sequin gown, plus the simple slingback, was perfect.
What better angle to take in the generous embellishment on Beyonce's gown than a midmovement moment that captures the fan of her sleeve?
Seen from behind, the swirls and rich details of Amber Heard's long-sleeved dress were on display.
The gathered sections of Jessica Alba's pale gold dress extended all over, including on the back.
There was no mistaking who designed Sarah Jessica Parker's dress — with the train fanned out, a very distinguishable signature was obvious.
Seen from the side, Kate Upton looked every bit the elegant Dolce & Gabbana woman.
Statuesque Karlie Kloss looked most glamorous when the long train of her dress was fully extended.
The dapper row of buttons on the back of Hailee Steinfeld's dress made it one of our favorites.
When we spotted Sarah Silverman hiking up her ball gown, it was obvious just how voluminous it was.
We might've thought Elizabeth Olsen's baby-blue dress was demure when seen from the front, but this shot shows it looks totally backless.
The heavy beading of Leighton Meester's golden gown made for a divine look from the side.
The impeccable construction of some of the event's gowns, like the one on Bianca Brandolini, required a different view to fully appreciate.
Talk about coordination: Giovanna Battaglia's look was all about nature, and the flowers in her hair and butterfly earrings were best viewed close up.
The artful construction of Liu Wen's teal dress is best appreciated when you see how the top and skirt stand out on their own.
Gisele Bündchen's sleek black dress was as gorgeous from behind as in front thanks to a low, scoop back.
With layers upon layers of frothy tulle and real-looking flowers peppered all over, Tabitha Simmons's dress was a sight to see as it swished away.
The clean lines of Emma Stone's pink pick were on display when she walked up the steps.
The play of fabric on fabric made Bee Shaffer's dress unique and it never looked more special than when moving.
The skirt section of Beyonce's dress had a ton of volume to it when pictured moving from side to side.
The perfect finishing touch to Lily Donaldson's dress was the long black bow placed on the straps at her shoulders.
Nicole Richie's gray velvet dress was decidedly sexy — it looked nearly backless from this angle.
The bold print of Coco Brandolini D'Adda's dress, juxtaposed over the soft tulle, was a red carpet statement.
It was a definite Red Riding Hood vibe for Monica Bellucci, who picked a luxe choker and lace cape that circled her neck.
Glamorous from the front, the open back of Diane Kruger's column gown was worth checking out, too.
Forget gloves or shoes; Sarah Jessica Parker's best accessory was the white bloom worn in her hair.
When the light hit just right, the black sequins of Dianna Agron's dress shined to the extreme.
Embellishments on the sheer green sleeves of Sarah Paulson's dress looked lovely up close.
The play of white on pale powder blue, plus the double tier at the skirt, made for a pretty closeup on Aerin Lauder.