Costume institute gala 2011: hair accessories a hit!

Samantha Cameron may have offended some at the Royal Wedding by shunning a hat for hair jewels, but at the Costume Institute Gala 2011 all the most stylish stars wore jewelled accessories. We asked Gary Hooker and Michael Young of Hooker & Young and Warren Holmes of Nicky Clarke to comment.

Up-and-coming fashion icon Isabel Lucas wore a stunning crown of pearls for an elegant, 1920s-inspired look. Worn with matching earrings and a coral Louis Vuitton gown, Isabel looked simply stunning.

Gary and Michael comment: "We like the simplicity of the hair and make-up but think it's too over styled in terms of accessories, it kind of takes over the look. We think less is most definitely more in this case."

Rocking a surprisingly subtle look, Fergie also wore jewels in her hair. With her long blonde locks left loose and wavy, the pop princess topped off her romantic white lacy look with an elegant jewelled daisy chain.

Warren says: "Fergie's tousled hair was accessorised by a diamanté headband. The use of volume at the crown gave another point of interest on her tousled curls created by organically tonging hair that had an almost 70s vibe to it."

Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson added treasures to their tresses too, with sparkling gems nestled amongst their styles.

While Jessica crowned off her updo with a regal band, Kate's look was slightly more subtle with a large gem nestled amongst her blonde lengths.

Gary and Michael say: "Simple, soft and very feminine - the way Jessica should be. Love the natural feel with the subtle use of delicate hair ornamentation."

"This look really suits Kate, natural texture creating a real softness around the face. Nice contrast to the couture evening dress."

Finally, a couple of guests looked liked they'd headed over straight from the Royal Wedding, decked out in dramatic headpieces.

Janelle Monae stuck to her trademark gamine style with a veiled top hat, while Demi Moore could have walked straight out of Westminster Abbey with her enormous feathered concoction. 

Gary and Michael say: "We love Janelle's look! My Fair Lady-inspired for a very strong fashion look."

Warren comments: "Demi's whole look was beautifully put together with great care and consideration. It was one of my favourites yet the hair was so simple; the strapless Prabal Gurung gown was beautifully accessorised by a Philip Treacy hat, hair was kept simple and chic yet I liked the use of the centre parting."