The annual Art of Elysium gala night attracts plenty of stars looking to make their mark doing charity for kids and this year’s event was no different. Tons of stars turned up in designer gowns, highlighting the plight of severely ill children.

The organisation recruits actors, artists and musicians to volunteer their time to offer creative workshops in acting, art, comedy, fashion, music, radio, songwriting and creative writing to children battling serious medical conditions. The non-profit organisation, founded in 1997 by Jennifer Howell works with numerous hospitals and hospices throughout Los Angeles, California and began servicing hospitals in New York in 2009.

Here are our picks of favourite (and not so favourite) gowns of the night.

Sophia Bush dons a scarlet gown by Reem Acra which enhances her upper half perfectly. With pulled-back hair, a pair of gorgeous earrings highlight her face.

Wearing a dress by not-so-mainstream designer Gustavo Cadile, Alicia Witt’s red locks stand out against the midnight blue satin and fringe frock.

Model Amber Heard was stunningly sexy in a Dior gown with a sheer top, bringing to life the lingerie trend in a tasteful way.

We can’t really say we love Anna Paquin’s dress as she reminds us of a swan with the frills. The Viktor and Rolf’s runway version seems more wearable than her pink one.

Perhaps if Camilla Belle’s dress didn’t have such exaggerated sleeves, it’d have looked better. Otherwise, it reminds us of a bell, which is a shame because she normally wears very pretty frocks.

What happened to Dita Von Teese’s dress? It may be Jean Paul Gaultier but those sleeves remind us of a Spanish salsa dancer, which isn’t such a good look. It must get in the way when she tries to pick up things.

Jaime King’s pretty blue dress with flattering drapes is spiced up with those bondage-esque shoes. We love the whole effect immensely.

Jessica Alba opts for conventional in a strapless red dress by Prada and accessorises with a jewelled floral necklace and black shoes and a clutch.

It’s not often that we see Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szhor and Ed Westwick making an appearance on the red carpet but they make a stunning couple. Jessica ’s Kevan Hall embellished silk tulle illusion gown with plunging v-neckline and cascading ruffles on the skirt look divine on her.

Kate Bosworth always dazzles in simplicity. Here she is wearing an Alexander McQueen gown with a sweetheart neckline in dove grey.

Slightly offbeat, Marisa Tomei dons a top and skirt by Trania Norell, thankfully sans those black gloves. The diamond choker and black pairings adds a dazzling final touch.

Nicole Richie always believes in the power of the hippie and here she wears what she knows best: a long sleeved maxi dress by Etro.

Olivia Wilde is a huge fan of Marchesa’s deliciously frothy designs and we can see why. This light pink feathered creation is different, yet totally pretty.

Mary-Kate Olsen goes for goth in this white lace gown and dark red lips. At least she didn’t pick it in black.

Looking sophisticated is Rachel Bilson in a Chanel outfit and black YSL T-bar heels.

Brittany Snow amplifies her tan in a strapless purple dress and gold heels and earrings.

Rumer Willis dresses up in a black Dior gown (minus the sheer skirt, which would have proved to be too risque for the event) and looks grown up immediately.

Which was your favourite gown?

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