By Alex Gonzalez

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City was buzzing last night.  Some of the biggest and best celebrities in entertainment and fashion got together for the at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit gala, one of the hottest events of the year.  Rihanna of all people made a surprise appearance at the fundraiser, marking it as her first appearance in public at a big event since February's pre-Grammy party which as we know, ended with her former boyfriend Chris Brown allegedly assaulting her.  While she didn't speak to reporters at all, it was good to see her back.

Originally, her first performance was supposed to be her first public appearance at Dubai on May 28.  She, however, has canceled that performance due to unknown reasons.  That news combined with her stepping out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last night made it all more surprising yet welcome that she was there.  Aside from the paparazzi shots of her on the beach or her in a van, you really didn't see or hear from her on the party circuit.  She looked incredible though in that black tuxedo dress.  She didn't need much more of a reason for people to talk about her, but that dress sure added to the conversation.  It's different, unique, in some cases weird, but impactful, everything that Rihanna is.  Job well done!

 I'm not so sure about those shoulder pads though.  Back in the mid 1980's the shoulder pad look on women used to actually be an "in" thing to wear.  Personally, stay away from them.  With those things on you don't know if she's ready to seduce you or tackle you to the ground (though guys, considering that it is Rihanna, I don't think anyone would mind if she tackled you too).

It's unfortunate that this is known as some sort of comeback for the 21 year old star considering she was on top of the world at the beginning of the year.  She had hit songs everywhere, chart topping collaborations, endorsement deal after endorsement deal, and concerts that were worth every bit of the price of admission and then some.   While the events that occurred this past February were an unfortunate setback for her, hopefully this first night out publicly allows her to just get going once again.  After all, in order to get back to the top, you have to fall off, and I'm not sure if anyone can say Rihanna fell off.  I have a feeling Rihanna's about to put out another summer anthem, so this is only the beginning.

So we turn it over to you guys for your critique on Rihanna's outfit.  Do you love what she's wearing, or do you think she was better off staying at home if she was going to wear that?  Check out some pictures of Rihanna on the red carpet and drop us a comment about Rihanna's return with her out there outfit.