Cheryl Shops

Met Costume Institute Gala
Monday night was the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute Gala, which is arguably more important to fashion people than the Oscars. The event is a fundraiser for the Met's Costume Institute and usually occurs in May, right before the Costume Institute's big summer exhibit opens. Also worth noting: The gala is always co-chaired by Anna Wintour, so it always draws fashionistas of the finest caliber--design houses buy tables and, for increased press coverage, invite fashionable celebrities, give them gowns to wear, and have them sit at their tables. This year's exhibit is all about British fashion (I cannot wait to see it), and while some invitees go overboard with the theme (Sarah Jessica Parker, I'm looking at you), others just look hot. I suggest clicking through Style.com's slide show; Fashionologie, I Am Fashion, and Go Fug Yourself all have excellent coverage of the event as well. For the record, I think Drew Barrymore looked incredible in a strapless Oscar de la Renta lace sheath; Kate Moss and Stella McCartney both wore tuxedos (Kate's had leather pants); Sienna Miller ruined her outfit with horrible hair (and, yes, we get it, you're playing Edie Sedgwick in an upcoming movie); Charlize Theron needs to take a big step away from the Dior; and I thought the Olsen twins, especially Mary-Kate, looked awesome. But in the end, the models--everyone from Lily Cole and Daria Werbowy to oldies-but-goodies Helena Christensen and Linda Evangelista (who, despite obviously having had some work done, still looks exquisite)--looked better than everyone else. And isn't that the way it should be?