Seasons of Galore: Glamour is Key!

New York City’s famed Metropolitan Museum of Art housed the annual Costume Institute Gala. The theme, “Punk: Chaos to Couture” (PCC), allowed for a more relaxed vibe, with the NY Times dubbing it the best MET party in years. Last year we saw studs, spikes, boots, heavy eye-liner and faux-hawks blending with classic jewels and designer ball gowns. Upon arrival, honorary co-chair Beyonce and the myriad of actors, actresses, musicians, socialites, designers and others in the fashion industry made their way up the red carpeted steps to the museums entrance. Before the attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour under the glass ceilings of the Petrie Court, a stroll through the PCC exhibit was essential. Trumpets then signaled all 800 guests into the American Wing, which was converted into a glamorous dinning room for a splendid feast. After dinner the guests headed to the Temple of Dendur for entertainment. While some mingled others danced the night away during the back-to-back concerts from Debbi Harry and Kanye West.

Let us see how the 2014 Gala lives up to the grand evening and marvelous attire of 2013. Stay tuned!

The Costume Institute currently houses a collection of over 35,000 costumes, fashions and accessories; representing five continents from the 15th century to present. Due to the fragile nature of the textiles and fabrics, the department organizes special exhibitions; one such exhibit always coincides with the theme of the Gala. This year’s exhibit examines punk’s influence on high fashion and highlights more than 100 designs. All of this was made possible by Moda Operandi and co-chaired by Rooney Mara, Lauren Santo Domingo, Anna Wintour and Riccardo Tisci.

In 1937 Neighborhood Playhouse founder Irene Lewison created the Museum of Costume Art while publicity maven Eleanor Lambert started the gala as a midnight supper in 1948. By 1959, the fundraising combined with help from fashion industry allowed for a merge with the MET, thus the birth of the Costume Institute, now a full-fledged curatorial department. Since 1995, under the leadership of Trustee Anna Wintour (editor of Vogue magazine) the gala has become the most visible and successful of charity events.