Stars and designers packed the Metropolitan Museum of Art last night for the annual Costume Institute Gala — but the normally over-the-top Lady Gaga, the night’s most anticipated ar rival, turned camera-shy.
The “Telephone” singer, known for her eyebrow- raising ensembles, had the paparazzi waiting with bated breath. Then, at the last second, security guards announced she wouldn’t be walking the red carpet, but she was still slated to perform.
The benefit, the most glamorous fashion event of the year, was hosted by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Oprah Winfrey and Patrick Robinson, Gap’s executive vice president of global design.
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Robinson described the festivities as “the Oscars of fashion.”
Katy Perry was perhaps the brightest star last night — her gown, from designer Cutie Circuit, had LED strips running down it.
“I got a little buzzer in my breasts,” the “I Kissed a Girl” singer said when asked how she turns the lights on and off.
The soiree attracted a who’s who of the fashion industry — with top designers calling in all their celebrity favors to coerce the biggest Hollywood names to wear their creations and sit at their tables.
“The benefit is an amazing evening celebrating fashion and art,” said Jessica Alba, channeling classic Hollywood glamour in a gorgeous Sophie Theallet for Gap dress.
Alba, along with other Vera Farmiga, Kerry Washington, Kirsten Dunst and others, were wearing dresses that will be up for auction tomorrow at the Gap’s Fifth Avenue shop. The bidding starts at $500.
Dunst dazzled in a white and off-white one-shoulder Rodarte for Gap gown made from pleated silk tulle, mohair fringe and draped Swarovski crystals.
Eva Mendes showed off her perfect curves in a strapless rose-print mermaid gown by Dolce & Gabbana.
Other A-listers included Karl Lagerfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Justin Timberlake, Melania Trump, Michael Kors and Brooke Shields.
The event kicked off the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity,” which will run through Aug. 15.