"Those stairs are grand," said an Alexander McQueen-clad Sarah Jessica Parker, having made it past the paparazzi gauntlet at the opening gala for the Met's new Costume Institute exhibit, AngloMania. Dubbed the Party of the Year since its inception in 1948, the event's latest incarnation didn't disappoint. "I guess this is what it's like to be a rock star," said up-and-coming designer and first-timer Thakoon Panichgul. "It's a bit overwhelming even for me," countered White Stripes drummer Meg White, in Marc Jacobs.

Once safely inside, celebrity guests from Scarlett Johansson to Jennifer Lopez joined a long receiving line, at the end of which were the evening's hosts: Vogue's Anna Wintour, the Duke of Devonshire, and a trio of Burberry representatives in the form of Rose Marie Bravo, Christopher Bailey, and golden girl Sienna Miller. "I'm overly excited," said a waiting Manolo Blahnik, whose work is featured extensively in the show. "I love the punk, rebellious thing. Galliano dresses have always been my favorite." John Galliano, with a mass of curls in lieu of his regular blow-out, was just as enthusiastic: "I think it's the most exciting exhibit ever."

Some guests diverged from the English theme: Amanda Peet wore her "dream dress," a Rochas; Eve donned a custom-made Louis Vuitton; and English lasses Minnie Driver and Thandie Newton opted for Valentino and Gucci, respectively. Others, like a Burberry-clad Kate Moss, were true Brits—though, in keeping with her reputation as a fashion rule-breaker, the supermodel wasn't sporting anything as predictable as a floor-length frock. "I just thought I'd wear a suit instead of a gown for a change," she shrugged. She was in good company. Also in a three-piece was her good friend, Stella McCartney. Luella Bartley, for her part, wore a revealing dress from her spring collection. "I love the fact that there's history, that the heritage is really emphasized," she said, of the exhibition. "That's what I try to do in my designs and that's what I love about England."

—Sarah Cristobal

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