>> INSIDER WIRE —If things keep up like they are now, I wonder if next May's Costume Institute Gala will be as extravagant as the last? David Monn, the event planner behind the Costume Institute Gala, reportedly made $300,000 alone for his services . . . [Miami Herald]
Who Wore It Better? Sheer Black Maxi Dress
It's a battle of the supermodels. Bring it! First, Stephanie Seymour attended the 2008 Costume Institute Gala in this revealing Alaia sheer black maxi dress, which she chose to accessorize with long earrings. To the horror (or excitement) of photographers, Stephanie's nipple pasties showed with each flash. Next, and more recently, Naomi Campbell went to a dinner in honor of Nelson Mandela in the same sexy dress. I beg to ask the question: Is this really an appropriate dress to wear when hanging out with the president of South Africa? But back to who wore it better. Which see-through supermodel wins your vote?
Fashion Darling Olivier Theyskens Commits Fashion Don't
>> It has already been well-reported that Sarah Jessica Parker wore the same Nina Ricci dress to the New York Sex and the City premiere last week as Vogue contributing editor and socialite Lauren Santo Domingo wore to the Costume Insitute Gala on May 5.
More interesting, however, is the story behing the mix-up — as Cathy Horyn reports, both Nina Ricci designer Olivier Theyskens and Mario Grauso, the president of the fashion division at Puig, which owns Nina Ricci, assured SJP that the gown had not been worn in anything but magazine shoots. When she came to find out that wasn't the case, she felt deceived:
In the big picture, this is not important, but there is a relationship between the entertainment industry and fashion . . . my affection for the dress hasn’t changed, but what they did was so short-sighted. It’s just unethical and disappointing that they would allow the dress to be worn again.
Parker says she mentioned to Olivier during the fitting that she was surprised the dress hadn't already been worn:
He didn’t say, ‘Well, actually I just escorted Lauren down the red carpet at the Met.’ I just wish it had been handled differently and they had been straight about it.
When Cathy asked Grauso for a response, he of course said, "I’m upset that she’s upset.” But then he went on to fumble for excuses — he clearly knew that Lauren had worn the dress to an event before, because he said he had no reason to mention Santo Domingo:
'Is Lauren a celebrity? It depends on how you look at it.' He said he and Theyskens mainly thought of her as a friend. He then asked—somewhat incredulously, I thought—“Does everybody look at Style.com?'
A bad move on Nina Ricci's part, especially when they were just becoming red carpet gold. I wonder what Anna Wintour, who so strongly favors Olivier, thinks about it?
*images: source
Who Wore It Better? Dolce & Gabbana Polka Dot Skirt
Spotted: Sarah Silverman and Diane Keaton wearing Dolce & Gabbana's polka dot skirt within one week from one another. Funny girl Silverman wore the skirt with a black cardigan (hello cleavage), funky striped gloves, and open-toe pumps last week at The Met's Costume Institute Gala. Keaton, on the other hand, opted to pair the skirt with a crisp white shirt, black patent belt and closed toe platforms at the 24th Annual Infinity Awards in NYC. Both look like they're having fun, but who wore it better?

On Our Radar: Vote For Your Favorite at Vogue's Viewers' Choice Awards
We're not the only ones who can't get enough of the Met's Costume Institute Gala. Vogue.tv just announced their Viewers' Choice Awards where fans can vote for their favorite looks from Monday's festivities. Make sure to voice your opinion and vote between May 9th and May 16th.

It gets even better. Vogue is also holding a sweepstakes that includes two round trip tickets on JetBlue Airlines, a $2,500 shopping spree at J. Mendel, and a free two night stay at The Lowell Luxury Hotel in New York City. Vote baby vote!
How-To: Michelle Trachtenberg’s Costume Gala Glow
If there was one secret that Gossip Girl could reveal, I wish it would be about Michelle Trachtenberg's skincare regimen. At the Costume Institute Gala, her face was blemish-free. She looked like a Botticelli portrait with her smooth, ivory skin and rosebud lips and cheeks.
If you are interested in creating this makeup look at home, here are a few product and application suggestions for you.
- FACE: Begin by applying a thick, moisturizing cream so that the makeup doesn't dry out your face. Once it's mostly absorbed, spread a creamy and sheer, liquid foundation such as Elizabeth Arden Intervene Makeup SPF 15 in Soft Shell all over and blend with a synthetic brush. Next, add concealer and eye brightener and use a makeup sponge for the ultimate blend.
To find out more about Michelle's eyes, lips and cheeks, read more
Models Strut Their Stuff at The Met's Costume Institute Gala
When they're not strutting their stuff on the runway, models are sure to be spotted at the swankiest events in town. At the Met's Costume Institute Gala, these long legged felines were dressed to the nines in their favorite designer duds. Iman looks stunning posing with her hubbie David Bowie in a smokin' Dolce & Gabbana gown and Fred Leighton jewels. Check out some of our favorite model looks from last night and let us know your faves.
The Met's Costume Institute Gala: Best Dressed
They came, we saw, they conquered! The Met's Costume Institute Gala is the Oscars of fashion and we've been having a field day with the celebs and fashion folks who attempted to dress for the theme "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy." There was a lot of eye candy and while we saw some really cool getups, a lot of people played it safe. The ones who did attempt an underlying superhero message weren't voted as favorites, alas, here are the favorites. Who was the most super of the Met Gala this year?!

Vote on all our love it or hate it polls!
Trend Alert: Messy Updos at the Met
Last night at the fancy 2008 Costume Institute Gala in New York City, the women arrived wearing fabulous gowns adorned with sensational accessories. Some of their beauty looks were favorable, and some left little to be desired. One of the trends I noticed was the semi-laid-back approach to hair. Don't get me wrong, I am sure every strand was supposed to look like that, but there was a lot more looseness as a collective than I've ever noticed at a red-carpet event. Below are eight messy updos from some of Hollywood's leading ladies. What do you think of these hairstyles?


