Ladies Night Out of Costumes & Cubism

Co-chairs of the 50th anniversary gala:
From left: Miuccia Prada, Paula Cussi, and Pia Getty 
 
Can dancing amidst ancient pyramids in the middle of Manhattan be topped in 1999? Difficult to say, but this years 50th Gala at the Metropolitan was a big success with the A-list of stars and ladies about town which included Marci Klein, Alec Baldwin (pictured), Barbara Walters, Martha Stewart (pictured) and was hosted by fashion aficionados Muccia Prada, Pia Getty and Paula Cussi (pictured). Cubism and Fashion was the theme this year and as New York City's weather warmed just in time for the event chic and sexy summer-like pieces were everywhere. Sculpted gowns from Valentino, Ferre, and Christian Dior dominated the soiree most of which were obviously chosen for their heavy attention to embroidery or beading.  
Alec Baldwin and Marci Klein 
 
Martha Stewart (left) and Barbara Walters 
 This may have been the most baroque evening for many as each attempted to achieve her version of the meaning of cubism which in some cases, was quite amusing. Over the top glitter, mixed layers of lace and beading were par for the course. Some of the better gowns were obviously from Galliano and McQueen but we were nicely surprised to see a few authentic beauties proudly sporting what has come to be called 'couture from another era.' "My grandmother use to wear this" one proclaimed with great gatsby pride and should truth be known some of these originals were more breathtaking than many of the surrounding contemporaries!
--By Catalina MacGregor 
 
Beauty Pays Off
Next, Model Management, the largest of the happening model agencies, hosted its annual Find the Next Model Search finals at NYC's Daylight Studios. The lucky winner, chosen from 60,000 applicants during a four month period, is a 16 year-old red head, Amber Asdourian. She was presented with a $150,000 three-year contract with the agency by tennis star Anna Komakova. Checking out the new talents were Daniel Baker, Donald Trump and his girlfriend (left) with Amber (right); emcees Diane Heidkruger (the face in the Acqu di Gio ads) with Next president, Joel Wilkenfeld.
--By Gabriel Swartz

Next model winner Amber Asdourian 
 
It's Fashion, but is it Art?

Time for the art world to recognize that fashion photography is an art. The New Fashion Photography exhibit kicked off a new exhibit of close to 200 photos from thirty-five of the world's top fashion photographers. Sponsored by the IFFP , the French Fashion Designers of America, and underwritten by Kodak, the purpose is to recognize fashion editorial photography as a new art form. There will be an auction of photos and, of course, a book on New Fashion Photography launching early 1999.
Why not decide for yourself. The exhibit is at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Center for the Arts through December 12.

--By Catalina MacGregor 
A little tongue & cheek and the meaning of fashion