On Monday night, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art 's annual Costume Institute gala, there were ball gowns, leg slits, white ties and trains. Lots of trains.
"The Met Gala is that one event where you can be artistic as you want when it comes to fashion," said the actress Zoe Saldana, in a dress by Michael Kors. "You don't have to worry about hit-or-miss. You just enjoy the artistry of the fashion."
And plenty did. There was Rihanna in a white crop top and puckered skirt from Stella McCartney and Beyoncé in a plunging V-neck, long-sleeve gown from Givenchy, complete with a veil over her head. Sarah Jessica Parker, meanwhile, went for an Oscar de la Renta ensemble that included the designer's signature on the back of her dress.
The gala this year honored the British-born designer Charles James, who revolutionized American fashion in the mid-20th century, and the longtime Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
"Last year's theme was punk and that was so wild and fantastic, but you're going to see a very refined look tonight," said the model Karen Elson. "Charles James defines taste and elegance."
It was all very elegant, and it wasn't just the women. Men finally had a tricky assignment: Dress in white tie, which includes tails, silk socks and pumps.
"I love men looking like gentlemen," said the Bravo television personality Andy Cohen, wearing Ralph Lauren and accompanying Ms. Parker. "I like that we can all pretend to be gentlemen for the night."
But some were not that brave.
"I tried the tails on and I couldn't do it," said Mr. Kors, in a white tie. "I did it once in the '80s, and I felt like when I'm silver-haired, I'll go back to tails."
Others were equally mixed.
"I'm trying to count how many people are wearing tuxedos and how many are wearing tails," said the designer Derek Lam, a little anxiously, from the top of the steps at the Met, in a tuxedo. "Obviously I don't have tails."
Neither did the design boys from Proenza Schouler.
"We thought about it," the designer Jack McCollough said. "They were too shortening."
"I prefer myself in a black tie," Lazaro Hernandez said. "We called Anna and told her. She gave us her blessing."
Smart decision, especially since this was also Ms. Wintour's big moment. Earlier in the day, she was honored in the Temple of Dendur at the Met at a dedication ceremony for the Costume Institute's newly renamed Anna Wintour Costume Center. The event featured an army of heavy hitters in the fashion world, including Ralph Lauren, Donatella Versace, Mr. de la Renta and Raf Simons. It was a sign of Ms. Wintour's power that she could get designers to make a trip to the museum for a day-night doubleheader.
Michelle Obama cut the ribbon at the ceremony. "Two first ladies in one room at the same time," Marc Jacobs observed.
"Now, I know Anna hates being the center of attention," said Mrs. Obama, who wore an embroidered Naeem Khan dress. "So this is all probably killing her, but we love it. But the truth is I'm here today because of Anna. I'm here because I have such admiration and respect for this woman who I'm proud to call my friend."
Fashion eminences along with Condé Nast editors and executives arrived almost an hour early for the event. And they were not short in praise for Ms. Wintour. "She's done a lot for American fashion and for fashion all around the world," Mr. Lauren said. "She's smart and she gets the job done."
After Mrs. Obama cut the ribbon, what felt like the entire fashion world joined in a standing ovation for the Vogue editor. Ms. Wintour appeared to show some unexpected emotion.
"To see her tear up like that?" said Jenna Lyons, the creative director of J. Crew. "It made me tear up."
Asked about it later, Ms. Wintour said she was proud to show a little emotion.
"Wouldn't you?" she said.
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