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The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala (aka Fashion Prom) is just hours away — and things are going to be a little different this year. Yes, of course, we’ll still see stars in outrageously gorgeous gowns and guys dressed to the nines, but there will be one thing noticeably new: The name over the wing of the Met dedicated to all things fashion. As of today, it’s been renovated and reopened with a brand new name, the Anna Wintour Costume Center.
And to help open the revamped center in style, Michelle Obama arrived from Washington, D.C. for the official ribbon cutting. Wearing a green floral Naeem Khan dress and nude heels, the lady praised Wintour’s impact on the industry before picking up the ceremonial scissors. “I’m here today because of Anna,” the First Lady said, according to the Associated Press. “I’m so impressed by Anna’s contributions, not just to fashion but to this great museum. This center is for anyone who cares about fashion and how it impacts our culture and our history.”
Wintour has a long relationship with Obama — as the editor of Vogue she has put the First Lady on the cover twice, and has attended Democratic fundraisers hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker. And though it’s unlikely that Obama will attend the Met Gala tonight (having already had one black tie event this weekend), Wintour looked pleased that Obama was there for the official opening — even flashing one of her rare grins (see above).
For even more on tonight’s Met Gala, click here and stay tuned for all the gowns, glitz and glamour from the red carpet. And tell us: What do you think of Obama’s ribbon-cutting dress? Who are you excited to see tonight?
–Alex Apatoff
