Diana Vreeland ascending the stairs at the 1977 Met Gala, New York, December 12.

Diana Vreeland ascending the stairs at the 1977 Met Gala, “Vanity Fair: A Treasure Trove,” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, December 12.

The Metropolitan Art Costume Institute Benefit: THE VREELAND ERA
Diana Vreeland became a consultant of the Costume Institute at the Met, changing the venue by adding themes to the Gala. She applied her famous extreme imagination and exotic style to create exhibitions from 1972 to 1989. Vreeland produced a global and glamorous affair involving the New York social elite and the large personalities of the fashion and art world. The Met gala was the party of the year. Little did she know how this event would become an annual, essential date to celebrate.
Here I share my photographs before the days of social media and endless photo-ops. I was proudly invited "beyond the ropes” on on December 12, 1977, to capture some of the most glamorous Vintage moments at the Gala themed: Vanity Fair: “Treasure Trove." Diana Vreeland, who arrived with designer Bill, Blass, dressed in Givenchy. Vreeland was inspired by John Bungan's book “Pilgrim's progress “ which refers to a town called Vanity, where lust, pleasure, and the lights were sold. She charmed us with her expertises as the exhibit was filled with whimsical and unique items.