THERE WAS A GREAT BIG FAB GALA HELD IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD THIS PAST WEEK. Celebrities galore were pouring into The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Costume Institute Ball, known far and wide as "The Party of the Year".
Being famous predominates. Even a celebrity created in the last 15 minutes can make a name for themselves here. But the overwhelming kiss, kiss greeters are major celebs, jet setting for a night with the stars hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour (Vogue). Hello, gorgeous..hi, moneybags!! No, darling, we're not here to be seen..it's all for charity.
There was a time, a few years back, when I would show up at the Ball, and have a very sociable time. Way before celebrities thought it was important to be seen at a museum. Even before old money started going out, instead of leaving a masterpiece or two for posterity. Before the elite sashayed up the red carpet, paparazzi popping, I skipped up the concrete stairs, a plebeian princess at the ball.
Now how did I manage this glamorous life? I'm a little girl from The Bronx, and I first went to the Museum with my class when I was about 11 years old. I fell for the Egyptian Wing, and the Costume Institute. As I grew up, I became a Museum junky and made a vow to myself and any angels listening, that someday I'd live as close to The Met as I could get.
I think that maybe one thing that we wish for is given to us. I was given proximity to The Met. I never again asked for anything else. I'm still here, tucked away in a very middle class existence, in the midst of astonishing fortune. Of course I've maintained my membership in the Museum to this day. Ages ago they sent invitations to members to attend the Costume Institute Ball, amazingly for $200. a ticket. Not yet the "party of the year". I went once with my ex, me all dolled up in a slinky black gown. I went another time, no more ex, with one of my girl friends. Again, in another slinky black gown. Still have them. You never know when the middle class will be back in style.
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