US first lady opens Anna Wintour costume centre

US First Lady Michelle Obama (left) and Vogue Magazine Editor Anna Wintour (centre) speak after Obama cut the ribbon officially opening The Costume Institute’s new Anna Wintour Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New
US First Lady Michelle Obama (left) and Vogue Magazine Editor Anna Wintour (centre) speak after Obama cut the ribbon officially opening The Costume Institute’s new Anna Wintour Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York. -- PHOTO: AFP
Fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg (left) and actress Sarah Jessica Parker (right) at the official opening of The Costume Institute’s new Anna Wintour Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York. -- PHOTO: AFP
Fashion designer Donatella Versace (centre) is greeted by friends as she attends a ceremony to open the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 5, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Fashion designers Diane Von Furstenberg (right) and Oscar de la Renta greet each other as they attend a ceremony to open the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 5, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Fashion designers Marc Jacobs (left) and Oscar de la Renta greet each other as they attend a ceremony to open the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 5, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Fashion designer Zac Posen (centre) greets actresses and designers Mary-Kate (left) and Ashley Olsen as they attend a ceremony to open the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 5, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Fashion designers Calvin Klein (left) and Ralph Lauren greet each other as they attend a ceremony to open the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 5, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
US first lady Michelle Obama (left) embraces US Vogue fashion editor Anna Wintour (centre) at a ceremony to open the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 5, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
US First Lady Michelle Obama (2nd left) cuts the ribbon officially opening The Costume Institute’s new Anna Wintour Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York. -- PHOTO: AFP
Egyptian sculptures are seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art along with a mural celebrating the opening of the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum in New York on May 5, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

NEW YORK (AFP) - First Lady Michelle Obama paid glowing tribute on Monday to Vogue fashion legend Anna Wintour, as she cut the ribbon on New York's US$40 million (S$50 million) renovated costume centre named in her honour.

Wearing a stunning, green floral dress by the Indian-born Naeem Khan, Mrs Obama inaugurated the Anna Wintour Costume Center at a celebrity-studded ceremony at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"The truth is I'm here today because of Anna. I'm here because I have such respect and admiration for this woman, who I am proud to call my friend," Mrs Obama said.

The first lady, beloved by the American fashion world for her elegance, said the centre would be a source of learning and inspiration for young people interested in the fashion industry.

Hollywood actress Sarah Jessica Parker joined designers Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney and Oscar de la Renta at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Monday night marks the glittering Met ball, or Costume Institute Gala Benefit, hosted by Ms Wintour. It is one of the biggest events in the society calendar for the international jet set.

Although Mrs Obama is not expected to attend, some of the biggest stars in fashion, sports and Hollywood are expected to tread the red carpet at the charity event.

The Costume Institute has undergone a two-year renovation and been re-named after Ms Wintour, the British-born editor-in-chief of American Vogue and artistic director for publisher Conde Nast.

Ms Wintour has been a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum since 1999 and in her role as benefit chair and fundraiser she has raised around US$125 million for its Costume Institute.

The director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas Campbell said the Anna Wintour Costume Center was designed "to accommodate and inspire the next generation."

Its inaugural exhibition features another British export to the United States, groundbreaking couturier Charles James, whose work goes on view from Thursday until Aug 10.

In addition to two exhibition galleries, the centre includes conservation facilities, collection storage and a library.

"The new space allows us to rethink our approach to the display of historic costume and contemporary fashion," said Harold Koda, curator in charge.

The Charles James exhibition features 65 of the designer's most notable designs from the 1920s until his death in 1978.

"Charles James considered himself an artist, and approached fashion with a sculptor's eye and a scientist's logic," said Campbell.

"The Met is the ideal place to explore the rich complexity of his innovative work."

The main gallery shows off to dramatic effect 15 gorgeous James evening gowns, including the "Butterfly" and "Swan" that date back to the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The dresses float on platforms, lit up under spotlights in the near-dark exhibition hall while animations, text, x-rays, and vintage images explain how each gown was intricately constructed.

James moved to New York in 1940 and is considered one of the greatest haute couture designers in the United Sates.

"Technology will allow us to look at what the eye can't see in fashion - structure, construction, undergarments, motion, silhouette, and sound-like the rustle of the bustle or the creak of a crinoline," said Andrew Bolton, curator in the Institute.

The Institute has more than 35,000 costumes and accessories in its collection and its library is home to more than 30,000 rare books and periodicals, files, prints, drawings and photographs.

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