The star studded event began with an inaugural viewing of the exhibition where presentations of works by British designers (in the Metropolitan Museum’s English period rooms) examine ideals, stereotypes, and representations of Englishness.

Co-chairs for the gala included: Christopher Bailey, Creative Director of Burberry (the sponsors of the exhibition), actress Sienna Miller, and Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue.

Rose Marie Bravo, Chief Executive of Burberry, and The Duke of Devonshire served as Honorary Chairs.

The 700 guests paid between $5000 (for dinner tickets) and $400 (for dance tickets) several weeks in advance for the opportunity to be among the first to see the exhibition.

The exhibition, at the Annie Laurie Aitken Galleries, is open to the public from the 3rd May 2006 - 4th September 2006.

Visit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.