Train on my parade

Stars always flock to New York's "party of the year", as the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala has been dubbed, and this year's incarnation was no different.

In honour of the forgotten "King of Fashion" Paul Poiret, the party was an opportunity for stars to set the red carpet alight with designs that are more daring — and fun — than the average Oscar or movie premiere dress. What was there a lot of? Trains dominated, but it seems puffball cocktail dresses are still an option for party girls, too.

The event is also pretty democratic, drawing guests from the worlds of music and television, as well as from Hollywood, with many stars accompanied by (and dressed by) designers. So Jennifer Garner was on Valentino's arm, Lucy Lui came with Zac Posen, and Jessica Simpson got all buddy-buddy with Roberto Cavalli.