Attendees of the Met's Costume Institute gala (clockwise from top left): Kate Bosworth in 1992 Chanel Haute Couture; Lake Bell in Balmain; Naomi Watts in Thierry Mugler; Caroline Trentini in 1984 Thierry Mugler. 
A Wonder Woman costume worn by the original well-accessorized superheroine, played by Lynda Carter, from 1976.
From Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Adam West as Batman, in the wonderful Batman TV series of the mid-to-late 60s.Pow! Blam! Zow! Bang! The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute has started a new trend faster than a speeding bullet. The museum's current exhibit, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy, takes its inspiration from comic books, TV, movies and athletic wear. It is all about the body in motion and how fashion relates to movement and imagination, as seen through elaborate and iconic costuming and apparel.
Many top designers have copped to reading comics as youngins' (Mr. Giorgio Armani among them) and have let this influence creep in every season or so (spiderweb-like creations inspired by Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman and skintight, goth numbers ala Catwoman). As this exhibit shows past examples of fashion and fantasy, it has in turn inspired new looks playing on this very theme. From Topshop's glimmering lightning bolt skirt (very Storm of the X-Men) to Kova and T's latex skirts and leggings that scream Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns, it is easier than ever this season to let your inner superhero soar. At any price.
Be bold. Be daring. And let fashion let you save the day.
Many top designers have copped to reading comics as youngins' (Mr. Giorgio Armani among them) and have let this influence creep in every season or so (spiderweb-like creations inspired by Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman and skintight, goth numbers ala Catwoman). As this exhibit shows past examples of fashion and fantasy, it has in turn inspired new looks playing on this very theme. From Topshop's glimmering lightning bolt skirt (very Storm of the X-Men) to Kova and T's latex skirts and leggings that scream Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns, it is easier than ever this season to let your inner superhero soar. At any price.
Be bold. Be daring. And let fashion let you save the day.
American Apparel Shiny Bodysuit, $34.
Topshop Sequin Lightning Strike Skirt, approx. $108.93.
Clockwise from top left: Elsa Peretti small sterling silver Bone cuff, $650; Frank Gehry Torque bangle, $495; Frank Gehry Flux cuff, $850; Frank Gehry medium Torque bangle in sterling silver, $475 (all available at Tiffany).
Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in 1992's Batman Returns.
Natasha Poly walking Balenciaga's F/W 2008 runway.
Linda Farrow for Luella Batman sunglasses, approx. $397.82 (Visit Linda Farrow for stockists).
Kova and T Latex High Waist Skirt, $209 (available at Shopbop); Kova and T Oxy Leggings, $110 (available at Tobi).
Photos courtesy of Features.ElleUK.com, Style.com, Flickr, Fabsugar, Samantha-I-am, BFI and The Fashion Spot.
