With the mass interest in and the production of comic books movies, there is one aspect of comic books that is integral to its overall presence: the costumes. The Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York has opened an exhibit that explores the symbolic and metaphorical associations between fashion and the superhero throughout the years. The exhibit features movie costumes, avant-garde haute couture and high-performance sportswear.

Last week, the exhibit opened with an extravagant gala hosted by Vogue Magazine. The star-studded party had the worlds of music, movies and fashion come together to celebrate the exhibit. Attendees included comic book movie stars George Clooney (Batman and Robin), Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns), Katie Holmes (Batman Begins), Jennifer Connelly (The Hulk), Scarlet Johansson (Ghost World), Liv Tyler (The Incredible Hulk) and Christina Ricci and Emile Hirsh (Speedracer). Others in attendance: Julia Roberts, Hilary Duff, David Bowie and Iman, Beyonce, Eva Mendes, Eva Longoria, Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani who made this exhibit and the accompanying book possible.

The exhibits runs until September 1, 2008.

See the red carpet for the gala!