Met Gala: Race to the Finish

With the world's brightest, hottest stars converging on Manhattan for tonight's Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it's a miracle the whole island doesn't spontaneously combust. The event is the fashion industry's answer to the Kentucky Derby; just think of the designers as trainers and the stars they're dressing as (clothes) horses in a race to the red carpet.

As the fillies undergo last-minute grooming and prepare to saddle up, the true nature of fashion as competitive sport is revealed. One person who's out of the running before the race even begins is celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Rachel is as closely associated with drama as she is with oversized sunglasses -- and there's no love lost between her and that other empress of style, Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Since the gala is hosted by Vogue, Anna has veto power over the guest list; when she saw that Bally designer Brian Atwood was planning to bring Rachel, she nixed the invitation -- leaving Rachel to toss her mane, stomp her hooves, and say she never wanted to go anyway.

Other news in trainer/pony pairings: We knew Kate Bosworth was in the Chanel stable, but now word is out that the French fashion house is also dressing Audrey Tautou and Thandie Newton. Meanwhile, Bill Blass designer Peter Som is bringing model Jourdan Dunn and hot actress "du jour" Maggie Gyllenhaal. The star of the upcoming "Batman" sequel is attending at the express wish of Ms. Wintour and will drop into Gotham by helicopter. What a perfect fit for the gala's superheroes theme!

What do you think about Rachel Zoe's disinvitation? Fair, or fashion faux pas?