Inside The Met’s Punk Exhibit Before Tonight’s Big Gala

Throw a stud on, spike your hair, rip your jeans and there's no way you don't instantly feel a bit cooler. Yes, punk fashion can be transformative, but it's certainly not for the weak of heart, and neither is the Met's Chaos to Couture exhibit, officially open tomorrow. This morning, we got a sneak peek of the second-floor installation and immediately felt transported to the curated embodiment of a well-polished middle finger.

Though the music is gentler than we had imagined, the hair and ensembles are certainly anything but. Versace dresses are adorned with safety pins, mannequins sport unkempt, multi-colored wigs, while a DIY hardware-hall boasts harnesses and slits in daring places. The exhibit, co-sponsored by Moda Operandi, celebrates the enduring attitude of street fashion in both New York and London, and also features mixed-media installations, including video of Patti Smith, as well as a recreated CBGB bathroom, graffiti and all — wonder how Ms. Wintour felt about that one! Of course, there's the fashion, courtesy of Costume Institute Curator Andrew Bolton — including Chanel, Balenciaga, Rodarte, Comme des Garçons, Moschino, Balmain, and more.