Changing Up the Codes

The fall social season is back with a twist. The Metropolitan Opera held its opening night gala on Tuesday for “Medea,” with a notably more diverse cross-section of the city’s philanthropic, arts and social circles. The venerable affair, which raised $4.8 million, also pushed the boundaries of what constitutes black tie, with some men ascending the grand staircase in heels and dresses.

The sartorial shift continued the next night at the New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala at Lincoln Center. Traditional fishtail gowns shared the red carpet with men in crop tops and flowing tutus. The gala, which pairs choreography with fashion, raised $3.4 million and honored Sarah Jessica Parker. It also featured an original score by Solange Knowles.

And in London, the private club Annabel’s held its annual charity for the Amazon rainforest on Sept. 22, with proceeds benefiting the Caring Family Foundation. The splashy affair drew society figures, actors and models, who took the “black tie elevated with Amazon colors” dress code to heart.

‘The skirt took me about a week to make. It’s about 90 yards of tulle. When I wasn’t in rehearsals, I was at home sewing.’ — Gilbert Bolden III at the New York City Ballet

‘I love wearing outlandish and bizarre things to the opera because a huge part of the audience is super conservative.’ — James Smidt at the Met Opera

‘The @nycballet fashion gala is an incredible time where dance and music come together. This is my Super Bowl.’ — Fay Leshner at the New York City Ballet

‘An invitation to the opening of @metopera season is an invitation to explore the fashion equivalent, to dress at an operatic scale. And when that opera is Medea, well, that invitation comes sealed with a capital D-R-A-M-A.’ — Jordan Roth at the Met Opera

The Most Dressed features great outfits from up, down and all around town.