Last night’s Vogue-sponsored Costume Gala at the Met Museum wasn’t without its fair share of controversy. And, no, I’m not talking about Madonna’s thigh-high boots and bunny ears, nor am I referring to Helena Christensen’s frock fit for figure skating, which was outfitted with crystals spelling out the aforementioned magazine’s moniker. In fact the tempest in question instead had to do with the supermodels that didn’t show up at all last night -- the result of Anna Wintour snubbing a particularly revered (not to mention Michelle Obama-approved) Parisian designer.

This spring marks the invasion of the supermodel. Just as “new nostalgia” is affecting fashion trends from the red carpet to clothing racks at Topshop (not to mention TV dinner trays at Target), the recession has likewise sparked a resurgence of interest in the seasoned supe. Take one look at high-fashion advertising campaigns for SS09 and the trend is clear: “Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista for Dsquared2, Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss for Versace, Stephanie Seymour for Valentino, Claudia Schiffer for Yves Saint Laurent, and now, Amber Valletta in a stunning campaign for Loewe,” says Fashionologie. And fashion rags are following suit.

It's sorta funny when cultures clash like, say, a Japanese cowboy (thanks Ween!). That's why I wasn't sure whether Sunday's Hermes show in Paris, loaded with a Western-wear theme, was another Bruno stunt. Turns out it was just designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, who rarely disappoints. "Jean-Paul loves women and dresses us in a feminine and very sensual way," Stephanie Seymour told Reuters. "I thought it was like a chic Pocahontas."