Being the big fashion fiend I am, I was very interested to see what the Rock exhibit at the Met’s Costume Institute was all about. As I walked through the Egyptian wing and downstairs towards the exhibit, the initial sight was an assault to my senses. It seemed strangely out of place, more like a discotheque than a museum exhibit, with dimmed lights and colored strobes. A large Saturday crowd bustled around the glass encased mannequins, showcasing stage costumes from Mick Jagger, Cher, Elvis, The Beatles and many others.

I figured I’d start from the east end of the gallery, which was tricky among all those people. Artists’ wardrobes were paired up strategically, like Lenny Kravitz’ retro wear next to Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison’s get-ups. Among the first garments I saw included... Beck’s white cotton suit? Tori Amos’ silvery jumper? Not to knock the musical integrity of Beck or Tori Amos or even Lauryn Hill (whose denim jacket was in the mix), but I hardly found a reason to put them in the show.

There was a very witchy black panne velvet and silk chiffon dress that belonged to Stevie Nicks; it looked like something out of the Gypsy Moon catalog. Alongside were Janis Joplin’s babydoll dress and an ivory shawl embroidered with pink flowers and Mama Cass’ mumus.

The Beatles’ clothing on display were their 1963 suits from their first American appearance on Ed Sullivan and their satin Sgt. Pepper suits. Garishly paired next to the Beatles was the icon of American tacky; the glittery array of Elvis’ jumpsuits, a rhinestone studded jacket and lamé everything!

Next to George Clinton’s rabbit and fox fur jacket and Bootsy Collins’ tie dyed leather, some of the rap/black artists’ clothing included some yummy vinyl. I could have probably seen something like it on someone at Click and Drag, like TLC’s strappy vinyl outfits from one of their recent videos or Janet Jackson’s purple vinyl jumpsuit and overcoat, designed by Body Worship.

Some things that were glaringly absent were items such as Michael Jackson’s glove or anything from Boy George for that matter. The major highlights of this exhibit included Prince’s purple lurex jacket a la Purple Rain, Kiss’ stage costumes from their 1997 tour (recreations of the infamous costumes that graced many a lunchbox in the late 1970’s), Devo’s jumpsuit, Madonna’s clothing (including her gold Gaultier bustier and wedding dress from the 1984 MTV video awards), and David Bowie’s clothes, from his Ziggy Stardust era to his Thin White Duke.

The argument that arises is what makes a wardrobe exhibit-worthy? Frankly, I really came to see David Bowie’s Union Jack frockcoat and his Ziggy Stardust attire; I think a whole show could have easily been created around him.

The attendees displayed their own cultural ineptitude with their often overheard comments that ranged from funny to garrishly ignorant. They just didn’t get it! A couple behind me while looking at a razorblade covered dress worn by Debbie Harry stated, “Gee it must keep the fans away. Imagine trying to give her a hug?” I mean, come on! They totally misinterpreted the context that these were not street clothes but a bond to the rock stars’ “larger than life” persona that they exude while performing.

But hey, what can you expect from a show sponsored by Tommy Pull-My-Finger?