Impressionism, Fashion & Modernity @ MET

Ladies, this is a show to see & enjoy with your girlfriends.  What could be more divine than seeing some of the most beautiful Impressionist's paintings, from a luxurious languid time period, with a fashion focus?  A live fashioin show you say?  Sorry, if you missed out on the fun of the recent fashion shows @ Lincoln Center, but don't miss the opportunity to revel in the fashions from the mid-1860's-1880's, predominately in Paris, with America following on the heels of  French la mode fashion.  Speaking of heels, there are shoes, gloves fans, parasols & chapeaus on display in addition to period costumes that bespeak of a time of milinary and soutache braiding that alas is a dying art form.  (Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie almost buried any chance for the comeback of donning hats.)   Of course, the artworks of the Master Impressionist Painters are simply breathtaking & will wisk you away to time of elegance, extravagance and sheer beauty.  Degas, Manet Morisot, Tissot  are a few of the great French Impressionists whose art is on display.  American is represented too with paintings by Whistler & Cassott and vintage American dresses (thankfully the American corset and bustle gave way  to sensible modernity.)  The attention to detail in the paintings captures the sensual textures of the fabrics.  I was captivated by Tissot's "Evening" & Beraud's "A Ball."  Men's fashions in paintings & period pieces (loved the top hats) held a minor place in the show.  This show is a diva's delight. Gentlemen who escort their ladies will garner bonus points.