The 2009 Met Gala, themed "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion," celebrated models' impact on fashion throughout the twentieth century. This theme was open to interpretation, allowing designers and attendees to express their creativity in diverse ways, resulting in a blend of avant-garde and conservative styles under one unifying concept. Spanning historical periods from 1947 to 1997, the exhibition showcased about 80 masterpieces of haute couture and ready-to-wear. Iconic figures like Lisa Fonssagrives, Dovima, Suzy Parker, and Dorian Leigh marked the Golden Age of Haute Couture, epitomized by photographers such as Irving Penn and Richard Avedon. Designers featured in the exhibition included Giorgio Armani, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Pierre Cardin, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, showcasing their works alongside the models who helped define their eras.