The Costume Institute of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is currently playing host to a spectacular exhibition entitled “Wild: Fashion Untamed”. Its purpose, according to the organizers, is “exploration of animalism in clothing,” tracing the controversial subject of fashion using feathers and fur over the years - ever since the beauties of Egypt drew the leopard skin ornament over the unbleached cloth and up to present.

Celebrities like Beyonce Knowles along fellow Destiny’s Child performers Kelly and Michelle, arrived at the opening bash last Monday. Among others invited were Lenny Kravitz, appearing with daughter Zoe and actress Julianne Moore, donning a black fur stole according to the occasion.

Surprisingly to many, the activist group People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals approved of the show, because it takes a balanced look at the animal rights dispute.

“It very much signals a change in the way we are trying to change fashion from within the industry rather than from the outside,” said the group’s spokesman Michael McGraw. “We’re hoping that by presenting both sides of the issue, people will come away from the exhibit realising sensibilities have changed in modern times and there’s no reason to continue wearing fur and other animal skins.”

The exhibition features designs created by Jean Paul Gaultier, Rudi Gernreich, John Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler and Roberto Cavalli as well as some of the famous Movie Costumes including the famous catsuit donned by Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns and leather and lambskin bikini sported by Raquel Welch in One Million Years BC.

The exhibition will continue through March 13.

Photo: R&B singer Beyonce who attended the opening bash last Monday