29 APRIL 2003
Two of the fashion world's most emblematic figures, Nicole Kidman and Gucci boss Tom Ford, co-chaired the opening of a new exhibition in New York to celebrate the history of style icons.

Aptly entitled Goddess, the new show at the Metropolitan Museum pays tribute to classicism through the ages, and quite a few of today's most stylish people came along to pay homage.

Amongst the A-List guests who attended were Kate Hudson, Diana Ross, Victoria Beckham, David Bowie and his wife Iman. The stars were entertained by performances from Diana Ross and Ashanti as they perused the selection of history's most notable designs.

The works on show included Grecian tunics from ancient times, alongside 1920s gowns by Mariano Fortuny and modern numbers by Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen. And with the inimitable Mr Ford at the helm, there were more than a few items from the Gucci stores.

"Now is a wonderful time for Goddesses" said Tom. "Women have come full circle. They are emancipated and liberated and they understand that a woman can be powerful, beautiful and feminine. This year at the Oscars there was a classical sense of female power."

The designer also created Nicole's dress especially for the evening, prompting Vogue editor Anna Wintour to comment on the Australian actress' inimitable style. "Nicole is very clear about how she likes to dress," she said. It's very personal. She has incredible height, an incredible body, she loves fashion and she is not stuck in one look."