"on the fifth day of May...."

The Battle won over the French on May 5th, 1862
part of a painting by Patricio Ramos Ortega

Have you been wondering why your local bars and groceries have been decking their halls with brightly colored paper sombreros, Corona paraphernalia and Chili Pepper Lights? Well, don't be alarmed -- It's just Cinco De Mayo! An American tradition (much like the Irish cousin St. Patty's Day) to indulge in some Mexican fare, consume far too much alcohol and celebrate with plenty of fanfare! Andale!

Funnily enough my Mexican friends tell me that the holiday is celebrated far more in America than in Mexico. Of course, it is an observance, but of what ... I'm sure many couldn't tell you. As it turns out, this day commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army defeated, in seemingly impossible odds, the French from conquering the state of Puebla. So, there it is!

In other news, this day also marks the birth date of my oldest and dearest friend. Photographer/Writer/Creator, Ms. Erin Carey. Joyeux Anniversaire!!! So, in her honor and in honor of my Mexican allies, I shall celebrate! Enjoy!

The Women ... And The Men.

The Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute benefit was last night. As usual the fashion set turned out a good show. In the past couple years, celebrities and society doyennes have chosen a mixed bag of full on ball gowns and saucy cocktail attire. This mix is especially pleasing to me, as it allows each attendant to express his or her own point-of-view and style. This year's gala and exhibition is themed

American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.

Ms. Wintour was joined by Gap's Patrick Robinson and Oprah Winfrey as co-chairs.

Below is my selection of the night's best dressed.

Photos from Style.com and Vogue.com. Merci!

Tom Ford ... Well, because he's Tom Ford !

The adorable Tina Fey, in YSL.

Rachel Weisz, in Oscar de la Renta.

Naomi Watts, in Stella McCartney, and Liev Schreiber, in Tom Ford.

Melissa George, in J. Mendel

Anne Hathaway and Kate Bosworth, both in Valentino

Kiki Dunst, in Rodarte for Gap

The ever chic Lauren Santo Domingo, in Proenza Schouler.

The flawlessly French Marion Cotillard, in Christian Dior

Zac Posen with Doutzen Kroes, in his design.

Anna Wintour, in Chanel Haute Couture, with Bee Shaffer, in Balenciaga Edition.

Amber Valletta, in RM by Roland Mouret.

Demi Moore, in Lanvin.

Diane Kruger, in Calvin Klein Collection