Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis attends the 1977 Met Gala, “Vanity Fair: A Treasure Trove,” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Diana Vreeland, legendary editor in chief of Vogue, left the magazine in 1972 and became a consultant for the Costume Institute until 1989.  She created glamorous affairs, attracting the New York social elite as well as personalities of the art and fashion worlds. The gala became the party of the year. (In 1995 the torch was passed to Anna Wintour. A ticket now costs $75,000.) I was invited to the 1977 gathering, held on December 12, and captured Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in her Valentino gown, Bianca Jagger in a gold lame dress designed by her escort, Halston, and many more of  the 500 invited guests. A ticket cost $200.