Steve Granitz/WireImage.comThe countdown is on in New York City.
In just a couple of hours or so, George Clooney and Julia Roberts will join fashion legend Giorgio Armani and Vogue editrix Anna Wintour to host this year’s Costume Institute gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
And I got a bunch o’ gossip goodies for you about the big star-studded, fashionista-packed evening:
While I had originally heard that Madonna was going to be sitting at Wintour's table, Madge's rep says that ain't possible: "She's in Paris doing a big show tomorrow night."
Mariah Carey will also be a no-show. I'm told she canceled last week as soon she and Nick Cannon said their I do's.
Meanwhile, I hear megastars like Clooney, along with girlfriend Sarah Larson, David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and designer and Beatles scion Stella McCartney are staying at the Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side. And just minutes ago, I'm told, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and baby Suri, as well as Tom Ford walked into the posh hotel.
As for Clooney, his after-party at Amy Sacco’s Bungalow 8 is the invite to have tonight. Only 100 people have been invited to the superexclusive bash, a source reports.
Tell that to stylist Rachel Zoe, who you may have heard was disinvited from the Met Gala after she boasted in the press that she thought she was more powerful in the fashion world than Wintour. Zoe, however, is still said to be styling Cameron Diaz and Eva Mendes for the big shebang.
Wintour is looking more favorably on sports figures, like football star Eli Manning, who may show up with his wife of just about two weeks, Abby McGrew. And Andy Roddick is coming with his fiancée, Brooklyn Decker.
Ms. Julia Roberts will be wearing—what else—Armani. I hear she was in fittings for many hours over the last few days. Her jewels? Probably from her pal, Cathy Waterman. I just got word that Beyoncé may be attending and wearing Mr. Armani, too.
The Olsen twins will be sitting with Diane Von Furstenberg, while Marc Jacobs will be bringing his muse, director Sofia Coppola, who will likely be wearing jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpel.
Chanel will be dressing Kate Bosworth, Thandie Newton, Audrey Tautou and Ms. Wintour.
Dolce & Gabbana will get their hands on Sex and the City hottie Jason Lewis, David Bowie, Iman and Scarlett Johansson.
And while I’m sure Johansson’s gown will be crazy fab, all eyes will be on her left hand, looking for an engagement ring. She and her beau Ryan Reynolds announced their engagement this morning. But don’t go looking for at least one half of the happy couple on tonight’s red carpet. Reynolds can’t make it, because he’ll be working.
Come on, Ryan, call in sick! We wanna hear all about the proposal.