New York., May 1 2006 – “Who’s the guy?” was the question buzzing through the scores of journalists lining the steps of the Metropolitan Museum, as Sienna Miller made her way into the Costume Institute Gala. Her date was young, good looking, and he wasn’t Jude Law; he was Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey, and co-chaired the gala along with Miller and Anna Wintour.

Sienna didn’t bring along another date, but some ladies doubled up, confusing us. Poor Josh Hartnett came to the gala alone, and left alone, but his other half, Scarlett Johansson, had designer Stella McCartney on her arm all evening. (And that dress didn’t do Scarlett any favors. We also heard Scarlett tell Kim Basinger that she’s a big fan, so we’d recommend that Josh Hartnett look into a prenup if they get hitched.)

The pirate with Charlize Theron was Dior’s John Galliano, and her beau, Stuart Townsend, was somewhere in the vicinity, since we did run into Stuart later. Sarah Jessica Parker, Angie Harmon and Liv Tyler each brought a designer and simply left their men at home.

The exhibition in the museum’s Costume Institute is called AngloMania, and it celebrates British fashion, complete with Sex Pistols punk rock costumes. We’ve always loved the Brits: they’re so much fun, and so the gala had a lighthearted feel this time, even featuring Old Speckled Hen, an English beer. And, of course, co-chair Sienna Miller is a ball of fire, and she told us at the end of the evening that though she had a good time, she had been nervous.

Kate Moss wore pants, and avoided reporters, for some reason. Ditto for Naomi Campbell, who managed to get through the evening without throwing anything at anybody.

The dinner cost $5,000 per person, but you can see AngloMania for quite a bit less through Sept. 4, 2006.