Article by Ashley Mastronardi

I often associate the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Egyptian pyramids, campy Warhol portraits, and a great grilled chicken salad from the café near the Greek sculptures. But now superheroes are surprisingly getting recognition from the fine art world in "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" -- the Met's latest exhibit that explains how the looks of some of our favorite childhood heroes (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, among others) have influenced real world avant-garde fashion, ready-to-wear pieces, and high-performance sportswear.

As I navigated my way through groups of well-heeled fashionistas, comic book nerds, and a gaggle of NYC tourists in the exhibit this Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to find everything from Superman's classic, but somewhat risqué skintight "S" unitard -- which I learned was inspired by costumes worn by circus acrobats in the 1920's -- to a beyond vulgar (but amazing) Thierry Mugler black vinyl body suit, mask, and cape, reminiscent of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman costume in 1992's "Batman Returns." (Tons more plus pics after the jump!) Read more...