Night Of 1000 Gowns 2012

Last night I attended the Imperial Court Of New York's 26th Annual Night Of 1000 Gowns, which this year benefited PFLAG and New Alternatives. Swirling amidst all of the winking pomp and circumstance were empresses, emperors, duchesses, dukes, viscountesses, dowager empresses, and probably a dozen other royalty titles unknown to me. Also in the room were 100% of all the rhinestones and tiaras to be found in North America. The evening began with a strangely touching video welcome from the Empress Norton, the 90 year-old founder of the Imperial Court systems.

Among the bold-face names in attendance were MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, Olympian Johnny Weir, silver fox actor Gerald McCullough, comedian Lisa Lampanelli, comedian/singer Lea DeLaria, gossip kingpin Michael Musto, radio host Elvis Duran, and designer Richie Rich. Also schmoozing the grand ballroom of Time Square's Marriott Marquis were cast members from various gay and not-gay reality shows, including one diva from the upcoming Real Housewives Of Vancouver who wanted photo approval on my shots.

Above is a snap of the grand finale, taken by Andrew Werner. Below is my slideshow, where you'll find lots of handsome faces and the biggest hairdos and the most delightfully bizarre costumes this side of Beach Blanket Babylon. Full-screen photos are here.