“The M.V.P.,” photographed by Steven Meisel, originally appeared in the September 2005 issue of Vogue.

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High-performance day dresses and suits are fall’s most powerful pieces—taking you smoothly from summer into September. With some skilled help from the New York MetroStars, Gisele Bündchen scores one for the team.

PLAYING THE FIELD
A sixties-inspired A-line minidress blends modernist function with minimalist style. THIS PAGE: Fendi scarlet stretch-jersey dress, $1,500; (800) FENDI-NY for stores. Hogan black-and-gold lace-up sneakers.

PLAYING THE FIELD
Michael Kors black zipper dress, $1,495; Bergdorf Goodman; Saks Fifth Avenue. Jean Paul Gaultier tank, $95; Jean Paul Gaultier, Las Vegas. Bulgari watch. Y-3 Velcro sneakers.

DIVE!
It’s a simple formula for workwear—free-spirited and truly carefree. Oscar de la Renta crimson silk-faille pleated dress with bow-tied belt, $2,900; Saks Fifth Avenue.
Sportmax cotton scoop-neck dress, $720; (866) MAX-MARA for stores.

CITY SPORT
Marc Jacobs black-and-fuchsia pleated dress ($2,500), black-and-wine tee ($845), snap belt ($198); marcjacobs.com for stores.

Black is back (alone or in a bold two-tone combo). Ralph Lauren Collection sleeveless dress, $2,198; polo.com for stores. Michael Kors wide leather buckle belt. Y-3 metallic sneakers.

NICE CATCH!
The tight pencil-skirt look is also a strong contender; a monochrome jewel tone keeps it sleek. Roland Mouret cobalt-blue dress with bustled waist, $2,016; net-a-porter.com.
Dolce & Gabbana wool jacket with astrakhan trim and A-line skirt with cream trim, $3,490; Saks Fifth Avenue. Jean Paul Gaultier blue striped mock-neck, $120; Jean Paul Gaultier, Las Vegas.

JUMPSTART
Work hard, play harder—the elbow-length sleeve is both proper and perky. Louis Vuitton taupe Empire dress ($1,538) and gold mesh belt; vuitton.com for stores. Adidas red-and-white sneakers.
Chanel white knit dress with military trim and bronze buttons, $3,345; (800) 550-0005 for stores.

I’M NOT YOUR SOCCER MOM
A structured box collar is the season’s bold new neckline. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière Deco-graphic dress with pleated chiffon skirt, $4,435; (888) 8-BARNEYS.
Calvin Klein Collection navy jacket with mink hood ($3,885) and pencil skirt ($1,065); Calvin Klein, NYC. Moschino purple-and-white pinstriped shirt, $485; Barneys New York.

THINK FAST
Don’t overlook the very youthful but still elegant Empire waist. Miu Miu black-and-eggplant dress with embroidered top, $1,960; (888) 977-1900 for stores.
Dior by John Galliano black-and-white oversized V-neck sweater; (800) 929-DIOR for stores.

KICK IT
Go for a sequin-embellished cocktail dress: It’s autumn’s trophy look. Pictured: Prada purple dress with beading; (888) 977-1900 for stores.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the event where Gisele Bndchen stepped onto the field with the New York MetroStars

BeginnerLevel Questions

Q What exactly happened at this event
A Supermodel Gisele Bndchen walked onto the field before a New York MetroStars soccer game in 2002 She was there to promote the team and the sport

Q Was Gisele playing in the game
A No she wasnt playing She was a celebrity guest who helped kick off the match and posed for photos with the players

Q Why was this such a big deal
A At the time MLS wasnt very popular Having a huge international star like Gisele helped get the team a lot of media attention

Q Did she do anything special on the field
A Yes she famously kicked a soccer ball into the stands as a souvenir for a fan which was a big moment for the crowd

Q Who are the New York MetroStars
A They were the original New York team in Major League Soccer They later changed their name to the New York Red Bulls in 2006

AdvancedLevel Questions

Q Why did the MetroStars choose Gisele Bndchen for this promotion
A The team wanted to cross over into pop culture and fashion to attract a wider nontraditional soccer audience Gisele was one of the most famous models in the world at the time making her a perfect choice for a highprofile event

Q Did this event have any lasting impact on the team or MLS
A It was a memorable publicity stunt that showed MLS was trying to brand itself as a mainstream entertainment option It helped pave the way for future celebrity endorsements and partnerships in the league

Q Was Gisele paid for her appearance
A Yes she was reportedly paid a significant appearance fee though the exact amount was not officially disclosed It was considered a major marketing expense for the team

Q How did the soccer fans react to her being there