Sandy Schreier started collecting clothes when she was four. No, really. Her father worked for the Manhattan department store Russeks and often brought his little girl to the office. His clients began giving the inquisitive child their once-worn or never-worn dresses. She intuitively knew they were works of art. Now, 15,000 pieces later—we’re talking couture and historic ready-to-wear—80 pristine gems (not rich lady gala gowns) come together in a uniquely predestined exhibition at the Met’s Costume Institute. —L.J.