Jennifer Siebel. Photo: Drew Altizer

Though I risk offending a few dozen ladies and their proud partners, I must point out that there is just one woman who clearly took the “prize” (if there were such a thing) of Best Dressed at the San Francisco Opera gala on Friday evening — Jennifer Siebel. It wasn’t just a case of a beautiful woman in a beautiful slinky gown (she wore Maggie Norris), but it was also that she radiated such vitality, confidence and joy.

Newsom and Siebel, photo: Laura Morton for sfgate.com

Jennifer’s youthful, energetic appearance, with beau Gavin Newsom at her side, really defined a new moment for the previously staid opera opening — one where a sexy, young, glamorous crowd has taken center stage. Of course the old guard was still there (they pay the bills, afterall!), but to keep the institution alive it needs the support of new people.

But while it’s nice to see everyone looking so glam, one is disappointed that the glammest of them all was a no-show. Vanessa Getty, where are you?

Here, from Drew Altizer, scenes from the red carpet, 2008 (and by the way, don’t miss the fabulous video coverage of the evening by SFgate.com):

Shell Cardon, in vintage Bill Blass

Serge and Tatiana Sorokko

Kimberly Bini, in vintage I. Magnin

Amber Marie Bently, in Emanuel Ungaro

Susan Kulick

Goretti Lo Lui in Walter Mah

Isha Abdullah in Emanuel Ungaro

Charlot Malin in Balenciaga

Jennifer Siebel, Kimberly Bini, Kimberly Bakker

Marybeth La Motte and Cheryl Baxter (gala co-chairs)

Sobia Shaikh

Dianne Taube

(And maybe she’s not as young as the others, but Jeannik Mequet Littlefield is absolutely divine!)

• Further Photos: Drew Altizer [drewaltizer.com]