Brevity is the Soul of Wit. Take it from Meryl Streep. At Thursday’s The Devil Wears Prada 2 cocktail and auction, the acclaimed actress took to the stage and delivered succinct yet brilliant remarks.

“I hope you all wore you deepest-pocketed pants, and you’re in the most generous spirit,” Streep said. “In the sense of fun, let’s spend it before they all take it away.”

The guests loved it. So did we.

It was a perfect evening with wardrobe looks on display for the live auction – including the tasseled Dries von Noten jacket, for example, and a signed print of the Annie Leibovitz photograph that made the Vogue cover featuring Streep – aka Miranda Priestly – and the thinly-veiled inspiration for the character, ie. Dame Anna Wintour.

Proceeds of the auction benefit the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the CFDA. The online auction—conceived of and supported by Meryl Streep—will take place through September 15 on Christie’s website and will feature apparel, accessories, and jewelry.

Place your bids now!

Pictured: Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt at Christie’s New York.