Victoria Beckham was a notable absentee at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York last night.

As the cream of American society turned out for the biggest fashion event this side of the Oscars, A-listers donned their finest couture to hit the red carpet.

But Posh, who might have been tempted to showcase her own designs, elected to stay home in LA with her injured husband, David, and their three sons.

Going coastal: Victoria Beckham was spotted at LAX airport in Los Angeles yesterday after spending the weekend with her family

But it wasn't long before the 36-year-old was off again, arriving at LAX Airport on Monday evening for a flight to London.

The mother-of-three looked chic in a pair of black cropped trousers and sleeveless top from Goat and obligatory killer heels and sunglasses from her own autumn/winter 10 collection as she strutted through the terminal.

The former Spice Girl has dramatically reduced her jet set lifestyle in recent weeks after David's leg injury in March.

Well heeled: Beckham was jetting off again after spending the weekend at home in Beverly Hills with her family

With David now back in California after his loan to AC Milan ending abruptly and being ruled out of the World Cup, the Beckhams have been revelling in the opportunity to spend more time together.

Last week, the couple spent several days in New York together, where they took in some art galleries and shopping.

David also appeared on daytime show The View and The Late Show With David Letterman.

During his appearance on The View - the U.S. version of Loose Women - David insisted there was no truth to the rumours the Beckhams were leaving the U.S.

Absent: Victoria in Marc Jacobs at the 2009 Met Costume Institute Gala (left) and in Armani with husband David at the 2008 event

He said: 'We hear that every week. We love England, it's where we was [sic] brought up, London is where we're both from, but this is a new phase of our life that we're really enjoying.

'We've lived in Los Angeles now for three years and we're so happy there.