In a whirlwind of couture and creativity, the Met Gala 2024 unfolded its opulent gates, beckoning fashion’s elite into a realm where dreams and reality converged amidst a bloom of flowers. With the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” casting its enchanting spell, attendees embarked on a journey through the Garden of Time, where the past, present, and future intertwined in a mesmerizing tapestry of haute couture. This year’s Gala not only delved into the depths of slumber but also invited guests to wander through the verdant corridors of time, exploring the evolution of fashion with each step amidst a floral paradise.
Understanding the Theme: As the Garden of Time bloomed with resplendent beauty, the theme of the Met Gala 2024 took on new dimensions, weaving together the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty with the intricate threads of fashion history. “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” served as a call to arms for designers and attendees to breathe new life into the hallowed halls of couture, drawing inspiration from the past while embracing the ever-changing landscape of the present. Within the Garden of Time, attendees were tasked with reimagining classic silhouettes, reviving forgotten trends, and ushering in a new era of sartorial splendor amidst a lush backdrop of flowers.
Expectations from Attendees: Against the backdrop of the Garden of Time, attendees were expected to traverse the corridors of fashion history with grace and innovation amidst an abundance of flowers. From baroque ball gowns to futuristic ensembles, the red carpet became a runway where past, present, and future collided in a symphony of style amidst a sea of floral splendor. Guests were anticipated to pay homage to fashion’s luminaries of yesteryear while forging their own path toward sartorial enlightenment amidst a botanical wonderland, creating a spectacle that would transcend time itself.
Top 10 Best Dressed:
Zendaya:
As one of the esteemed co-chairs of the Met Gala 2024, Zendaya didn’t just arrive at fashion’s biggest night—she made an unforgettable statement. With elegance and creativity, Zendaya took the theme of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” to new heights, showcasing not one, but two stunning ensembles that left us in awe.
Zendaya’s first look was nothing short of enchanting. Stepping onto the red carpet, she graced us with a vision in a blue one-shoulder Maison Margiela couture gown. The gown, adorned with intricate 3D leaves and berries, seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Paired with a feathered fascinator and a Clara Bow-esque beauty look, Zendaya radiated grace and sophistication, embodying the essence of the theme from the moment she arrived.
But Zendaya had more in store for us. Just when we thought one look couldn’t possibly be enough, she returned to the red carpet hours later in a black archival gown from Givenchy’s spring 1996 couture collection. This gown, steeped in fashion history, was a testament to Zendaya’s appreciation for the timeless allure of vintage couture. Paired with a colorful bouquet-inspired headpiece designed by Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen’s spring 2007 collection, Zendaya’s second look was a breathtaking ode to the past, present, and future of fashion.
With each ensemble, Zendaya transported us through the corridors of fashion history, seamlessly blending the past with the present in a mesmerizing display of haute couture and artistry. Her presence at the Met Gala was not just a fashion moment—it was a spectacle, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of fashion history.
Jennifer Lopez:
At this year’s Met Gala, Jennifer Lopez, one of the co-hosts, captivated everyone with her impeccable red carpet appearance. Donning a stunning near-see-through gown adorned with stone embellishments by Schiaparelli couture, Lopez showcased her immaculate figure with grace and elegance.
While the attention may have been on her mesmerizing gown, Lopez’s neutral makeup and hairstyle provided a perfect balance, grounding the overall look. Drawing inspiration from a butterfly, her celebrity hairstylist Lorenzo Martin aimed for an angelic and effortless aesthetic.
Gigi Hadid:
Fully embraced the enchanting “Garden of Time” theme, stepping onto the red carpet in a captivating white off-the-shoulder gown from Thom Browne. Adorned with intricate rose detailing, the dress exuded an air of timeless elegance, perfectly complemented by Hadid’s choice of classic old Hollywood glamour—a soft up-do and rosy makeup, highlighted by a striking red lip.
Adding to the gown’s allure was its dramatic attached train, which commanded attention as it gracefully cascaded behind her. Meticulously tended to by a team of about five handlers, the train boasted additional yellow appliques, mirroring the floral motifs on the bodice. A delightful twist awaited observers: the train was ingeniously shaped in the likeness of a tuxedo jacket, complete with sleeves, adding a playful and unexpected touch to Hadid’s ensemble.
Kerry Washington:
An exquisite Oscar de la Renta velvet gown graced the red carpet, adorned in rich plum and lavender hues. The gown featured a striking suspended V neckline, lavishly embellished with delicate silk orchids cascading down the side and trailing around the train.
Lewis Hamilton:
Hamilton donned a bespoke black coat adorned with floral bullion embellishments and featured an embroidered poem titled “The Gardener” by Alex Wharton inside. He paired it with a double-breasted silk suit and Burberry Saddle Boots. For accessories, he wore yellow-diamond earrings, a diamond wrap ring, and a vintage 1960s yellow-sapphire-and-diamond ring, all curated in collaboration with Briony Raymond.
Lana Del Ray:
Del Rey rocked a stunning look inspired by Alexander McQueen’s old designs, given a modern twist by McGirr. The dress was a corseted wonder made of silk, double georgette, and tulle, with hand-embroidered bronze-bullion hawthorn branches—a tribute to Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti’s style. She topped it off with a headpiece of natural hawthorn branches draped with sheer tulle. And her accessory? A bronze Drop bag with a cute clock detail. Del Rey’s outfit perfectly blended vintage vibes with contemporary flair.
Taylor Russell:
Russell embraced the “Garden of Time” theme in a custom Loewe ensemble. Her attire featured a wood-painted bodice cast paired with an ivory skirt worn low on her hips. Adding a whimsical touch, branches were delicately brushed along her neckline and waist, infusing her look with natural charm and enchantment.
Tyla:
Stepping into the realm of fantasy, the singer sought the expertise of Balmain to bring her vision to life for the evening’s festivities. Embracing the theme of time from the Garden of Time dress code, the Balmain team crafted a mesmerizing dress for Tyla using sand as their medium—a poignant nod to the enduring sands of time.
Ayo Edebiri:
Loewe, the proud sponsor of the Met Gala, curated a flawless ensemble for her. Clad in a stunning floral column dress, she exuded elegance with its backless design. The halter-neck dress boasted intricate hand-painted and hand-embroidered floral guipure lace, adorned with 3D appliqué flowers that seemed to bloom before our eyes.
In three captivating shades of blue, the ombre ensemble embodies the essence of water nurturing a flourishing garden. The delicate crystals sprinkled along her chest resemble glistening droplets, each one of the 98,000 Swarovski crystals adorning her from head to toe, even gracing her hands and toes with their sparkling brilliance.
In the enchanting Garden of Time, the Met Gala 2024 unfolded as a spectacle of creativity and imagination, with each attendee interpreting the theme in their own unique way. From ethereal gowns adorned with intricate floral motifs to avant-garde ensembles that pushed the boundaries of fashion, the red carpet was awash with sartorial splendor. As the night drew to a close, it became clear that the magic of the Met Gala lies not only in its extravagant displays of haute couture but also in its ability to transport us to realms of fantasy and wonder. With memories of breathtaking looks and moments of sheer brilliance, the Met Gala 2024 will forever be etched in the annals of fashion history as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and imagination.
