The Met Gala, perhaps the biggest fashion moment of the year, next to Paris Fashion Week of course. This year's theme: 'The Garden of Time,' a dress code that hints at this year's Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition called 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion'.
Despite the absence of Rihanna, the queen of the Met Gala, the event was another huge success this year. Check out the most striking looks from the Met Gala 2024 here.
Met Gala 2024
On Monday, May 6, 2024, the Met Gala took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The annual fundraising event raises money for the museum's Costume Institute and does so in spectacular fashion. Although the Met Gala has been held since 1946, the event did not take its current form until 1999, when Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour took over the reigns.
Wintour enforces strict housekeeping rules, and dress codes, and works with a guest list. Only the biggest celebrities are invited, and those who don't follow Wintour's rule can be banned from the event - just ask Amy Schumer or Demi Lovato.
The Met Gala is considered one of the most expensive and exclusive events in the world, and those who are invited get to do their best when arriving on the carpet.
Dress code
The dress code for the Met Gala 2024 was 'The Garden of Time,' referring to the exhibition 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion'. The exhibit showcases centuries-old clothing and accessories in a modern, technological way, breathing new life into garments. The deeper story behind the theme borrows from a dystopian story by J.G. Ballard about a rose garden.
So plenty of inspiration for a unique outfit, you might say. This year's co-chairs were Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez, and Zendaya, each of whom also appeared on the red carpet. Emma Chamberlain reported live from the red (or beige) carpet again this year.
Zendaya (times two)
Perhaps the biggest winner of the evening: Zendaya. The Challengers actress appeared on the red carpet in no less than two different outfits. The first look consisted of a Maison Margiela dress designed by John Galliano, which perfectly embraced both the theme of the exhibition and that of the dress code.
The second outfit was an archival piece from the 1996 Givenchy collection. The black dress is a piece of history and hints at this year's dress code, 'The Garden of Time'. This combined with a dramatic demolition and a large bouquet on her head made Zendaya, twice, the winner of the evening.
Bad Bunny
Another cohost who took center stage this year was Bad Bunny. At the 2023 Met Gala, the Puerto Rican singer appeared in a backless suit by Jacquemus, which, with all its flowers, would also fit this year's theme.
For this edition, Bad Bunny was seen wearing Maison Margiela with a matching hat and flowers in hand. Styled off with tabis with faux fur - too much? I don't think so.
The Jenner's and Kardashians
Because you can't write a Met Gala article without mentioning the Jenner's and Kardashians. Despite not having the entire family (plus entourage) in attendance this year, the three who were there, Kim, Kylie, and Kendall, certainly stood out. Kylie appeared in an elegant, off-white Oscar de la Renta dress with a torso à la Madonna from the 90s.
Kim Kardashian is not afraid to cause some controversy on the red carpet, think the 2021 Met Gala or her 2022 Marilyn Monroe dress. This year, Kim appeared in a dramatic Maison Margiela dress paired with a gray cardigan. A look we didn't expect from the woman, but maybe that's why it's so good.
Kendall Jenner wore a never-before-worn vintage couture dress designed by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy. The 1999 dress is covered in more than 100,000 black and copper beads and sequins, each of which is hand-tied. Whether it's a perfect match for the dress code, maybe not necessarily. But what a dress.
Harris Reed in Harris Reed
Designer and creative director of Nina Ricci, Harris Reed appeared on the red carpet this year in his own design. Reed is known for his colorful and gender-fluid designs, as seen in his look this year. The designer arrived alongside actress Demi Moore, who also wore one of his custom designs.
The extravagant jumpsuit features a bird print all over the design, combined with a halo above the head. Perhaps the best representation of the theme this year.
Tyla
'Water' singer Tyla made her debut on the gala red carpet this year, and with success. Unlike the majority of attendees, Tyla did not go for the obvious floral theme. The singer appeared in a close-fitting 'Sands of Time' dress designed by Balmain. The dress used sand from head to toe, and even her bag was the perfect nod to the theme. The sand beads on her shoulders completed the look.
Lana Del Ray is back
Lana Del Ray made her comeback this year, after the singer's extended absence from the Met Gala. The singer appeared in a 2006 Alexander McQueen dress designed by Seán McGirr. The dress has something fairy-tale-like and looks like it could have been designed by Tim Burton, who is known for his stark films.
The outfit consists of a corset of silk, double georgette and tulle that served as a headpiece until branches. In short, the perfect match with Lana Del Ray.
Jeremy Strong
Succession actor Jeremy Strong shows red carpet after red carpet that he knows exactly what he's doing. In 2022, Strong made his debut at the Met Gala and has been renowned for his personal style ever since. With his outfit for the 2024 Met Gala, Strong confirms yet again his outstanding taste.
The actor wore a floral-decorated suit designed by Loro Piana. The outfit was accompanied by a matching earring and the wafer-thin Richard Mille RM UP-01 watch. The watch, which by the way is also very popular with Pharrell Williams, is considered the world's thinnest watch and has a thickness of only 1.75 mm.
An outfit Kendall Roy would have approved of.
Mona Patel
Businesswoman Mona Patel made her red carpet debut this year and immediately made an unforgettable impression. Patel was seen in a breathtaking dress designed by Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, a designer known for her innovative and dynamic designs that often use technological elements.
Patel's dress is no exception. The creation comes with moving butterflies on the sleeve, a long slouch and gold embroidered details all over the design. Just when you think the Dutch designer's creations can't get any better, van Herpen manages to surprise you again.
Taylor Russel in LOEWE
Actress Taylor Russel made her highly anticipated debut on the carpet this year. Spanish haute couture brand LOEWE was this year's brand ambassador and consequently provided many of the attendees' outfits. Russel had been with LOEWE for a long time, opening the spring show in 2023. She has been a familiar face at the brand ever since.
So the fact that the actress made her debut in LOEWE was no surprise to anyone. The outfit consisted of a flower-painted, wooden corset with a draped skirt underneath. Maybe not everyone's favorite, but for me the perfect look.
Gigi Hadid
Unlike her sister Bella Hadid, Gigi was in attendance this year. The Hadid sisters are both known for their extravagant looks at the gala, think Gigi's puffy dress from 2022 or Bella's leather Chrome Hearts look from 2018. For this year, Gigi knocked on the door of designer Thom Browne.
The model wore an off-the-shoulder corset dress with exaggerated hips, under a silk moiré coat. According to Vogue, Gigi's dress took about 13,500 hours to make. Across the design are yellow roses, each hand embroidered. An impressive feat of craftsmanship that looks perfect on Gigi.
Elle Fanning
Finally, Elle Fanning's look should not be missing from the list. The actress appeared in a see-through dress by Balmain suspiciously reminiscent of water fountains from fairy tale gardens. The dress appears to be held by glass birds fluttering over Fanning's shoulders. A playful and beautiful look.
See you next year
Since there are over 250 attendees parading down the red carpet at the Met Gala 2024, making a small selection is virtually impossible. So if your favorite is not among them, apologies. Should you be interested in all of this year's looks, check out Vogue's red carpet photos here.
We can say that this Met Gala was another great success, even without the presence of icons like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky and Billie Eilish. Anna Wintour, thank you so much!