The theme for the Met Gala 2024, titled "Garden of Time," transported attendees to a fantastical realm that came to life on Monday night as supermodels, actors, athletes, billionaires, influencers, and other guests ascended the iconic red carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. With the dress code interpreted in a myriad of ways, the event showcased a diverse array of styles, each reflecting the theme's essence. The exhibition, curated by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, featured around 250 pieces from the Costume Institute’s collection spanning centuries, all connected by nature-inspired iconography, symbolizing the fleeting nature of fashion. With nods to the natural world and the concept of time, designers, guests, makeup artists, and hairstylists embraced the theme, resulting in head-to-toe creativity on the bustling red carpet. Below, we highlight those whose originality and vision truly stood out, capturing the essence of the "Garden of Time" theme. For a closer look at the fashion from the Met Gala 2024 red carpet, revisit the event's outfits and looks here, and discover who made the best-dressed list.
Alia Bhatt:
Alia Bhatt graced the Met Gala 2024 in a breathtaking custom-designed Sabyasachi sari, meticulously crafted to embody the event's theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." Styled by her trusted fashion advisor, Anaita Shroff Adajania, the mint green sari was adorned with genuine gemstones and boasted a remarkable 23-foot train. The creation of this ethereal masterpiece involved the dedicated efforts of 163 craftsmen, spanning a total of 1905 man hours. To complement the stunning ensemble, Bhatt accessorized with pieces from the Sabyasachi High Jewellery’s Bengal Royal collection, featuring tourmalines, sapphires, emeralds, and a dazzling array of old mine cut and brilliant cut EF VVS diamonds.
Nicki Minaj:
Nicki Minaj fully embraced the garden theme of the Met Gala this year, quite literally becoming a part of it. She donned a vibrant yellow Marni minidress adorned with an assortment of 3D flowers embellishing her hips, shoulders, and chest. Completing the look, Minaj opted for matching yellow pumps and carried a small, shimmering yellow bag.
Zendaya:
Zendaya made a striking entrance at the Met Gala, embodying the blend of 19th-century romance and modernity synonymous with designer Galliano. Her first ensemble, a custom emerald green and electric blue gown, subtly echoed the gala’s theme of “The Garden of Time.” Crafted from organza and sage-hued lamé, the gown featured hand-painted metallic details, an aluminum and iridescent organza drape, and a hand-embroidered corsage. Completing the look, Zendaya wore a hat by Stephen Jones for Maison Margiela, adorned with a hand-painted veil and stockings, while sporting custom Tabi pumps by Christian Louboutin for Maison Margiela.
For her second look, Zendaya opted for a vintage Givenchy couture piece from 1996, consisting of a billowing black skirt and train paired with an off-the-shoulder, period-style long-sleeve top. Adding a whimsical touch, she adorned her head with a bouquet of red, white, pink, and yellow roses, their stems gracefully extending to the side. With each ensemble, Zendaya captivated with her impeccable style and attention to detail, cementing her status as a fashion icon.
Kim Kardashian:
Kim Kardashian made a statement at the Met Gala with an unexpected addition to her ensemble—a cardigan. Her Maison Margiela Couture gown boasted a corset and metal bodice, covered at the top by a gray sweater she held bunched up for photos. The sheer Margiela by John Galliano dress featured a lace train adorned with leaves and floral accents. Kardashian's icy bleach-blonde hair complemented the silver tones of her dress, while her natural waves and subtle makeup, including shimmery silver eyeshadow, added a touch of understated elegance. The highlight of her look was undoubtedly the silver corset, accentuating her remarkably tiny waist. Despite the striking attire, Kardashian required assistance navigating the steps due to the dress's constriction.
Gigi Hadid:
Gigi Hadid donned a signature Browne ensemble, featuring a white off-the-shoulder corset dress accentuated with exaggerated hips. Layered beneath was a white silk moiré coat adorned with black duchesse satin tipping and adorned with 3D yellow roses. The meticulous attention to detail was evident, with the entire outfit crafted entirely by hand by a team of over 70 individuals, totaling more than 13,500 hours. Following the Met Gala, this exceptional creation will be preserved in Browne's permanent archive.
Irina Shayk:
Embracing the current sheer trend, Irina Shayk graces the Met Gala in a stunning full-length dress composed entirely of a Swarovski crystal-embellished invisible net. Crafted meticulously by six artisans, the dress required over 200 hours of labor. The scoop-neck tank dress is elegantly accessorized with a choker and stacks of bracelets adorning each wrist. Shayk's waist is accentuated by a rhinestone-encrusted corset, finished with a ribbon that elegantly grazes the floor.
Jennifer Lopez:
JLo made a dazzling entrance at the Met Gala, staying true to her iconic bombshell style. She graced the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a breathtaking sheer gown adorned with rhinestones and silver pearls. Designed by Daniel Roseberry, the custom Schiaparelli haute couture piece featured a dramatic sculptural neckline with branchlike elements extending to the sides. The gown was draped and slit at the front with illusion tulle, boasting a train that elegantly pooled around her feet. Crafted with over 2.5 million silver foil bugles and beads, the strapless sheath gown required over 800 hours of hand embroidery to create.
J.Lo accessorized the ensemble with silky champagne peep-toe heels, a striking diamond necklace shaped like a bird, diamond bracelets and drop earrings, a silky envelope clutch, and a chic messy topknot. Embracing the theme of "The Garden of Time," inspired by the Costume Institute's exhibition "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," Lopez opted for blush makeup, perfectly suited for the springtime occasion.
Kendall Jenner:
Jenner made fashion history by becoming the first person to wear a Givenchy haute couture look from McQueen's fall 1999 collection. This particular collection was exclusively presented on mannequins and never showcased on the runway. Jenner's ensemble, preserved in the Givenchy archives since its debut, will return there after her wear tonight. Describing it as a "sleeping beauty," Jenner expressed her deep honor at being entrusted to wear it.
Given the dress's impeccable condition, no alterations were permitted, leading to an anxious moment of truth regarding its fit. Jenner was relieved to find that it fit her perfectly, feeling as though it was destined for her. The dress, constructed from nude and black tulle, is adorned with over 100,000 black and brass beads and sequins, meticulously hand-embroidered over 500 hours. Its waist cutouts, regal sculptural collar, and shoulders not only showcase impressive craftsmanship but also elevate it to the status of a true masterpiece.
Jonathan Bailey:
Jonathan Bailey, known for his roles in Fellow Travelers and Bridgerton, made a stylish return to the Met Gala. The actor graced the green carpet in a personalized Loewe ensemble, showcasing a double-breasted white suit jacket. Adding a unique twist, Bailey opted for an oversized floral embellishment instead of the traditional tie or bowtie. This marks his second appearance at the prestigious event; last year, Bailey opted for a classic Tom Ford tuxedo, featuring a velvet blazer complemented by a floral leaf brooch.
Lana Del Rey:
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Lana Del Rey's final red-carpet appearance exuded a sense of gothic romance. The star graced the event in an Alexander McQueen ensemble, paying tribute to the house's iconic Fall/Winter 2006 "Widows of Culloden" show. Her signature gown, adorned with a striking headpiece and delicate tulle veil, captured the essence of the theme. Del Rey's glam perfectly complemented her ensemble, embodying her personal interpretation of the evening's ambiance. This ethereal look resembled a dreamlike vision of fragility and beauty, evoking the romantic essence of the gothic era. With waist-length waves elegantly intertwined within a stunning headpiece of fawn-tiered tulle draped over embellished branches, Del Rey's appearance exuded an aura of ethereal poetry and timeless elegance.
In conclusion, the Met Gala 2024's theme, "Garden of Eden," provided a captivating backdrop for celebrities to showcase their creativity and style on the red carpet. From ethereal gowns adorned with floral embellishments to avant-garde interpretations of nature's beauty, each ensemble transported attendees and viewers alike to a world of enchantment and wonder. As we reflect on the breathtaking fashion moments from the event, it's evident that the Met Gala continues to serve as a beacon of innovation and inspiration in the world of haute couture. With each year's theme sparking new avenues of artistic expression, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Met Gala's illustrious history of fashion-forward extravagance.
