The Met Gala, a major fashion event, made a comeback in 2024 with an exclusive theme called “The Garden of Time.” This theme, inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story, urged attendees to embrace the idea of temporary beauty and the passing of time. Many famous personalities embraced the theme and showcased breathtaking looks that captured its essence.
1. Nicole Kidman
ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East News, ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East News, © Laura Blanchard / Flickr, © CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
Nicole Kidman honored fashion history at the Met Gala by donning a stunning Balenciaga outfit crafted by Demna Gvasalia. The dress, influenced by a 1950s design by CristĂłbal Balenciaga, showcased a white silk bustier and a flared skirt embellished with black silk organza to resemble feathers.
The initial dress was inspired by the frilly dresses worn by flamenco dancers, paying homage to Balenciaga's Spanish roots. Kidman mentioned that she asked Demna to give it a new interpretation, comparing the transformed piece to a revived “Sleeping Beauty.”
Kidman's outfit at the Met Gala perfectly embodied the theme of honoring fashion's past and celebrating its modern evolution, expressing gratitude to the artisans who preserve couture.
2. Zendaya
Zendaya stunned everyone at the Met Gala on May 6, 2024, with her incredible fashion sense. She wore two stunning outfits that perfectly captured the theme of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Her ensembles were intricate and breathtaking, showcasing her fashion prowess.
Zendaya made a remarkable comeback at the Met Gala after a five-year break. As a co-chair, she wore a breathtaking Maison Margiela gown designed by John Galliano. The dress featured intricate details such as black, blue, and green tulle, as well as delicate berries and leaves on her waist. To enhance her appearance, Zendaya opted for dramatic smoky eyes and maroon lipstick. She completed the ensemble with stunning bird earrings and an impressive feather fascinator.
Zendaya wowed everyone with not just one, but two stunning outfits at the event. The second look was a black gown with a corseted top, flowing train, and a lovely floral headpiece. Designed by Rita Watnick, this Victorian-inspired ensemble perfectly captured the essence of the occasion and reflected Zendaya's fashion-forward style.
3. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez's Met Gala outfit was inspired by the enchanting allure of butterflies. It perfectly embodied the theme of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” by showcasing a stunning transformation, much like how a butterfly emerges in all its splendor. Lopez's attire symbolized a revival of fashion and individual style.
Lopez's confidence and strength shone through in the nearly transparent gown with stone embellishments, striking a perfect balance between boldness and grace, reminiscent of a butterfly's transformative journey.
Lopez's hairdresser, Lorenzo Martin, explained more about the inspiration for her hairstyle, highlighting a “angelic” and “fresh” makeover. By adding texture and paying attention to soft, face-framing sections, Martin expertly connected the butterfly theme and brought a touch of heavenly beauty to Lopez's entire look.
4. Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny made a bold statement at the 2024 Met Gala, honoring Sleeping Beauty and his Puerto Rican roots with a carefully designed outfit. The talented artist showcased a timeless blue shirt, paired with a black tie. He effortlessly merged traditional men's fashion with feminine elements, donning a remarkable tan puff-sleeve jacket and skirt.
As a tribute to the Met Gala's theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Bad Bunny held a bunch of meaningful flowers. In addition to a rose and a flax plant, which are reminiscent of the original Sleeping Beauty story, the bouquet also included the Flor de Maga, Puerto Rico's national flower. This flower symbolizes the resilience and bravery of the island.
5. Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande from Wicked attended the Met Gala. Erivo wore a Thom Browne two-piece suit, showing off her midriff. She added a punk twist with a rebellious collar and tie, giving the outfit an edgy look. The princess florals subtly matched the event's theme.
Erivo's outfit was already attention-grabbing, but she went a step further by adding a brooch to the back of her head. This bold accessory not only matched her overall look but also embraced another trend of the night.
6. Tyla
Tyla had a remarkable first appearance at the Met Gala, wearing a one-of-a-kind dress made from sand. The dress, created by Balmain, showcased three different sand colors and included an hourglass-shaped handbag, symbolizing the concept of time passing.
During the interview, Tyla shared her enthusiasm for the unique idea, saying, “For my first Met Gala, we wanted to do something innovative and completely out of the box. When Balmain presented me with their concept and sketch, I instantly knew it was the perfect fit. The idea was wild, and I absolutely adored it.”
Despite the eye-catching design, it posed a problem for moving around. Videos from the event reveal Tyla getting help to climb the famous Met Gala stairs, a minor obstacle in an otherwise impressive display of fashion and creativity.
7. Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning perfectly captured the essence of the Met Gala theme with her beautiful Balmain gown that looked like it was made of glass. The delicate and ethereal dress paid tribute to her character in Maleficent, enhancing the magical qualities of the event's dress code and display. The detailed design and see-through fabrics not only displayed Fanning's individual style but also demonstrated her talent in embodying the spirit of the Met Gala theme in a captivating and unforgettable manner.
8. Taylor Russell
Taylor Russell stood out at the Met Gala in a stunning Loewe gown, which included a beautifully painted wooden corset with intricate details. The bodice, decorated with elegant red flowers, perfectly matched the theme, and the trompe l'oeil effect gave the outfit a unique touch. Combined with a flowing white skirt, the dress showcased Taylor's fashion sense and her talent for making daring fashion statements.
9. Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain perfectly embodied the theme at the Met Gala with her stunning look. Her unique Jean Paul Gaultier dress, inspired by a design from 2003, beautifully blended decay and fragility. The lace bodice in sepia tones and the flowing train created a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of a fading photograph.
It took 640 hours to make the detailed dress, which honored fashion history and highlighted the fleeting aspect of time. Chamberlain's partnership with the designer led to a mesmerizing outfit that established her as a fashion icon and a source of inspiration for fashion lovers worldwide.
10. Lana Del Rey
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Lana Del Rey wowed everyone at the Met Gala after being absent since 2018. She looked stunning in a unique Alexander McQueen dress created by Seán McGirr, inspired by the brand's fall 2006 collection. The dress featured detailed embroidery of bronze-bullion hawthorn branches, influenced by artist Alberto Giacometti's work.
The dress was paired with a beautiful bronze metal Drop bag featuring a clock design, highlighting the “Garden of Time” theme. Del Rey wore a headpiece decorated with hawthorn branches and sheer tulle, giving her outfit a hint of dark romance.
Get ready to journey through time with us in our upcoming article, where we delve into 17 celebrity style throwbacks showcasing iconic looks from the past!
Preview photo credit ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East News, Abaca Press / Alamy Stock Photo, ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East New, Laura Blanchard / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
