The Met Gala 2024 happened every first Monday of May, which this year was on the 6th. The theme for the event was ‘The Garden of Time,’ inspired by the J.G. Ballard short story of the same name. The exhibition, titled ‘Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion,’ showcased delicate archival fashion pieces that are too fragile to wear—essentially ‘sleeping beauties.’
Given these themes, we anticipated seeing many nature-inspired designs, vintage or vintage-inspired outfits, and some truly magical moments—and the stars did not disappoint. From Kendall Jenner rocking McQueen-era Givenchy to Taylor Russell’s inventive floral look and Kaia Gerber’s mermaid-like sequins, the red carpet was full of standout styles.
What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala, or Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, is a prestigious annual fundraising event held on the first Monday of May. It marks the kick-off of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion bazaar at the Met in New York City.
This glamorous evening is famous for its exclusive guest list, dazzling fashion, and extravagant themes. Each year, the gala has a specific theme that inspires the dress code and the exhibit’s focus, leading celebrities, designers, and influencers to pull out all the stops with creative and high-fashion outfits.
But the Met Gala isn’t just about fashion. It’s also a major social event, offering a chance for top figures from various industries to network, celebrate, and support the museum. The proceeds go to the Costume Institute, helping fund its exhibitions and conservation projects.
The Best-Dressed List at Met Gala 2024
Taylor Russell in Loewe
Taylor Russell consistently impresses with her fashion choices, and her collaboration with Loewe for this year’s Met Gala was particularly noteworthy. She stepped onto the red carpet in a breathtaking ensemble that showcased a structured, wood-inspired bodice adorned with intricate floral details. The bodice’s rich texture and natural elements beautifully complemented the draped white skirt, creating an exquisite and cohesive look.
The gown’s blend of textures and innovative design highlighted Russell’s impeccable taste and perfectly captured the event’s theme of ‘The Garden of Time.’ Her look was a standout moment, demonstrating a unique and artistic vision that added an extraordinary touch to the evening. Taylor’s appearance was a testament to her ability to interpret complex themes with style and grace, making her one of the most memorable figures on the red carpet this year.
Zendaya in Margiela
It had been several years since Zendaya last walked the iconic Met Gala steps, and after a series of dazzling press tours, expectations for her return were incredibly high. She exceeded them effortlessly. Zendaya made a grand entrance in a John Galliano creation for Maison Margiela, a floral masterpiece that beautifully echoed his legendary Dior era. The dress was paired with stunning Bulgari jewelry, creating an elegant and enchanting look.
But Zendaya’s fashion journey didn’t end there. She made a second striking appearance later in the evening, this time in a Givenchy spring/summer 1996 couture gown. She wore a Philip Treacy headpiece adorned with flowers from the Alexander McQueen spring/summer 2006 collection to complete this show-stopping ensemble. With these two incredible looks, Zendaya demonstrated her fashion versatility and cemented her status as a Met Gala standout.
Greta Lee in Loewe
This year marked Greta Lee’s highly anticipated debut at the Met Gala, and she truly made a splash with her entrance. The actress turned heads in a stunning white gown by Loewe, which featured a unique design crafted entirely from transparent lace. The dress was beautifully adorned with intricate 3D flower details that added a touch of whimsy and elegance, elevating the gown to a work of art.
Greta’s look was further enhanced by her choppy micro fringe and soft pink makeup, which perfectly complemented the ethereal quality of her outfit: her graceful presence and the delicate yet striking ensemble made for a show-stopping appearance. The overall effect was modern and timeless, showcasing her ability to blend contemporary fashion with classic sophistication. Greta’s debut was a moment of personal achievement and a memorable highlight of the Met Gala, firmly characterizing her as a rising star in the fashion world. Her outfit was a testament to her bold style and set a high bar for future red-carpet appearances.
Tyla in Balmain
The Met Gala is renowned for its unforgettable red-carpet moments, and this year, South African singer Tyla delivered one for the books. Arriving in a breathtaking Balmain gown, she made a memorable entrance with the help of four tuxedo-clad men, who carried her up the iconic steps because the gown’s intricate design made it impossible for her to walk. The dress itself was a masterful piece, crafted to resemble a sand-cast body, which cleverly echoed the theme of the evening. As a perfect finishing touch, Tyla carried an hourglass-shaped accessory that mirrored the sand-cast motif of her dress, creating a striking and cohesive look that paid homage to the evening’s theme with elegance and flair.
Phoebe Dynevor in Victoria Beckham
This year’s Met Gala red carpet was brimming with floral romance, and Phoebe Dynevor and Victoria Beckham delivered one of the most enchanting interpretations of the theme. The “Bridgerton” star graced the red carpet in a stunning dusky pink dress designed by Beckham. The gown was a vision of sheer elegance, adorned with delicate 3D flowers that accentuated the bust and flowed gracefully along the train.
The ethereal design perfectly captured the theme’s essence, blending sophistication with a touch of whimsy. Dynevor’s choice was a visual delight and a testament to how fashion can beautifully embody the spirit of a themed event. Her look stood out as a delicate, romantic tribute to the garden-inspired theme of the night, and it left a lasting impression with its graceful and artistic flair.
Kendall Jenner in vintage Givenchy
It was clear from the start that the night would be a showcase for vintage fashion, and Kendall Jenner made a brilliant choice by diving into the Givenchy archives. She wore a stunning gown from Alexander McQueen’s 1999 Givenchy collection, a piece that had only ever been seen on a mannequin before. This made Jenner the first to wear the dress, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to her appearance. With its detailing and timeless design, the dress perfectly captured the essence of the “Sleeping Beauty” theme.
Kendall’s choice honored the vintage aesthetic and showcased her ability to bring historical fashion to life with modern elegance. Her presence on the red carpet was a captivating blend of classic and contemporary, making her one of the evening’s standout fashion moments. The blend of historical significance and fresh interpretation ensured her look was memorable and relevant, embodying the event’s spirit uniquely.
Kaia Gerber in Prada
Kaia Gerber truly shone at the Met Gala with her choice of a white sequin gown from Prada, which was both chic and sophisticated. The gown elegantly captured the mythical mermaid theme of the evening’s exhibition with its strapless design and shimmering sequins. Kaia styled her hair in a voluminous blowout to complement the gown’s sparkling allure, adding a touch of drama and glamour. She finished her look with a stunning array of colorful jewels that provided a striking contrast and a pop of color. Combining these elements created a memorable and ethereal appearance, embodying grace and fantasy.
Elle Fanning in Balmain
The theme was tailor-made for Elle Fanning, known for embracing whimsical and ethereal fashion. Her gown was an exquisite homage to J.G. Ballard’s work, capturing the essence of the theme with grace. Designed with sculptural bird details on the shoulders, the dress was made from a crystalline material that mimicked the appearance of frost, adding a magical, otherworldly touch. The translucent, frosty effect gave the gown an ethereal quality, perfectly reflecting the “Garden of Time” theme. Elle’s ensemble showcased her signature style and seamlessly aligned with the event’s enchanting narrative, making her one of the evening’s standout fashion moments.
Brie Larson in Prada
Brie Larson also made a stunning impression by paying tribute to the sand timer theme with her custom Prada gown. Inspired by Prada’s 2007 collection, the dress was a nod to the sunset colors featured in that iconic collection, blending warm, radiant hues that captured the essence of twilight. The sheer hoop skirt added a whimsical touch, creating a graceful silhouette that billowed as she moved.
Sequin detailing sparkled under the lights, enhancing the gown’s ethereal quality and symbolizing the fleeting nature of time. With this thoughtful and elegant design, Brie Larson seamlessly connected the theme with high fashion, making her appearance both memorable and visually captivating.
Kylie Jenner in Oscar de la Renta
Kylie Jenner is further establishing herself as a fashion icon on the red carpet, and her look at the 2024 Met Gala was a perfect example of her refined taste. She opted for a breathtaking cream satin gown by Oscar de la Renta, which elegantly accentuated her figure with its tailored bust and dramatic train. The gown drew inspiration from a garden statue, seamlessly blending classic beauty with a modern twist. The train, in particular, added a regal touch, enhancing the overall effect. With her choice, Kylie embraced the gala’s theme and demonstrated her impeccable sense of style and sophistication, setting a high bar for future red carpet-appearances.
The 2024 Met Gala showcased an extraordinary array of fashion, with each star bringing their unique flair to the red carpet. The night, they celebrated creativity and elegance from Taylor Russell’s wood-inspired Loewe gown to Zendaya’s stunning ensembles by John Galliano and Givenchy. Greta Lee’s ethereal white lace gown, Kendall Jenner’s vintage Givenchy masterpiece, and Kaia Gerber’s shimmering Prada dress made memorable impressions, each perfectly capturing the evening’s theme.
Other highlights, like Elle Fanning’s crystalline dress and Brie Larson’s sunset-hued Prada gown, added to the glamour. Kylie Jenner’s cream satin Oscar de la Renta gown rounded out the top look with its regal charm. These standout outfits honored the Met Gala’s theme and set new standards in red-carpet fashion, making the 2024 event one for the history books.
