Inspired by J.G. Ballard’s “Garden of Time,” this year’s Met Gala showcases the Costume Institute in bloom
New York’s most anticipated fashion spectacle returned on May 6, 2024 with the opening of the Met Gala, the annual fundraiser in aid of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, showcasing the best-dressed guests from various industries.
The event was also held in celebration of the museum’s newest exhibition titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” For this year’s theme, the Met Gala took inspiration from J.G. Ballard’s short story, “Garden of Time.”
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Centered around an estate sprawling with lush flora and fauna, female attendees mirrored the garden’s whimsical nature in a variety of ways, bringing the steps of the Costume Institute in full bloom.
From Zendaya’s gothic Maison Margiela gown to Laufey’s romantic Prabal Gurung dress, the women of the Met Gala showcased a variety of head-turning looks, and these are our top 10 picks.
1. Zendaya
One of the co-chairs for this year’s Met Gala, Zendaya wore not one but two looks to the carpet, initially walking in a dark blue and green Balmain gown with vine detailing paired with a coordinating fascinator.
The “Challengers” star would follow with a voluptuous black Givenchy Spring/Summer 1996 gown, which she wore with a large fascinator that featured multiple flowers.
2. Elle Fanning
Known for her ethereal sense of fashion, “Sleeping Beauty” actress Elle Fanning took to the Met Gala carpet in a crystalline Balmain gown.
3. Ayo Edibiri
“The Bear” actress Ayo Edibiri made her Met Gala debut with a Loewe halter gown featuring a floral pattern that begins in a solid white then gradates into vivid colors.
4. Alia Bhatt
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt wore a custom mint-green Sabyasachi sari, which showcased a lengthy train and bejeweled detailing.
5. Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker channeled her “Sex and the City” counterpart Carrie Bradshaw through an avant-garde yet elegant gown from designer Richard Quinn. The tea-length piece featured a corset bodice and skirt adorned with floral lace. Parker paired this with an array of jewelry alongside a large fascinator.
6. Mona Patel
Indian CEO Mona Patel made her Met Gala debut with a showstopping piece by Iris van Herpen. Inspired by the flutter of butterflies, the look featured three-dimensional, moving butterfly wings at Patel’s sleeves.
7. Lana del Rey
A reimagining of Alexander McQueen’s iconic “stag dress,” Lana del Rey put a dark spin to the Met Gala theme with a long gown featuring multiple creeping roots that hold up a translucent veil.
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8. Sydney Sweeney
“Immaculate” actress and producer Sydney Sweeney stunned with her powder blue Miu Miu gown, which featured delicate black and silver floral embroidery. The “Anyone But You” star departed from her signature platinum blonde by pairing the gown with a black bob and leather gloves.
9. Eiza Gonzales
Arguably one of the event’s most underrated looks, Eiza Gonzales’ strapless column dress by Del Core is enchanting in its simplicity.
10. Laufey
Imbuing her Met Gala debut with a sense of romance, Icelandic vocalist Laufey walked the steps in a luscious, pastel pink tulle Prabal Gurung gown paired with simple pearl jewelry.
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