BY MAISIE ADAMS MAY 13, 2024
The day finally arrived! The annual Met Gala took place last week in New York on the first Monday of May and as always it didn’t disappoint. Last year, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art revealed the 2024 theme was Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, a homage to over 400 years of historical garments emphasising rebirth and renewal. The dress code, 'The Garden of Time', encouraged a return to all things natural, inspired by a short story of the same title by JG Ballard detailing the fall of aristocracy. The exhibition featured dresses from industry titans such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, but also gave a nod to contemporary designers like Stella McCartney and Phillip Lim and even displayed an Elizabethan-era bodice from the 17th Century. Using video animation, AI, CGI and light projection these outstanding garments were reborn in a one of a kind sensory experience for all exhibition goers. The emphasis on sustainability and slow fashion was a core part of this years gala so lets take a look at some of our favourite looks from the biggest fashion event of the year and the creative ways in which they promoted sustainability.
Tyla
The South-African singer was deemed one of the best dressed with her Balmain ‘sands of time’ dress, though we're sure whoever has to clean up after wasn’t impressed. Made from grains sourced across the globe, the aim of the breathtaking dress was to produce the beachy effect of sand clinging to the body. Perfectly paired with an hourglass purse this look was certainly one of the favourite looks of the night.
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Phoebe Dynevor
In true Duchess fashion Dynevor graced the carpet in a soft pink lacy gown, a Met Gala debut for fashion icon and designer Victoria Beckham. Using vintage lace from Beckham’s archives the regal dress truly was something out of a fairytale. Beckham said of the lace ‘there was something quite romantic about reviving it and bringing it back to life’, this years dress code and emphasis on nature encourages designers to reuse material and opt for archival pulls, something we hope will continue across the fashion industry.
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Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton’s Burberry suit had the perfect subtle detailing that encapsulated this years theme. Embroidered with flowers and paired with a thorn like chain, Hamilton is one of few men who refuses to do the bare minimum. In an explanation of his inspiration Hamilton explains the story of the first black gardener in Wales, John Ystumllyn, who overcame adversity in the eighteenth century. Hamilton never fails to add a subtle decadence to his outfits for events such as this, even including an excerpt from a poem inspired by Ystumllyn titled 'The Gardener'.
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Charli XCX
One of the most creative reworked dresses of the night was a Marni gown worn by Charli XCX. This incredible punk-inspired gown was a patchwork of vintage white t-shirts . Designed by Francesco Risso this gown was a nod to the importance of the staple white tee but also a reflection of the importance of reworking and rewearing clothes already owned in the attempt to combat fast fashion.
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Bad Bunny
One male attendee that went all out for this years theme was Met Gala co-chair Bad Bunny. This custom Maison Margiela Artisanal look included a black satin corset, navy smoking jacket and a blue foam hat, evoking the character of The Count from Ballard’s story. To top it off Benito arrived with a bouquet, made from his suit material, containing the national flower of Puerto Rico, a nod to his heritage and a fun use of leftover fabrics.
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Zendaya
For the first time in five years Zendaya dazzled us with not one but two incredible looks in her return to the red carpet. Her first look, styled by Law Roach, took a darker theme than her peers, the ocean blue, tulle dress fitted the natural theme of the gala but with an added sultry twist. Her second look was an archival pull from Givenchy’s 1996 spring/summer collection. Tying the two looks together was a striking, dark makeup look. Both Zendaya and Emma Chamberlain opted for darker twists on the natural elements of the dress code and we can all agree that they pulled it off.
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Mona Patel
There is no doubt that entrepreneur Mona Patel will be deemed best dressed debutante for a long time to come. Patel did not want to attend her first Met Gala without turning some heads so who better to style her than Law Roach. Using inspiration from her heritage and her own ingenious creativity this custom Iris Van Herpen dress had an unexpected twist. Patel’s arm cuffs were a collection of petals that gently fluttered as she made her way up the carpet. An ethereal addition to an already breathtaking gown.
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The 2024 Met Gala gave us incredible looks straight from a fairytale, the assortment of flowing dresses and soft colour pallette has gotten us excited for what spring fashion has to offer. Across the carpet celebrities and designers encourgaed ideas of sustainability with their archival pulls, creative use of leftover fabrics and innovative uses for old clothes. Lets hope that this emphasis on sustainability continues both on and off the red carpets.
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