If Coachella is the “influencer Olympics,” then an invite to the Met Gala is the Gold Medal.
Every year, on the first Monday of May, Hollywood’s elite rush to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for “fashion’s biggest night out,” a.k.a. the Met Gala.
Over time, the event has become known for its iconic red carpet and dress code— and it never disappoints. From Karlie Kloss’ “Looking camp right in the eye” tweet to Jack Harlow’s cheeky “Love ya” to Emma Chamberlain, there has been no shortage of viral moments.
As we all pull out our imaginary fashion degrees and judge our favourite celebrity outfits, 2024 is bound to bring some more unforgettable — and probably chaotic— moments (hopefully with fewer cockroaches this time around).
The co-chairs
While the guest list is highly confidential (which is part of the fun, tbh), four celebrities will definitely be in attendance. Hosting this year’s glitzy affairs is Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya.
As ambassadors of the event, they are responsible for curating the aesthetics of the night and embracing the theme. As Vogue notes, “The role of a co-chair also expands into the guest list, the food, the decor and the general feel of the evening.”
With Gen Z fashion icon, Zendaya, being among this year’s co-chairs, we are definitely in good hands.
The dress code
While internet users often treat the Met Gala as a fashion show, it is an annual fundraising event for The Anna Wintour Costume Center at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. That said, this year’s soirée celebrates the opening of a new exhibit: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
“The forthcoming show has not to do with the Brothers Grimm or Disney, but rather the celebration of clothing and fashion so fragile that it can’t ever be worn again,” Lilah Ramzi writes for Vogue.
The exhibition is paired with a specific dress code—this year, themed ‘The Garden of Time,’ inspired by a short story by J.G. Ballard published in 1962.
For those unfamiliar with Ballard’s work, the story follows Count Axel and his wife as an unruly mob draws closer to the couple’s tranquil villa. Ultimately, the story is a dystopian take on modernity, pointing to the adverse effects of opulence, consumption and destruction.
“The story ends with the unthinking mob descending onto the villa, now a derelict property with a neglected garden,” Ramzi continues. “Boiled down, the dress code, as well as the exhibition, is about fleeting beauty.”
In terms of predictions, experts anticipated a floral motif—serving as perhaps the most rudimentary interpretation of the theme. Otherwise, the dress code offers designers the opportunity to explore concepts relating to time or historical fashion of note, considering gowns reminiscent of the Elizabethan era or other bygone styles.
All that to say, we look forward to seeing the creative interpretations of the theme each year. So, without further ado, we present our favourite looks from the Met Gala 2024.
Zendaya
Zendaya always shows up for the theme, this year rocking two outfits.
Emma Chamberlain
Gen Z queen, Emma Chamberlain is back interviewing attendees for Vogue, wearing Jean Paul Gaultier.
Tyla
Tyla makes her Met Gala debut in Balmain.
Madelyn Cline
Madelyn Cline looks ethereal in Tommy Hilfiger for her second Met Gala appearance.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny sports a suit from the Maison Margiela Artisanal Collection by John Galliano.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande stuns in an iridescent gown by Loewe.
Lil Nas X
The rapper was suited up in a white set by Luar, wearing over 50,000 Swarovski crystals.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri rocks a halterneck floral gown by Loewe.
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey references an archival Alexander McQueen look from the fall 2006 collection.
Rachel Zegler
Actress Rachel Zegler switches Snow White for Cinderella in a light blue ball gown.
Stray Kids
K-pop group, Stray Kids, wear custom Tommy Hilfiger for their first Met Gala appearance.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner sports a never-worn archival couture gown by Givenchy.
Doja Cat
No stranger to pushing boundaries, Doja dons a wet-look T-shirt dress designed by VETEMENTS creative director Guram Gvasalia.
Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist
Challengers stars Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist switch out their tennis gear for custom Loewe suits.
Kylie Jenner
The youngest Kar-Jenner arrives in white frock by Oscar de la Renta, inspired by a garden statue.
Cardi B
The rapper made a statement (as we have come to expect) in a voluminous tulle ball gown.
Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan
Making their Met Gala debut as a couple, Sabrina dazzled in a floral gown designed by Oscar de la Renta, while Barry sported a Victorian-inspired suit by Burberry.
Dua Lipa
Wearing custom Marc Jacobs, Dua stuns for her third Met Gala red carpet.