Despite black not being the first color that comes to mind when one envisions a "Garden of Time", numerous celebrities embraced the hue, showcasing remarkable all-black ensembles that impeccably adhered to the theme as the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its doors to a constellation of celebrities, visionary artists, and celebrated designers for the 2024 Met Gala.
With 53 million viewers tuning in globally, this annual fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute once again showcased audacious styles, post-contemporary outfits, and the latest in fashion innovation. Dubbed “fashion’s biggest night,” the Met Gala serves as a stage for designers to unveil their most daring creations and for talent to shine in sartorial splendor.
This year’s theme, “Garden of Time,” drew inspiration from J.G. Ballard’s short story, which delves into the evolution of human history and art. The theme invited interpretations spanning nature-inspired pieces and fashion through the ages, with futuristic designs that push the boundaries of imagination.
For fashion's biggest night, Meg Ryan made a rare and much-anticipated return to the Met Gala, gracing the museum's famed steps for the first time in over two decades. The actress, dressed in all-black by Michael Kors, wore a couture Michael Kors Collection silk-and-wool mikado gown, featuring a tulle bodice adorned with shadow floral hand-embroidery.
The meticulous craftsmanship of the gown is noteworthy: artisans dedicated over 800 hours to hand-sewing 1,120 sequin flowers, each comprising dozens of recycled sequins in seven distinct shapes and sizes, cascading around the gown like a delicate vine. The black sequined gown, with its sheer fitted bodice, high square neckline, and intricate sparkling floral embellishments, exuded timeless elegance.
Ryan accessorized her look with turquoise earrings and black aviator sunglasses, a nod to Kors' signature style. Her appearance not only marked a significant return to the Met Gala but also underscored the enduring allure of classic Hollywood glamour.
The fervor of Challengers has extended beyond the Phil’s Tire Town court and onto the Met Gala 2024 carpet, with Josh O’Connor donning custom Loewe. O’Connor’s ensemble leaned into a theatrical elegance, reminiscent of a grand count, or concertmaster depending on your perspective: an exaggerated black tuxedo with full tails, a white brocade shirt, a gleaming bow tie-cum-brooch from the Loewe x Lynda Benglis collection, and beaded Campo Biker boots. This luxurious ensemble marks a distinct departure from his La Chimera suits.
Embracing the "Garden of Time" theme, O'Connor's outfit, crafted by Loewe, reflected a harmonious blend of historical and futuristic elements. Jonathan Anderson, Loewe’s creative director and the costume designer for Challengers, conceived a tuxedo with an oversized, dramatic tailcoat, a beaded shirt, and a sparkling bowtie, embodying the theme's essence and showcasing the intersection of fashion and narrative storytelling.
Cardi B made a grand entrance at the 2024 Met Gala in a floor-length all-black gown by Chinese designer Windowsen, commanding nearly the entire width of the red carpet. Her voluminous train required several attendants, creating a dramatic tableau as she posed for the cameras. The look was completed with a matching headwrap, turquoise jewelry, and striking blue nails.
The rapper’s ensemble drew inspiration from a black rose, a concept her stylist Kollin Carter hinted at on Instagram earlier today. In a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Cardi B elaborated on her and Carter’s Met Gala strategy: to achieve iconic status. “We always try to make sure that everything goes right, that everything be iconic,” she emphasized. “We want everything to be iconic. I know people sometimes say, ‘Oh, it’s not about who is there and who is not,’ but it’s like, no, you need to remember us forever.”
Cardi B also revealed that she and Carter begin their meticulous planning months in advance. “We’re always thinking ahead,” she noted. “I feel like the Met Gala is almost like going to the Grammys. It’s very nerve-racking, and even though we make it look so easy, we really be so nervous.”
Less than 24 hours after his P6 finish at the Miami Grand Prix, British racing driver Lewis Hamilton graced the red carpet at the Met Gala in New York City. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion donned a custom all-black ensemble by Burberry, paying homage to one of the UK's pioneering Black gardeners, John Ystumllyn.
Hamilton's tailored black coat, adorned with floral bullion embellishments, was paired with a double-breasted suit and leather boots, epitomizing the British heritage brand’s craftsmanship. To complete the look, he wore Briony Raymond jewelry, featuring yellow-diamond earrings, multiple diamond rings, and a statement wreath necklace. This sartorial choice not only highlighted Hamilton's impeccable style but also bridged past and present in a fitting tribute to the "Garden of Time" theme.
Zendaya truly set the bar high for her fellow co-chairs at the 2024 Met Gala. As the red carpet festivities were winding down on Monday night, the actor made a stunning reappearance, showcasing a second, equally breathtaking ensemble.
Serving as a co-chair for the May 6 event, Zendaya's second ensemble—a black off-the-shoulder corset gown with a long train—debuted to much acclaim. This black, Victorian-inspired creation is an archival piece by Galliano for Givenchy, never before worn, dating back to 1996, the same year Zendaya was born.
Her look was further elevated by a headpiece from Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, circa 2007, featuring a bouquet of roses wrapped in black fabric. As always, her impeccable styling was courtesy of Law Roach.
