The prom event for celebrities has now arrived: The Met Gala. As all the celebrities arrive in the boroughs of New York City, they prepare for the biggest event in Manhattan, the event that decides whether or not they know how to dress their best. Whether it be a well-tailored Thom Browne dress, a custom-made piece from Schiaparelli, or an off-the-runway dress from Versace, who will take the crown as best-dressed for the Sleeping Beauty-themed event?
This year, the theme was “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” sparking various interpretations of the dress code, all revolving around the “Garden of Time.” Some guests embraced floral and natural styles, while others opted for classic, historic looks.
Let’s delve into how these most highlighted themes unfolded on the red carpet, showcasing a blend of contemporary fashion and enduring elegance.
South African singer Tyla made a memorable debut at her first-ever Met Gala in a custom Balmain ensemble by designer Olivier Rousteing. Turning heads with a dress crafted entirely from sand, symbolizing the “sands of time,” and perfectly accessorized with a matching hourglass sand timer clutch, Tyla’s look was undeniably one of the night’s most discussed and unique designs.
In Margiela, we have Kim Kardashian, known for her provocative Met Gala choices. She wore a silver metal corseted dress, sparking discussions about the limits of shock value in celebrity fashion.
Also dressed in Margiela, we have Bad Bunny, this year’s co-chair, showcased a custom outfit inspired by the Galliano Artisanal Collection earlier this year during Paris Fashion Week. Bad Bunny’s style contrasted sharply with simpler looks seen on men like Chris Hemsworth, whose appearance in a cream Tom Ford suit seemed a bit boring in comparison.
Gigi Hadid stunned in a Thom Browne white dress, focal pointed with a yellow rose and green leaves, which took over 13,500 hours to craft.
Doja Cat opted for a controversial yet attention-grabbing look by Vetements, consisting of a white T-Shirt styled with a wet look, which she revealed to interviewer Rachel Smith, “I’m not supposed to give away the secret but it’s hair gel…” While Doja argued that her outfit’s symbolism related to the dress code “Garden of Time,” using the flower cotton as it is “timeless and poetic,” the look sparked divided opinions on the boundaries of shock value in fashion.
Zendaya, in collaboration with stylist Law Roach, effortlessly promoted her movie “Challengers” in two standout looks designed by John Galliano inspired by his old 1999 and 1996 pieces. Zendaya demonstrated elegance and restraint, reaffirming her status as a fashion icon, with her first look bringing a feeling of evilness onto the carpet with the dark tones of blue and green married with exaggerated makeup, while her second look portrayed an all-black dress with a contrast of soft and light-colored makeup topped with a colorful floral headpiece giving the feel of a helpless and defenseless widow.
The great beauty of Lana Del Rey hit the red carpet as she came in homage to an Alexander McQueen design by the new creative director of the brand, Seàn McGrirr, as he informs, “We were inspired by the idea of Mother Nature, but also Giacometti sculptures, so everything’s hand-embroidered to look like those sculptures.” One of the most outlandish looks of the night.
The performer of the night, Ariana Grande, graced the red carpet as well as the stage for this year’s Met Gala; in two looks: a beautiful white gown by Loewe with small hints of baby blue and fairytale pink for the red carpet, and a colorful ensemble from the Artisanal Collection by Maison Margiela for her performance.
A few honorable mentions include Cardi B, known for her infamous Met Gala appearances, Emma Chamberlain in a dress from Jean Paul Gaultier, then Kendall and Kylie Jenner in Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta, among many other notable guests.
Another memorable Met Gala has been added to the list of iconic fashion moments. Now we must ask, what’s in store for next year? Maybe a gothic-centered theme, or an olden villager couture moment? Find out soon later this year!