The Met Gala 2024 Breakdown

As we wake following the first Monday of May, it is time to indulge in all the decadence of the Met Gala. From the theme, to the star-studded red carpet, to the elusive and ultra exclusive event itself, the Met Gala stuns, shocks, and enchants a global audience year after year. This year, searches for “Met Gala 2024” skyrocketed by 2650%. The novel that inspired the evening’s dress code “The Garden of Time” had its search increased by 350%.

We are here to break down the most asked questions about the Met Gala, as well as highlight the trends of the year and some ways to be inspired by this year’s looks.

What is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is a celebration of the opening of the exhibition at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Annually, on the first Monday of May, notable people and celebrities gather to raise money for the Costume Institute, essential for the preservation of historic fashion. They are expected to adhere to a strict dress code, the theme of which changes every year.

But what happens inside of the Met Gala? Few people actually know. The night’s details are kept strictly under wraps, and no cameras are allowed inside of the Gala (yet some have dared to snap some sneaky photos). We do know that there is a tour of the new exhibit, followed by dinner, and an exclusive performance. In the past, icons such as Cher, Rihanna, Madonna, and Lady Gaga have performed for the star-studded audience.

The Met Gala Theme: Explained

The theme of the Costume Institute’s exhibition this year is Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. Inside, archival garments which are hundreds of years old are displayed in motion, through the use of AI. There are also extremely rare and delicate pieces on display, as well as multi-sensory experiences including scents and touch to bring the garments and their histories to life.

The dress code of the gala was The Garden of Time. Met Gala themes are often left fairly vague, so it is open to the designer’s interpretation to create or obtain archival garments that fit the theme. Florals, botanicals, and natural materials and shapes were the highlight on the iconic staircase all night long.

Who Were the Hosts of the Met Gala?

Every year, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, co-chairs the Met Gala alongside four hand-picked co-chairs. This year’s co-chairs were Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Chris Hemsworth. The honorary co-chairs were J.W Anderson, creative director of Loewe, and Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok.

Floral Applique and Three Dimensional Detailing

The stand-out feature of the night was three-dimensional detailing. From birds, to insects, to, of course, flowers, it was proven that adding texture in stand out shapes elevates a beautiful gown from classic sophistication to decadent luxury.

Many different variations on texture and three dimensional detailing were explored on the iconic staircase, including lace, beading, appliques, and feathers.

Floral Prints and Embroidery

Of course, floral detailing did not stop at three dimensional details. Less formal than appliques, and simpler to style, an easier way to integrate florals into a look is with prints and embroidery.

Flowing Silhouettes and Draping

Perhaps to be expected in a theme which highlights nature, full flowing silhouettes and draped detailing graced the ivory and green carpet this year. From Ariana Grande to Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor, opulent draping made a subtle statement amongst the loud prints and attention-demanding designs.

Peplum Silhouettes

From icon of the big screen Demi Moore, to musician Rosalia, the peplum silhouette was seen across the staircase this year. Originating in Ancient Greek times, the peplum shape did not hit the fashion spotlight until Christian Dior began to use it in the 1940’s. The exaggerated hips make for an exaggerated yet opulent silhouette which can be worn anywhere that requires an elevated approach.

Corsets

From Ariana Grande’s mother of pearl bodice, to Taylor Russell’s wooden corset, to Uma Thurman’s more traditional approach adorned with statement appliques, corsets and structured silhouettes decorated the staircase this Met Gala. Co-chair Bad Bunny even revealed he was wearing a corset under his suit. Perfect for contrasting the organic shapes of the flora and fauna around them, these exaggerated silhouettes and archival accents make for highly impactful occasion wear.

Fascinators

If inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker’s structured dress and oversized fascinator, so are we. A large headpiece can easily elevate a look from formal to outright elegant. From wedding guest accessories to race day headpieces, fascinators instantly transform occasion wear.

We hope everyone enjoyed the Met Gala 2024 as much as we did. From groundbreaking, hand crafted pieces that towered above the crowds, to subtle show stoppers with classic floral prints, the designers and guests created yet another dazzling red carpet.

Perhaps a Karen Millen table next year?