Each year the fashion world eagerly awaits the arrival of the first Monday of May, for us it means only one thing, the arrival of the Met Gala! This year hosted by Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth.
This spring the costume institute’s exhibition is entitled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”, which promises to show the magic in breathing new life into forgotten treasures. Over 250 rare artefacts spanning four centuries of fashion history will be on display, showcasing masterpieces from legendary designers such as Schiaparelli, Dior, Givenchy, and others.
Taking place on Monday the 6th of May, in New York City at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, celebrating the new exhibition with arguably the biggest Red Carpet of the Year for which the dress code is “The Garden of Time”. A concept inspired by J.G. Ballard’s evocative 1962 short story of the same name. As always, the theme is broad, generating an expansive scope for interpretation and creating anticipation for attendees and viewers alike.
Amidst the glamour and excitement, the Gala’s strict no-phone policy leaves the Red Carpet as the sole glimpse into fashion’s biggest night. Viewers worldwide cherish the few moments they have to see their favourite celebrity or designer, eagerly dissecting each celebrity’s ensemble, noticing each intricate detail.
Below are some of my favourite looks from the evening:
Firstly, Zendaya who never misses the mark with her Met Gala looks and this year took matters even further by giving us not one but two breathtaking looks.
Styled by Law Roach, the first look, a dark and eerie John Galliano for Maison Margiela dress, paid homage to a Dior couture piece from 1999, bringing it back to life. Featuring grapes and a delicate hummingbird, Zendaya transformed herself into the garden. As the night progresses and she switches from the first dark look to a softer and brighter one, she brings this garden back to life.
The second look features much lighter makeup and a celestial length train that takes up the whole carpet. A magnificent floral bouquet headpiece by Philip Treacy for Alexander Mcqueen in 2007 completed the 1996 Givenchy by John Galliano archival gown.
Bad Bunny, one of the evening’s co-hosts, turned heads as he entered wearing John Galliano by Maison Margiela, embodying his daring interpretation of this year’s theme. Referencing the dark and eerie elements of the garden of time theme, he clutched a bouquet of dead flowers conveying the significance of passing time. The jacket he wore also held subtle references to the fragility of existence within this passing of time.
Gigi Hadid wore Thom Browne and captured the attention of everyone in attendance and at home. Practically sculpted into this dress made up of 2,800,000 beads, she needed a crew of five to help her climb the stairs. Known for reinterpreting the classic suit, Thom Browne’s design featured a falling down floral jacket which Gigi seemed to be emerging out of, mimicking a flower.
Kendall Jenner radiates timeless elegance in an archival Givenchy by Alexander Mcqueen piece from 1999. As she climbs the steps, she breathes new life into this archival piece that has never been worn by any person before now.
The mother of the Met Gala arrived next, Sarah Jessica Parker. Viewers always have high expectations for this fashion icon who never falls short. She is wearing a structured Richard Quinn dress referencing the grandeur of historical gowns that she is reawakening for this year’s Met, enlisting her own modern twist. Adorned with stunning crystal floral embellishments and an oversized Philip Treacy headpiece; extravagant and dramatic in true Sarah Jessica Parker fashion.
Tyla’s Met Gala debut did not disappoint. She knew what she had to do and delivered. Working with Olivier Rousteing at Balmain, their interpretation of this year’s theme was to focus on the passing of time, symbolised by swapping out the traditional purse for an hourglass timer. The dress was moulded to her body and dripped with sand, far too delicate to be worn again and far too personal to be worn by anyone else. Their interpretation and creative vision proved to be one of the evening’s highlights.
Taylor Russell fulfilled her lifelong dream last night, all thanks to Loewe, she transformed into a powerful, majestic, but delicate tree. She wore a wooden top which had been moulded to her body, which I’m sure she had to be cut out of, seemingly referencing armour of some kind. This contrasted the stunning flowy nature of her white skirt, reminiscent of ancient Greek goddesses, both beautiful and fierce.
Lewis Hamilton reawakened history at the Met with his Daniel Lee ensemble, paying homage to a forgotten historical figure. This profound statement was inspired by an 18th century gardener, the first black gardener in Wales, a testament to resilience and representation. The jacket also featured a poem stitched on the inside written by Alex Wharton making this look incredibly meaningful and poetic.
Making their red-carpet debut, Dove Cameron and Damiano David draw attention as a fashionable duo representing both the light and the darkness within an ageing garden. Dove’s look was a Diesel design and was inspired by the passing of time and the inevitable decay that comes alongside it. The design reflected the concept of being overtaken by nature, conveyed by Dove’s urethral beauty which shines through her overly long hair and her playful way of posing in the dress.
