Hundreds of stars walked the Met Gala red carpet on May 6, 2024, but these 8 (including Zendaya, Tyla and Gigi Hadid) were our favourites.
Ascending to the heights of “best dressed” on any red carpet is an accomplishment, but being among the Met Gala’s best-dressed attendees is an unparalleled fashion feat. Claiming the title takes a village—stylists, tailors, and glam squads pull out all the stops to create show-stopping Met Gala ensembles that capture our imaginations and stand the test of time. The result? A brief, shining moment in which fashion and fantasy blur together, taking the concepts of couture and costume to new heights. Also, great hair accessories. The glamour of a fancy hat cannot be understated.
The theme for the event was “The Garden of Time,” which takes its name from the short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard. The exhibition that went along with it was called “Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion,” and it featured vintage clothing that was too delicate to wear again—a.k.a. “sleeping beauties.”
Because of these parallels, we expected to witness a lot of natural references, antique or vintage-inspired apparel, and some lovely ethereal moments. The stars outperformed our expectations in all three areas. Kendall Jenner in Givenchy during the McQueen era, Taylor Russell’s unique take on florals, and Kaia Gerber’s mermaid sequins were among the many highlights of those well-known steps.
Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne
Hadid mesmerised in a sculptural Thom Browne ensemble, seamlessly blending the elegance of an evening gown with the structure of a tuxedo jacket, showcasing the collaborative effort of over 70 artisans.
Tyla in Balmain
Tyla’s recent appearance at the 2024 Met Gala was a testament to her bold and daring approach to fashion. The singer-songwriter stunned in a strapless Balmain gown that seemed to be moulded directly onto her body, a design inspired by the “sands of time.” This avant-garde look was a departure from the traditional red-carpet fare, showcasing Tyla’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.
The dress, which was a collaborative effort between Tyla and the French fashion house, was a masterclass in innovative design. The use of sand as a material added a unique texture and dimension to the overall aesthetic, making it a standout among the evening’s fashion choices. The hourglass sand timer purse that accompanied the look was a clever touch, further emphasising the theme of time and its passage.
Nicki Minaj in Marni
Minaj dazzled in a short yellow Marni dress resembling a living artwork, adorned with paper-mâché-like flowers and brush stroke embellishments, effortlessly blending art and fashion.
Demi Moore in Harris Reed
Channelling regal allure, Moore captivated in a dramatic gown by Harris Reed, reminiscent of the Queen of Hearts, featuring 11,000 hours of silk embroidery and crafted from vintage wallpaper, a true testament to couture craftsmanship.
Jennifer Lopez in Schiaparelli
A shimmering vision, Lopez commanded attention in a custom Schiaparelli gown adorned with over 2.5 million silver foil bugles and beads meticulously hand-embroidered over 800 hours.
Taylor Russell in Loewe
Russell radiated elegance in a collaboration with Loewe, donning a structured bodice evoking wood textures paired with a draped white skirt adorned with delicate florals, showcasing her impeccable fashion sense.
Zendaya in Margiela
Making a triumphant return to the Met Gala, Zendaya stunned in a floral masterpiece by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, reminiscent of his iconic era at Dior. Her sartorial prowess continued as she graced the red carpet in a Givenchy couture gown from 1996, exuding timeless beauty.
Kendall Jenner in Vintage Givenchy
Jenner made a historic statement in a vintage Givenchy creation from Alexander McQueen’s 1999 collection, marking the gown’s inaugural wear by a living soul and capturing the essence of the ‘sleeping beauty’ theme flawlessly.