The Most Fabulous Looks at Met Gala 2024 with RUNWAY. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Getty Images.

This year’s Met Gala promises to be an extraordinary affair, blending fashion, technology, and history in an event that transcends time itself. Dubbed “The Garden of Time,” the 2024 Met Gala will serve not only as a pinnacle of high fashion but also as a celebration of the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

The Theme: “The Garden of Time”

This year’s theme, “The Garden of Time,” invites attendees to explore fashion through the ages. The Costume Institute’s exhibition features a breathtaking collection of about 250 rare items, some spanning as far back as 400 years. Esteemed houses such as Schiaparelli, Dior, and Givenchy are well represented, providing a lush tapestry of fashion’s evolution.

Highlighting the theme’s intersection with technology, some of the oldest and most fragile garments will be showcased using cutting-edge methods like video animation, light projection, AI, and CGI. This innovative approach not only protects these invaluable pieces but also provides a modern context that resonates with a contemporary audience.

The exhibit promises a sensory journey through time. Each piece tells a story, echoing the epochs and artisans who crafted them. From the intricate lace of a Charles Frederick Worth ball gown from 1877, which will be digitally resurrected to prevent further deterioration, to the sleek lines of modern couture, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” is a testament to the enduring allure of fashion.

Fashion in Full Bloom

We expected to see the Met Gala’s red carpet bloom with interpretations of the “Garden of Time”, and we were not deceived. It’s not just about dressing up; it’s about making a statement that echoes through the annals of fashion history. It’s an invitation to journey through the garden of human creativity and witness the reawakening of styles.

So let get us to give you some highlights of this fabulous evening.

John Galliano – A Triumph at the 2024 Met Gala

It is hard to count how many stars tonight wore John Galliano gowns from the present and the past – from Maison Margiela and Givenchy archive collections. Perhaps the most talked-about piece of the evening was Galliano’s reimagined version of a Charles Frederick Worth ball gown from 1877. Originally highlighted in the Costume Institute’s exhibition through digital projections, Galliano brought this piece back to the physical realm with a modern twist. His version incorporated light-sensitive fibers and a dynamic silhouette that shifted as the wearer moved, reflecting the gala’s theme of time’s passage. For Galliano, the 2024 Met Gala was not just another design triumph but a symbolic reaffirmation of his enduring influence in the fashion world. After facing setbacks in his personal and professional life, his celebrated return at such a prestigious event underscored a powerful narrative of redemption and artistic revival. His work demonstrated a deep respect for fashion’s past, a bold vision for its future, and a personal journey back to the pinnacle of design.

Gwendoline Christie in John Galliano for Maison Margiela

Zendaya in John Galliano for Maison Margiela and Givenchy archive

Apparently, one stunning John Galliano creation just wasn’t enough for Hollywood’s darling. So, in an unprecedented move that no one ever saw coming (because, why make a choice when you can have it all?), Zendaya graced the Met Gala red carpet not once, but twice, each time swathed in a different Galliano masterpiece.

Let’s set the scene: there she is, stepping onto the red carpet for the first time in a gown that could only be described as a sartorial triumph, the very epitome of fashion. But wait—hold your applause and keep those cameras flashing—because Zendaya decides that once is merely a teaser. Quick as a flash, she’s back again, in another Galliano ensemble, because why settle for one showstopper when you can double the spectacle?

This historic double feature, a first in Met Gala history (because, of course, if anyone is going to break the rules and rewrite fashion entrance etiquette, it’s going to be Zendaya), left everyone wondering: why limit yourself to one breathtaking moment when you can have two? It’s not indulgence if it’s iconic, right?

Zendaya in John Galliano for Maison Margiela – first red carpet appearance

Zendaya in John Galliano for Givenchy (archive dress) – second red carpet appearance

Jennifer Lopez in Schiaparelli

Tonight at the Met Gala, Jennifer Lopez proved yet again why she remains a timeless icon in the world of fashion. Dressed in a breathtaking custom Schiaparelli gown, JLo didn’t just walk the red carpet—she stole the hearts of everyone watching.

The gown, a marvel of design, perfectly complemented the evening’s theme, “The Garden of Time.” With its intricate detailing and elegant silhouette, the dress was a standout piece, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Schiaparelli. Lopez, known for her impeccable style and presence, wore the dress with the kind of grace and confidence that only she can deliver.

Ashley Graham Shines in Sculptural dress by Saint Sernin

Supermodel and co-host of this year’s Met Gala, Ashley Graham, made a stunning appearance on the red carpet, donning a sculptural dress designed by one of the fashion industry’s promising young talents. The dress, a fusion of avant-garde artistry and impeccable tailoring, served not only as a testament to Graham’s fearless style but also as a spotlight on emerging talent in the fashion world.

The gown was characterized by its bold, architectural silhouette—a signature of the young designer’s innovative approach to fashion. Crafted with an intricate array of folds and curves, the dress hugged and highlighted Graham’s figure, celebrating her advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity.

Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne

Gigi Hadid turned heads and captivated hearts in a stunning, custom-designed Thom Browne creation. The theme of the night, “The Garden of Time,” was beautifully embodied in Hadid’s dress, which featured a sophisticated, sculptured design of white floral motifs that seemed to bloom directly from the fabric.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Richard Quinn

Fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker once again captivated the style world at this year’s Met Gala, donning a dress by Richard Quinn, which looked like a Dior dress (but after all Maria Grazia Chiuri was not there to contest it). Known for her fearless fashion choices and status as a style trailblazer, Parker’s choice of Quinn, a designer celebrated for his bold prints and voluminous silhouettes, was a match made in fashion heaven.

Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga (archives!)

At this year’s Met Gala, Nicole Kidman made a poignant statement in a breathtaking Balenciaga gown, a piece reconstructed from black and white photos of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s original designs. Her choice to wear this gown not only paid homage to the storied past of one of fashion’s most revered houses but also served as a stark commentary on the brand’s controversial present-day image.

The gown itself was a masterpiece of couture craftsmanship, reminiscent of regal elegance with its structured silhouette and meticulous detail. Evoking the grace of a true princess, Kidman’s dress featured classic lines and a timeless allure that stood in contrast to the more avant-garde tendencies seen in recent Balenciaga collections. This juxtaposition highlighted the faded beauty of a brand that once set the standard for luxurious sophistication.

Kim Kardashian in John Galliano for Maison Margiela

In an audacious display of fashion-forward thinking, Kim Kardashian attended this year’s Met Gala not just to be seen, but to invoke the unseen, in a striking John Galliano for Maison Margiela creation. Kardashian’s ensemble challenged traditional red carpet expectations and turned heads for what it suggested rather than what it revealed.

H&M Studios Makes a Splash at the Met Gala with Adwoa Aboah

In a striking debut at one of fashion’s most illustrious nights, H&M Studios marked its entrance into high fashion with a custom creation for British model Adwoa Aboah at this year’s Met Gala. This significant moment not only highlighted H&M’s ambitious push into more bespoke fashion territories but also set a new standard for what high-street brands can aspire to achieve on the grand stage of the Met Gala.

Karol G bravely wore Spock’s ears in the name of love for Paris

In what can only be described as a cosmic twist on fashion diplomacy, Karol G decided to express her undying love for Paris, dreams, and fantasies by donning—wait for it—Spock’s ears at this year’s Met Gala, as she said in her interview. Because nothing says “Parisian chic” like a pair of pointy Vulcan ears. Ah, the sheer romance of it all!

The singer, known for her vibrant and often unconventional style choices, clearly decided that this was the moment to merge the Final Frontier with French flair. Who needs a beret or a string of pearls when you can pay homage to Paris through the sci-fi splendor of Star Trek? It’s all about those little nuances of culture, after all.

At this year’s Met Gala, amidst a dazzling array of haute couture and avant-garde masterpieces, two American titans of fashion, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, stood out as the evening’s most in-demand designers. Their unique approaches to the “The Garden of Time” theme not only captured the essence of the gala but also secured their status as favorites among the fashion elite.

Jeff Goldblum – The Epitome of Dashing at the Met Gala

At this year’s Met Gala, Jeff Goldblum, often hailed as one of Hollywood’s most charismatic and stylish figures, reaffirmed his status as an icon of suave sophistication. Known not only for his eclectic acting roles but also for his distinctive style, Goldblum made a fabulous entrance that captured both the theme of the evening and the adoration of onlookers.

Dressed to the nines in a perfectly tailored ensemble that blended classic elegance with a touch of whimsical flair, Goldblum embodied the very essence of the gala’s theme, “The Garden of Time.” His outfit, which included a strikingly detailed suit that played with textures and patterns, showed off his unique ability to wear bold fashion choices with effortless grace. He wore Tiffany jewelry and watch.

But it wasn’t just the clothes that made his entrance unforgettable. Goldblum’s inherent charm and his flair for theatrical gestures added an extra layer of drama and allure to his appearance. With a charismatic smile and a debonair pose, he didn’t just walk on the red carpet; he owned it, turning heads and drawing cameras with the magnetic pull of a seasoned star.

Jeff’s presence at the Met Gala was more than just a fashion statement; it was a masterclass in star power and elegance. His choice of attire showcased a deep appreciation for the artistry behind haute couture, while his demeanor and poise reflected the confidence of a man who fully embraces his place as a style icon.

As the lights of the Met Gala dimmed and the stars vanished into the New York night, the echoes of the evening’s glamour lingered in the air, a shimmering reminder of the spectacle that had unfolded. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, once again, had transformed into a fantastical garden where time stood still and fashion reigned supreme.

See More stories from Met Gala 2024 HERE