Written By: Kayla Bausbacher
Lead: The theme of the 2024 Met Gala, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," captivated fashion enthusiasts on May 6, 2024, transforming the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a dreamlike world filled with historical reverence. This year's event celebrated over 400 years of fashion history by showcasing the combination of fashion, history, and fantasy.
Known as the "Super Bowl of fashion," the Costume Institute's yearly fashion display opens with the Met Gala each year. The theme for this year was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which was organized by Andrew Bolton. It explored how designers use historical inspiration to create timeless and dreamy pieces, honoring the magical and captivating elements of fashion history.
With more than 250 distinctive items from over four centuries in the collection, the theme paid homage to the Costume Institute's extensive collections. Fashion icons like Schiaparelli, Dior, Givenchy, and others showcased their designs, providing insight into the history of fashion and its timeless appeal. The exhibition aimed to illustrate how modern designers constantly reclaim and redefine fashion.
The Met Gala has consistently provided an opportunity for innovative choices in fashion and artistic expression. The theme for this year gave guests the opportunity to explore the fantasy aspects of fashion by combining historical with contemporary style. A lot of attendees took the opportunity to work with leading designers to create looks that were innovative and inspired by history.
The entertainment and fashion industries' A-listers are always found on the Met Gala guest list, and this year was no exception. On the red carpet there were models, influencers, designers, and celebrities who each brought their own take on the concept. A mix of modern twists on classic silhouettes, avant-garde designs that challenged tradition, and looks with a connection to the past were showcased during the Met Gala.
Zendaya, who arrived in a stunning LILY et Cie. gown that combined 18th-century elegance with contemporary design, had one of the evening's most memorable looks. With its elaborate embroidery, wide skirt, and contemporary bodice, her look embodied the spirit of "Sleeping Beauties" flawlessly.
Photo 1: Zendaya on the Carpet
This year Zendaya was a co-chair of the Met Gala. Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, just days prior to the event said that the dress “wasn't even made yet.” One specific element from the look that caught everyone's eye was her headpiece which was an original Alexander McQueen from the spring 2007 collection. In my opinion, it gives the look a personality and allows the color and character of the look to shine through.
I decided to interview my friend James on his first impressions of Zendaya’s look, this is what he had to say: “Although fashion isn't really my thing, I think she had a princess-like appearance. She looked cool because of the large, extravagant dress.”
Even though Zendaya looked amazing, I thought Tyla's look was the best of the evening. Tyla, who is a well-known singer famous for her bold and distinctive style choices, showed up in a stunning gown that well complemented the evening's theme. Her flawless fusion of contemporary style and historical elegance set her apart from the others.
Photo 2: Tyla on the Carpet
Her dress was Balmain and the look was called “sands of time.” She discussed in an interview with Vogue it took 2 months to create this look and that they wanted to take their time. In the Vogue interview the interviewer asks Tyla “ Is this sand? Are you kind of a mermaid?” To which Tyla replies “No so the theme “Garden of Time” we went with sands of hourglass.” The interviewer then has a realization saying “Oh, “Garden of Time” that’s genius.” I believe Tyla’s interpretation of the theme is what set her apart from everyone else and her execution is what really pulled the vision all together.
To get another perspective, I asked my friend Ava, a current Fashion major at High Point University, what she thought of Tyla's outfit. Ava's excitement was evident: "Tyla's gown was absolutely breathtaking. The way it combined historical elements with a modern twist was mesmerizing. The attention to detail with adding the sand on her shoulders and even the detail with the bag made this look elegant, bold, and completely unforgettable."
Although a lot of individuals impressed me with how they interpreted the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme, not every look hit the mark for me. Kylie Jenner's outfit was one that I felt was lacking. Usually known for her adventurous fashion choices, Kylie's decision for this year's Met Gala felt disconnected with the theme and lacked the creative energy that she usually has at this event. I interviewed my other friend Abby and this is what she had to say, “Compared to previous years I just feel this look is a bit boring for Kylie.”
Photo 3: Kylie Jenner on the Carpet
The 2024 Met Gala, in my opinion, served as a testament of the timeless charm of fashion. The combination of contemporary and historical components created a compelling narrative that honored the development of fashion. In addition to showcasing gorgeous designs, the occasion emphasized how important it is to comprehend and value fashion history.
Despite the secrecy of the event itself the exhibition, located in the museum's Costume Institute, served as the evening's main attraction. A captivating exhibition of fashion history was on display for guests, with each area of the exhibit carefully chosen to convey a distinct tale. The exhibition highlighted the range and creativity that define the fashion industry, with clothing conveying the Renaissance as well as the silhouettes of mid-century fashion.
As a continuous viewer of the Met Gala, I thoroughly enjoy the event, the creativity, and the sheer artistry that unfolds each year. Watching the Met Gala is about more than enjoying the stunning dresses and looks; it's about engaging with the history and stories they convey. It's about appreciating the details, the creative designs, and the bold statements that every individual who walks the red carpet carries with them. For every fashion enthusiast, the Met Gala is one of the most iconic events every year.
I'm eager to watch how the Met Gala evolves and influences individuals in the future. The event aims to remain new and original because of the themes, interpretations, and innovations. As a spectator, I'm still fascinated by the style and originality that defines the Met Gala, and I'm looking forward to the Met Gala 2025.