Meta Gala a shining timeline of stars

The 2024 Met Gala: A night of fashion, fairytales, and fundraising

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit, also known as the Met Gala, once again transformed into a star-studded spectacle on May 6th, 2024. This year’s theme, “The Garden of Time,” drew inspiration from J.G. Ballard’s short story, mirroring the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

From Hollywood A-listers to Bollywood royalty, the Met Gala continues to be a prestigious event drawing the biggest names across various industries. Established in 1946, the gala has become a significant fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Costume Institution in New York City.

A celebration of fashion and philanthropy

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” explores themes of rebirth and renewal through the lens of nature, reflecting the impermanence of fashion itself.  The gala serves as a major revenue stream for the institute, with Vogue’s Anna Wintour, who has overseen the guest list since 1999, playing a pivotal role. Under her leadership, the event has raised a staggering $223.5 million for the Costume Institute.

Last year’s gala brought in nearly $22 million, with roughly 400 attendees, but the price of exclusivity has risen.  Tickets have steadily increased, jumping from $50,000 in 2023 to a whopping $75,000 this year.

A night of showstopping style

This year’s red carpet was a kaleidoscope of fashion statements, with celebrities embracing the theme. Zendaya wore a stunning ensemble by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, showcasing peacock-inspired shades of blue and green. The outfit was adorned with a headpiece and leaf accents, exuding a unique elegance. Later, she graced the carpet in a black Givenchy Haute Couture gown, also designed by Galliano, embellished with exquisite flowers from Alexander McQueen.

Alia Bhatt made a remarkable second Met Gala appearance in a custom-designed mint-green sari by Indian couturier Sabyasachi, intricately embellished with real gemstones.  Sabyasachi also became the first Indian designer to walk the red carpet himself, sporting an embroidered cotton duster coat from his Resort 2024 collection.

Indian fashion entrepreneur Mona Patel stunned on her Met Gala debut in a custom Iris Van Herpen creation. The floor-grazing gown incorporated breathtaking kinetic butterflies on the sleeves, their wings fluttering delicately with each step she took. The entire look was a masterpiece of couture, a stunning combination of sculpted elements, marbled fabric, and a flowing scalloped train, all brought to life by the mesmerising butterflies.

Camila Cabello added a touch of icy whimsy to her shimmering Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown by carrying a block of ice with a golden rose frozen inside.

The Met Gala 2024 was a night of extravagant fashion, celebrity glamour, and significant fundraising, solidifying its place as a premier event in the fashion world.