
Previously known as the Costume Institute Gala, the Met Gala is a fundraising event held annually for the Metropolitan Museum of Art to benefit its Costume Institute. For celebrities and designers, it offers a distinctive stage to showcase their creativity and make bold statements through their sartorial choices. Each year, the Gala’s theme and dress code sets the tone for the event, challenging attendees to interpret it through their attire, often leading to some of the most memorable fashion moments. 2024’s Sleeping Beauty theme and Garden of Time dress code are more profound than it sounds, and here are ten things that would help you understand it and its influence.
Historical Inspiration

2024’s MET gala theme was the Sleeping Beauties; Reawakening Beauties and was aimed at resurrecting fashion’s timeless pieces, hence the dress code of Garden of Time. The dress code was inspired by J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story of the same name. Ballard’s story centers on a count and countess trying to protect their home from an approaching mob through the manipulation of time. This story serves as a metaphor for fleeting beauty and the passage of time, which can be seen in every guest’s interpretation of historical fashion through contemporary lenses.
Nature and Botanical Elements

Attendees were encouraged to incorporate elements of nature into their attire. So don’t be surprised about the plethora of florals and nature-inspired designs on the red carpet—an assignment Gigi Hadid executed excellently in her stunning ivory corset gown with yellow roses and thorn appliques. Appearances ranged from literal interpretations like floral embroidery and botanical prints to more abstract representations of nature’s beauty, such as fabrics mimicking the textures and patterns of plants and flowers.
Archival and Vintage Fashion

If there were runways in the 1786 Wild Wild West, Barry Keoghan would rule it in his vintage high hat and soothing velvet suit piece. This aligned with the theme’s focus on vintage and historically significant clothing that revives and reinterprets past fashions in innovative ways. The dress code picked was Garden of Time, emphasizing timeless, delicate, yet wild pieces. Designs in the exhibition showcased fashion that the public’s eye has forgotten.
Melancholic and Dystopian Undertones

Based on Count Axel’s home, the theme and dress code also hinted at melancholic and dystopian undertones, a nod to Ballard’s characteristic style, which Usher portrayed in his bold, all-black cape. This could translate into fashion that blends beauty with a sense of decay or transience. Outfits featured distressed fabrics and designs that convey a commanding presence, echoing Ballard’s unwavering grit and the struggle to preserve beauty.
Creative Interpretations

Beyond the literal floral and historical elements, the theme allowed for broad creative interpretation. Guests explored the concept of time through avant-garde designs, such as garments that represent different eras or futuristic elements. Blending the theme into the dress code encouraged exploring the natural world innovatively through unconventional materials like those seen in Cole Escola’s suit, skirt, and woolen flower bag —which incorporated natural elements in unexpected forms.
Focus on High Craftsmanship and Detail

Designer Gaurav Gupta’s intricate crafting of Mindy Kaling’s caramel-colored sculptural dress was a sight to behold—paying homage to the theme and dress code’s emphasis on exquisite craftsmanship that has survived through time. One might say that it is a reflection of the delicate and intricate nature of historical garments preserved in archives. This aligned with the exhibition’s focus on garments that are too fragile to be worn again, just like Elle Fanning’s dainty Balmain piece, which seemed so fragile that one wonders how she got in it.
Symbolism of Time and Decay

Are you wondering why Tyla turned heads in a regal sand castle dress and an hourglass purse? From the dress code “Garden of Time,” guests were to explore the symbolism of time, decay, and renewal in their outfits. This was expressed through aged or weathered designs, such as fabrics with a patina effect, faded colors, distressed textures, and even a literal representation of time, just like Ben Simmons’ 5:30 briefcase. The beauty found in aging reinforces the melancholic undertones of Ballard’s story and the theme of time’s passage in sleep.
Integration of Technological and Futuristic Elements

Can one really talk about the passage of time without honorary mentions of technology? The answer to that allows for the integration of futuristic and technological elements. Designers infused high-tech fabrics, LED lights, or innovative construction techniques to create garments that look ahead while paying homage to the past. Raye’s gown, with its resemblance to tiny nano-technology bugs, embodied this, fusing old and new to reflect the ability of fashion to transcend present times.
Personal and Emotional Narratives

Like Count Axel’s grit to save his home amidst formidable circumstances, designers weave personal and emotional narratives into their attire. This involved wearing garments that have personal significance, such as heirlooms or pieces inspired by family history. Guests chose outfits that told a story or conveyed a message about their own journey through time, like Olivier Rousteing’s face-engraved blazer blouse, which seemed to be a replica of his chiseled and poker face.
Cultural and Global Influences

For the diversity and range of human experiences in a lifetime, the Sleeping Beauties theme and its Garden of Time dress code enjoined the exploration of cultural and global influences in fashion. Attendees drew inspiration from traditional clothing and textile practices from various cultures, highlighting the global richness of fashion. Taylor Russel’s high-neck, wood-patterned kimono top gave a feel of Japanese fashion amidst other influenced work, including African beadwork, Indian embroidery, and indigenous patterns.