Our 25 Favorite Looks of the Met Gala
As the biggest fashion-focused event of the year, the Met Gala has been the topic on everyone’s minds in the weeks leading up to the first Monday of May. Themed “The Garden of Time,” this year’s event was inspired by J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story of the same name. In conjunction with the Costume Institute’s spring Metropolitan Museum exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” the 2024 Met Gala promised ethereal, dreamy ensembles — and, unsurprisingly, they were certainly delivered.
Serving as co-chair, Zendaya returned to the Met Gala in Maison Margiela by John Galliano. A striking peacock-colored gown, the design nods to Galliano’s Spring 1999 couture collection for Dior.
A fan favorite of the audience, Tyla’s gown, designed by Balmain, is so on par with the theme that it’s literally made of sand. Molded to her body, the gown also consists of minuscule crystal embellishments.
Sticking to the theme, Ayo wore a gorgeous lace halter neck gown by Loewe that featured 3D flowers. Arranged in a gradient style, the appliqué flowers gave the dress an ombré appearance.
The Symbol of Spring: Kerry dazzled in a deep purple plunging gown by Oscar de La Renta, accented with hundreds of purple flowers flowing into an extravagant train.
A Met debut: Actress Taylor Russell, wearing Loewe, arrived in a high-neck corset mimicking a wooden look paired with a silk circle skirt with a draped waist.
Embellished with 240,500 crystals, supermodel Karlie wore a fitted pink Swarovski gown adorned with 3D flowers and a draped crystal-studded branch. Truly a vision of Spring!
A living art piece, Nicki donned an avant-garde dress by Francesco Risso of Marni that incorporated intricate 3d metal flowers.
Calling her gown a “dream come true,” Taraji wore a custom Simkhai dress with a massive gown. The standout piece of her look, however, was the cherry-blossom updo done with the help of Swarovski crystals.
A vision in white: Gigi looks glamorous in an off-the-shoulder Thom Browne gown. Featuring rose detailing, the train of the gown is in the shape of a tuxedo jacket.
Wearing an intricately wrapped gold sequined gown by Marc Jacobs, Keke elevated her look—literally—by elevating her hair.
In old Hollywood fashion, Nicole donned a silky white Balenciaga gown that was embellished with 3,000 organza feathers.
Glistening: Jennifer’s sheer and structural Schiaparelli gown featured over two million hand-embroidered beads.
Ariana, also wearing Loewe, made her Met appearance in an ethereal cream gown that fused structured and draping styles. She topped the look off with appliqué feathers on her temples and a slicked-back pony.
Naomi shimmered in an aqua fringe and sequin Burberry gown paired with emerald-cut diamond drop earrings by Briony Raymond.
Wearing a black gown by Bad Binch TongTong, Precious Lee stood out from the crowd with the help of gem embellishments and extravagant wings.
Pop of red: Usher donned an all-black ensemble by Alexander McQueen complete with a matching cape and leather hat. Detailed with sequins, the Super Bowl performer held a red rose.
Another Met Gala debut, Pamela stunned in a gathered-bodice gown by Oscar de La Renta, completing her look with Pandora jewels and a dramatic faux leather headpiece by Noel Stewart.
Arriving in style, footballer Odell wore a black Bode suit featuring white detailing, floral embroidery, and a diamond broach.
The picture of elegance: Kaia shimmered in a strapless white Prada gown adorned with large sequins. Paired with jewelry by Tiffany and Co., Kaia subtly shone as she moved.
A mermaid and her merman: Gabrielle, dressed in a glimmering Michael Kors gown, and husband Dwayne, dressed in a lilac Versace suit, made a splash with their sea-inspired looks.
Janelle Monáe’s barely-there Vera Wang gown utilized holographic discs and recycled plastic bottles molded into floral shapes.
Made of gold foil-laminated taffeta, Serena wore a golden couture gown by Balenciaga featuring an extravagant train.
Arriving in style: F1 driver Lewis Hamilton went for an all-black double-breasted suit by Burberry featuring a long wool coat with floral embroidery.
Matching siblings Jaden and Willow looked coordinated on the carpet wearing ensembles by Thom Browne and Dior.
Carrying on with the intricately structured designs, Aurora James stunned in an Ana Khouri gown featuring an asymmetrical corset layered over a cream-colored bodice and skirt.
Megan Piston is a Senior at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Fashion Merchandising. Her aim is to connect people through fashion and encourage all women to embrace their own personal style.