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A Celebration of Elegance and Creativity: Highlights of the Most Memorable Outfits of the Night
The most anticipated fashion event has arrived: the Met Gala 2024. It took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6th. This year’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” explores how technology can rejuvenate pieces of cloth that are too old and fragile to be worn again. The dress code for the evening, The Garden of Time, was inspired by the fable of J.G. Ballard, known for exploring the parallel between mass media and human psychology.
The story tells of a Count who lived with his wife in a huge house, filled with treasures and with a vast and beautiful garden, but isolated. One day, the Count spotted a group of people heading towards the house and, fearing that they would destroy his home and his treasures, he retreated in time by cutting a flower from the garden.
Every day he cut another flower, continuing to retreat in time, until he reached the last flower. He realized that by cutting that flower and leaving the garden empty, similar to the outside world, he would lose the advantage of being able to retreat in time, causing people to approach and destroy all his treasures. While the theme questions pieces that can never be worn again, due to their beauty and delicacy, the dress code draws a parallel between creation and destruction, between what is desired by all but few can have.
All this parallelism aims to convey that the desire to possess what few have leads us to self-destruction when trying to push others away.
Now that we understand the theme and the dress code, we can begin to analyze the best looks of the night.
Zendaya in Maison Margiela
One of the most anticipated celebrities, Zendaya, shone as one of the event’s hosts. Initially, she dazzled in a Maison Margiela ensemble adorned with flowers, plants, and butterflies, complemented by Bulgari jewellery that captured a charming botanical atmosphere. Later, she surprised by returning in a classic black dress from John Galliano’s Givenchy era, highlighted by a bouquet of flowers on her head.
Her presence not only showcased her versatility in fashion but also her ability to blend historical art with the contemporary, reflecting on the interconnection between temporality and the eternal cycle of nature and fashion.
Emma Chamberlain em Jean Paul Gaultier
Exploring the concept of “fragility” and “decomposition,” the Gaultier team found inspiration from various sources, including the mocha lace corset worn by Suzanne von Aichinger in the Spring/Summer 2003 haute couture show titled “Morphing.” This concept was skillfully integrated into the collection, showcasing the brand’s ability to blend historical elements with a contemporary vision of fashion, resulting in unique and unique pieces.
Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga
Nicole Kidman wore a reproduction of a Balenciaga dress from 1951, characterized by an elegant black skirt with ruffles and a white silk overlay, paired with elbow-length gloves. Her look evoked the golden age of fashion, accentuating the timeless sophistication and classic refinement associated with the Balenciaga brand. The complete ensemble, including the elbow-length gloves, added a touch of vintage glamour, showcasing Kidman’s timeless elegance on the red carpet.
Lana Del Rey in Sean McGirr
She wore a design by Sean McGirr for Alexander McQueen, inspired by the house’s archives, specifically a dress from the Autumn/Winter 2006 collection. Her look stood out for its timeless elegance and reference to the rich history of fashion, showcasing how classic pieces can be reinvented with a contemporary twist.
Kendall Jenner in Alexander McQueen
Kendall Jenner also delved into Givenchy’s archives, selecting a dress from Alexander McQueen’s 1999 collection. The dress, previously displayed on a mannequin on the runway, made Jenner the first person to wear it. Her look was a tribute to the iconic history of the fashion house and showcased her ability to bring classic pieces to life with a modern and elegant touch.
Ambika Mod in Loewe
In her first appearance at the Met Gala, she opted for a design from Loewe, featuring a 3D print of Charles James’ 1951 Petal dress. This choice revealed her passion for fashion history and technological innovation, combining classic elements with a contemporary approach. The result was a unique and bold look that captured everyone’s attention at the event.
Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne and Chopard
Her white dress stood out with its off-the-shoulder straps and a voluminous skirt adorned with handcrafted thorns, vines, and yellow roses, all applied in an intricate pattern. A multi-layered train, finished with Black Duchesse Satin, added a touch of elegance and contrast to the piece. The complete ensemble highlighted Hadid’s beauty and grace while showcasing Browne’s skill in creating pieces that are true works of art in fashion.
In summary, the 2024 Met Gala once again proved to be the most anticipated event in the world of fashion, bringing together celebrities, designers, and art enthusiasts to showcase creativity, innovation, and elegance.
From the stunning looks that evoke iconic moments in fashion history to bold and contemporary interpretations, each participant contributed to the unique and inspiring atmosphere of the night.
Beyond being a showcase of human creativity, the Met Gala also serves as a platform for deeper reflections on the intersection of fashion, art, culture, and society.
As the lights go out and the camera flashes fade, it becomes evident that the legacy of the Met Gala transcends the runway, leaving an endless mark on the history of fashion and inspiring future generations to continue exploring the boundaries of personal expression and creativity.
What’s your favorite look? Share your opinion with us.
We hope you had as much fun as we did exploring the stunning looks and boldest fashion trends. May tonight inspire you to take more risks, express your own personality through style, and have fun with fashion.
To guess the theme of the next article:
What’s the theme that fits well, where every line and stitch tells its own tale? With Lisd, you unravel, create, and expand.
We’ll give you the answer on May 17th.
With affection, Lisd Manufactory.
Written by: Maria Dias and Inês Mendes and Rita Lima