The Met Gala, an annual fundraising extravaganza, once again graced the red carpet of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. This event, synonymous with haute couture and A-list celebrities, serves as the grand opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit. Each year, the Gala sets the tone for the fashion world, dictating trends and captivating audiences worldwide.
This year, the theme of the Gala delved into the realms of fantasy and philosophy with “The Garden of Time.” Inspired by J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story of the same title, the dress code transported attendees into a world where time is both elusive and omnipresent. Ballard’s narrative explores the existential themes of time, memory, and mortality, inviting readers to contemplate their own fleeting existence.
Guests at the Met Gala were tasked with interpreting this theme through their attire, resulting in a spectacle of creativity and imagination. The dress code encouraged attendees to embrace the symbolism of time, with nods to decay and renewal. Real-life flowers, in various states of bloom and decay, adorned the red carpet, transforming it into a botanical tapestry of life and death. Beyond floral motifs, attendees explored the myriad manifestations of nature, drawing inspiration from the Land, Sea, and Sky. From the grain of wood to the iridescence of a dragonfly’s wing, fashion became a canvas for the wonders of the natural world.
Among the standout looks of the night, we could find Tyla wearing a custom Balmain look inspired by the passing sands of time. Transformed into a sculpture, the rising superstar perfectly embodied the theme of the night. By creating a dress made from an ephemeral material, we see a reference to climate change and how beautiful but fragile our ecosystem is. On the other hand, Kim Kardashian embraced the silhouette of the last Maison Margiela Artisanal show. Ther tight waist and evocative movements were responsible for turning that show into one for the books. Bad Bunny, one of the hosts of the night, was also wearing Margiela. Drawing inspiration from the character of Count Axel in The Garden of Time, the rapper’s suit reminded us of a prototype; a seemingly unfinished look reminiscent of the aesthetic codes of Maison Margiela.
Zendaya – Met Gala 2024
Elle Fanning understood the task and wore a crystalline Balmain dress that she matched with the perfect accessory; her own ethereal beauty. Red Carpet moments should not let us lose sight that the Met Gala is also a great promotional opportunity for brands. Karlie Kloss with her dress made from Swarovski crystal flowers, is the perfect example of a brand – celebrity association that guarantees visibility… even if many tweeters claimed the look lacked theatricality!
It’s impossible to write about the 2024 Met Gala without mentioning the star of the night: Zendaya. The Couture Darling was praised for the dramatic appeal of her outfits and performance, which arched back to John Galliano’s runways in the nineties where models embodied the personalities of their fictional characters.
Adithi Balaji – IFA Paris Bachelor Fashion Design Student
In anticipation of the Gala, an exclusive party was hosted for IFA Paris students, offering them a chance to showcase their interpretation of the theme. From elaborate transformations to statement pieces, the creativity on display was nothing short of extraordinary. Adithi Balaji, a second-year Bachelor Fashion Design & Technology student, wowed attendees with three distinct looks, capturing the essence of “The Garden of Time” with unparalleled flair. Drinks and snacks were provided to enjoy an incredible afternoon with rhythms provided by DJ Verukka Salt.
IFA Paris Bachelor Fashion Design Student
As the curtains closed on another unforgettable Met Gala, attendees departed with memories of a night steeped in fantasy and fashion. The Garden of Time may be ephemeral, but its legacy will endure as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and imagination in the world of haute couture.
Our academic programs in fashion design, whether entry level with the Bachelor Fashion Design & Technology or postgraduate with the Master of Arts Contemporary Fashion Design, allow students the opportunity to experiment and explore various techniques to develop their own ethos. Perhaps allowing them to have their latest creations featured in the future Met Gala Editions!