From Bad Bunny’s Tudor-inspired ensemble to Zendaya’s ethereal hummingbird accessory, the hosts of fashion’s most anticipated night, the annual Met Gala in New York, set a captivating tone.
Florals, animals, and vintage couture flourished at this year’s event, dubbed the Oscars of the East Coast and serving as a major fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
The gala’s theme, “The Garden of Time,” draws inspiration from J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story of the same name, delving into the fleeting nature of beauty, a weighty theme for the luminaries gracing the green and cream carpet.
Zendaya, making her first Met Gala appearance since 2019, stole the spotlight in jewel-toned fabrics, her outfits designed by John Galliano, embodying the theme with vines adorning her attire, and a delicate hummingbird nestled on her neck.
Throughout the night, attendees showcased interpretations of awakenings and life, some embracing the immortality of fashion through the centuries with 17th and 18th-century flourishes, while others, like Lana del Rey, incorporated elements of decay into their attire.
Bad Bunny’s Tudor-inspired look and Cardi B’s resplendent black gown, requiring nine tuxedoed men to lift the expansive train, were among the standout moments of the evening, each capturing the essence of the theme in their own unique way.
While the gala serves as a platform for fashion extravagance, it also supports the Costume Institute’s work, funding exhibitions and acquisitions, including the current exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” featuring delicate pieces from the Institute’s collection.
The Met Gala, once reserved for New York high society, has evolved under Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour’s direction into a global fashion spectacle, drawing celebrities from various industries and commanding social media attention.
This year’s event, co-sponsored by TikTok, attracted tech luminaries alongside music, film, and sports stars, while also witnessing demonstrations nearby against the war in Gaza, underscoring the gala’s broader significance amidst the glitz and glamour.
