Fashion Roundup: The Garden of Time 2024 Met Gala

The Met Gala theme was Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. Touching on elements of nature, here are stars that stood out. 

On Monday night, May 6, the coveted steps, where stars align and pose for the Met Gala, were decorated to match its garden theme. With real grass lining the railings, guests submerged into a world of timeless and frolicky floral fashion. 

Anna Wintour, fellow co-chair of the Met Gala, arrived in a floral ensemble that was not too loud or harsh on the eyes but still captivated the audience with floral patchwork stitched down her jacket.

The #MetGala red carpet is underway! Co-chair Anna Wintour kicks it off. pic.twitter.com/YSsh6MWZ5r

— The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum) May 6, 2024

Now, onto some of our favorite looks from the night, worn by your favorite celebrities. From Lana Del Rey, Elle Fanning, Lil Nas X, Sydney Sweeney, Nicki Minaj, and Sarah Jessica Parker, these stars captured the theme perfectly.

First, Lana Del Rey made an enchanting appearance in her branch-encrusted ensemble, with a singular rose attached to her left hand. The dress, designed by Alexander McQueen, included a light brown veil that draped over her head. This marks the singer’s return to the world-famous gala, last appearing in 2018.

Lana Del Ray for the #MetGala pic.twitter.com/LuZPclsmQK

— Glitter Magazine (@glittermagazine) May 7, 2024

It not only makes sense for Lana Del Rey to capture the theme perfectly, but it also represents her past musical endeavors. Del Rey had a musical collaboration with the Disney film Maleficent, who is the classic villain of, you guessed it, Sleeping Beauty.

Now, this is also tied into another best-dressed guest on our list: Elle Fanning. Fanning arrived at the gala in a dreamy sculptural sheer dress with matching glass flowers springing out the shoulders. Like Del Rey, Fanning also captured the theme in her whimsical dress while portraying Sleeping Beauty herself in the Maleficent films. 

Second, Lil Nas X outperformed as always. Instead of a regular black tie suit, the safe option for men to wear at such fashionable galas, he decided to throw on a creamy suit ensemble. The attire was nothing short of a deep connection to the past, as he was doused in 50,000 Swarovski Crystals. Known for making a statement at every gala he attends, Lil Nas X went on removing several layers of his outfit, like how a flower sheds petals through its lifecycle. 

Next up, we have Nicki Minaj. Fans were quite surprised when they caught the rapper walking up the iconic stairs but predicted she would appear sooner than later. Minaj is quite notorious for arriving fashionably late but did not disappoint. Arriving in a yellow dress with flowers attached all over and a short black updo, Minaj was touching back on her “Chun-Li” era of style. 

Transforming into a floral bouquet, the design was a custom Marni’s Francesco Risso. The silk gold dress had 3D-printed metal flowers and was hand-painted with high-fashion jewelry to match. We sure wouldn’t mind this high-fashioned bouquet arriving at our door any day of the week. 

Sydney Sweeney also arrived at the Met Gala this year, and fans had to do a double take. Donning a short black bob, many mistook Sweeney for Billie Eilish, who sported a similar look in the past. Don’t be fooled, though. The new hair is just a wig styled by celebrity hairstylist Glen Coco.

Sweeney wore a custom Miu Miu with a light-blue tulle gown and black flowers along the chest. Paired with dazzling silver jewelry and long black gloves, the actress was fit for a tea party (falling down a rabbit hole not included).

Lastly, we have the icon and fashionista herself, Sarah Jessica Parker. Parker is known for bringing the most stylish looks to the Met, delivering once again this year. Making her first appearance in 1995, Parker still shines on the stairs nearly thirty years later. This time, in an extravagant Richard Quinn piece, fit for a tea party. 

With her long, luscious blonde locks and Charlotte Tilbury makeup, Parker looked like royalty as she graced the Met with her presence. The hand-cut lace on the dress has a light floral design that does not overshadow the entire piece, along with telling a story of preservation. While it may appear fragile, the dress withstands time and highlights the theme of ephemerality. To the human eye, it may not look durable, but this dress was built to last for generations (and gardens) of time to come.

These are just a few of our favorite looks from last night’s reception. To get a full rundown and see other jaw-dropping looks, click here.