The Met Gala, fashion’s most anticipated night, unfolded recently, and like many, I tuned in to witness the spectacle of “The Garden of Time” theme come to life – or, in some cases, not quite. While the green carpet (a departure from the traditional red) promised a blossoming of sartorial interpretations, the reality proved to be somewhat…underwhelming. Many outfits struggled to truly capture the essence of time and nature, leaving viewers, including myself, feeling a touch deflated. However, amidst the predictable florals and fleeting attempts at thematic relevance, a few daring choices managed to cut through the foliage of fashion faux pas. And then there was Doja Cat.
This article dives deep into the highs and lows of the Met Gala 2024, dissecting the outfits that blossomed and those that withered. We’ll explore the successful interpretations of “The Garden of Time,” the missed opportunities, and, of course, the headline-grabbing appearance of Doja Cat, whose minimalist approach sparked considerable debate. Was her unconventional look a stroke of genius or a thematic misstep? Let’s delve into the details of the night, the designs, and the discourse they ignited.
Met Gala 2024: The Standouts and the Setbacks
The Winners’ Circle
Despite an overall feeling of mild disappointment, several attendees managed to not only grasp the “Garden of Time” theme but also elevate it. These were the individuals who understood that the Met Gala is about more than just wearing a pretty dress; it’s about storytelling through fashion.
- Lewis Hamilton in Burberry: Hamilton’s Burberry ensemble was a masterclass in thematic dressing. His outfit was deeply rooted in narrative, paying homage to John Ystumllyn, an 18th-century gardener who journeyed from Africa to Wales and became the first Black gardener in Wales. This thoughtful tribute, coupled with the inclusion of Alex Wharton’s poem “The Gardener” on the coat lining, resonated deeply.
Lewis Hamilton in a Burberry coat featuring embroidery and a section of Alex Wharton’s “The Gardener” poem; Image courtesy of Lewis Hamilton’s official Instagram.
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Tyla in Balmain and Olivier Rousteing in Balmain: Tyla’s Balmain sand dress, alongside Olivier Rousteing’s sculpted sand suit, offered a striking and literal interpretation of “time.” The sand material evoked the “sands of time” concept directly linked to J.G. Ballard’s short story, adding a layer of conceptual depth to their looks.
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Lana Del Rey in Alexander McQueen: Del Rey’s custom Alexander McQueen gown, a reinterpretation of a 2006 archival look, captured the darker, more melancholic side of the theme. Referencing the hawthorn branches from Ballard’s story and incorporating details like a clock bag and rose, her outfit was both beautiful and narratively rich.
Honorable Mentions: Time-Conscious Creations
Several other attendees earned recognition for incorporating elements of time into their ensembles, even if they didn’t quite reach the winner’s podium.
- Barry Keoghan in Burberry: Keoghan’s moss green velvet Burberry suit, complete with a pocket watch, offered a subtle nod to the theme, evoking a sense of vintage elegance and the passage of time.
- Ben Simmons in Thom Browne: Simmons’ Thom Browne outfit, with its English countryside vibes and suitcase clock accessory, presented a whimsical yet thematic approach, suggesting a journey through time and connecting to the literary inspiration.
Barry Keoghan in a moss green Burberry suit with pocket watch and Ben Simmons in Thom Browne carrying a suitcase clock; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
The dominance of brands like Margiela, Burberry, and Loewe was notable, a consequence of the Met Gala’s fundraising structure where brands purchase tables. While understandable, this brand concentration arguably contributed to a lack of stylistic diversity on the green carpet.
Decoding “The Garden of Time” Theme: Interpretations and Missed Cues
Anna Wintour herself acknowledged the potential ambiguity of “The Garden of Time” theme. However, the abundance of source material – Ballard’s short story, the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and countless historical garments – suggests that the theme, while broad, was far from confusing. It offered a rich tapestry of inspiration, allowing for diverse interpretations.
Guests largely gravitated towards a few key interpretations: floral motifs (the most obvious), representations of “time is fleeting,” and darker, gothic-inspired takes on the theme. The latter, however, often veered into costume territory, lacking the nuanced sophistication expected at the Met Gala.
Replicas, reinterpretations, and vintage pieces also emerged as a significant trend, aligning with the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition. Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman donned archival Balenciaga-inspired gowns, while Kendall Jenner sported a never-before-worn Givenchy by Alexander McQueen dress from 1999. Emily Ratajkowski opted for a vintage Atelier Versace “naked dress,” and Bee Carozzini chose a vintage Alexander McQueen gown, reinforcing the vintage vogue at this year’s event.
Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman wearing reinterpreted archival Balenciaga gowns; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Emily Ratajkowski in vintage Atelier Versace, Kendall Jenner in vintage Givenchy by Alexander McQueen, and Bee Carozzini in vintage Alexander McQueen; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
The Fast Fashion Paradox
A jarring contradiction emerged amidst the Met Gala’s glamorous facade: the presence of fast fashion brands alongside overtures to sustainability. Several guests sported H&M, while eBay, a platform promoting vintage and pre-owned fashion, was heavily promoted during Vogue’s livestream. This juxtaposition created a dissonant narrative, raising questions about the event’s commitment to environmental consciousness. The promotion of fast fashion, often associated with unsustainable practices and textile waste, felt particularly discordant against the backdrop of sustainability messaging.
Decoding the Details: Winning Looks in Depth
Lewis Hamilton: Fashion with a Message
Lewis Hamilton’s Burberry ensemble stood out for its thematic depth and powerful message. His commitment to understanding and conveying the theme was evident in his Vogue interview, where he emphasized the importance of “doing your homework” for the Met Gala.
His embroidered coat was the result of extensive research into the theme. The story of John Ystumllyn, the enslaved African man who became a celebrated gardener in Wales, served as the central inspiration. This narrative of resilience and triumph, combined with Alex Wharton’s poem, added profound layers of meaning to Hamilton’s attire. Even the thorn necklace he wore symbolized the pain of the slave trade, further underscoring the outfit’s powerful message. Hamilton’s look was a testament to fashion’s ability to transcend mere aesthetics and become a vehicle for meaningful social commentary.
Lewis Hamilton in Burberry, showcasing the embroidered coat and inner lining featuring Alex Wharton’s poem “The Gardener”; Images from Official Instagram Lewis Hamilton.
Tyla and Olivier Rousteing: Sculpting Time in Sand
Tyla’s sand dress by Balmain, alongside Olivier Rousteing’s sand-sculpted suit, was a visually arresting and conceptually clever interpretation of the “sands of time.” Initially perceived by some as another “naked dress,” closer inspection revealed the dress’s unique material: sand. This unexpected choice directly linked to the theme, transforming Tyla into a living hourglass, further emphasized by her hourglass-shaped accessory.
Olivier Rousteing’s suit, featuring a sculpted sand face – presumably his own – added another layer of thematic resonance, possibly referencing the characters turning to stone in “The Garden of Time.” These Balmain creations demanded attention and rewarded closer examination, proving to be among the most conceptually successful looks of the night.
Tyla in a sand-sculpted Balmain dress and Olivier Rousteing in a sand suit by Balmain; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Lana Del Rey: McQueen’s Dark Garden
Lana Del Rey’s Alexander McQueen reinterpretation sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing its departure from the original 2006 design. However, her outfit effectively captured the darker, more haunting aspects of “The Garden of Time.” The corseted silk dress embroidered with hawthorn branches directly referenced the ending of Ballard’s story, evoking a sense of thorny, encroaching nature. Her headpiece, veiled in tulle, and the metal clock bag with a rose further solidified the thematic connection.
Creative director Seán McGirr cited Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti as an additional inspiration, adding another layer of artistic depth. While less overtly floral than some interpretations, Del Rey’s McQueen gown offered a compelling and nuanced take on the theme, blending darkness and beauty.
Lana Del Rey in a custom Alexander McQueen gown, featuring hawthorn branches and a veiled headpiece; Image from Met Gala Official Instagram.
Other Notable Mentions
Mona Patel in Iris van Herpen, with moving butterflies adorning her arm, and Elle Fanning in a fairytale-esque Balmain gown, also deserve recognition for their thematic and visually captivating ensembles. It was surprising to see these outfits overlooked on many “best-dressed” lists.
Mona Patel in Iris van Herpen with kinetic butterfly details and Elle Fanning in a Balmain fairytale-inspired gown; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
The Disappointments: Margiela and Beyond
Margiela’s Missed Opportunity
The Margiela presence, while significant, proved to be a disappointment. Despite the recent John Galliano collection’s dramatic flair, the runway pieces felt somewhat disconnected from the “Garden of Time” theme when translated to the Met Gala green carpet. The impact was diluted by the sheer number of guests wearing Margiela, creating a sense of brand saturation rather than thematic cohesion.
Gwendoline Christie’s blood orange dress, linked to the theme through a tenuous garden-fruit association, and Bad Bunny’s intriguing yet thematically ambiguous ensemble, further exemplified this disconnect. Kim Kardashian’s Margiela look, referencing the runway show’s styling, also fell flat in the Met Gala context, lacking the dramatic impact of the original presentation.
Gwendoline Christie, Bad Bunny, and Kim Kardashian in Margiela; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Zendaya, despite multiple outfit changes, also underwhelmed. Her initial Margiela reinterpretation of Dior felt somewhat lackluster, even with the hummingbird detail. While her vintage Givenchy and Alexander McQueen hat combination showcased thoughtful vintage references, it wasn’t a standout look. Her third Celia Kritharioti dress was pretty but ultimately forgettable.
Zendaya in Margiela, Givenchy with Alexander McQueen hat, and Celia Kritharioti; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Doja Cat: The Towel Dress Debate
And then there’s Doja Cat. Her choice of a long, seemingly simple, white dress – or rather, what many initially perceived as a towel – sparked immediate controversy and became a central talking point of the Met Gala. The minimalist design, devoid of overt floral embellishments or obvious “garden” references, left many scratching their heads.
Doja Cat in a white Oscar de la Renta gown, resembling draped fabric; Image from Met Gala Official Instagram.
Initial reactions ranged from confusion to outright dismissal. The dress, by Oscar de la Renta, was indeed crafted from cotton. The intended interpretation, as pointed out by some online commentators, was that Doja Cat was embodying a garden statue, a silent, draped figure within the “Garden of Time.” Furthermore, the cotton material itself, a plant-derived textile, could be seen as a subtle nod to the natural world.
However, despite these potential interpretations, Doja Cat’s look remained divisive. While some lauded its conceptual boldness and minimalist chic, others deemed it lazy, underwhelming, and utterly disconnected from the Met Gala’s spirit of extravagant thematic dressing. The “towel dress” comparisons, while perhaps reductive, highlighted the outfit’s stark simplicity in contrast to the elaborate creations surrounding it.
Was Doja Cat’s Met Gala 2024 outfit a brilliant deconstruction of the theme, a commentary on minimalist fashion in a maximalist environment, or simply a missed opportunity? The debate continues, and perhaps that, in itself, is a testament to the outfit’s impact. It certainly provoked discussion and challenged conventional Met Gala expectations. Whether it was a “success” or a “failure” is subjective, but it undeniably cemented Doja Cat’s position as a boundary-pushing figure in fashion.
Other Missed Marks
Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne, while praised for the craftsmanship of her dress (reportedly taking 13,500 hours to create), suffered from a disjointed design. The top half was beautiful, but the shirt-constructed bottom half appeared awkward and thematically irrelevant. Rita Ora’s dress made of ancient beads, while intriguing in concept, felt thematically off-kilter. Using ancient artifacts for a new garment seemed to contradict the exhibition’s focus on preservation.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Zac Posen for The Gap, though flattering, felt out of place with its denim material, despite Posen’s attempts to link denim to the “Garden of Time” through cotton and indigo. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Richard Quinn and Philip Treacy ensemble, Penelope Cruz’s Chanel gown, Rosalía’s Dior “black tulip” dress, and Jordan Roth’s Valentino floral mountain all fell into the category of thematically weak or stylistically uninspired.
Doja Cat and Gigi Hadid; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Da’Vine in Zac Posen for The Gap and Rita Ora in a dress made from ancient beads; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Richard Quinn and Philip Treacy, Penelope Cruz in Chanel, Rosalía in Dior, Jordan Dunn in Valentino; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Theme? What Theme? The Uninspired
As is customary at the Met Gala, numerous outfits seemed to completely disregard the theme altogether. Serena Williams and Michelle Yeoh, while elegant, offered no discernible connection to “The Garden of Time.” Cardi B’s dramatic black creation, described as a “flower growing out of asphalt,” felt tenuously linked at best. Jennie Kim in Alaia appeared ready for a beach party, and Eva Chen’s Robert Wun dress, while stylish, was thematically adrift.
Serena Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Cardi B, Jennie Kim; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Wisdom Kane in Robert Wun, however, offered a more nuanced interpretation. While initially appearing as a typical Met Gala “statement” piece, closer inspection revealed details suggesting decay and burning – a compelling, if subtle, reference to time and the ephemeral nature of beauty, aligning with the theme’s undercurrents.
Eva Chen and Wisdom Kane in Robert Wun; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Pretty but Passable: Forgettable Florals and Beyond
Many outfits, while aesthetically pleasing, lacked the thematic depth or innovative design to truly stand out. Jennifer Lopez in Schiaparelli, despite a butterfly-wing dress with symbolic references to decay and Elsa Schiaparelli’s insect motifs, failed to create a lasting impression on the green carpet. Anna Wintour’s Loewe floral coat, referencing a House of Worth design from the exhibition, was conceptually interesting but stylistically underwhelming.
Alia Bhatt’s sari by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, while celebrating Indian craftsmanship and timelessness, felt somewhat predictable and lacked a fresh perspective. Mindy Kaling in Gaurav Gupta, representing a “melting flower of time,” similarly fell short of making a significant impact, perhaps overshadowed by Cardi B’s previous Gaurav Gupta Grammy’s dress.
JLo in Schiaparelli; Image from Met Gala Official Instagram.
Anna Wintour in a Loewe coat referencing a House of Worth design; Images from Met Gala Official Instagram and Check the Tag Instagram.
Mindy Kaling in Gaurav Gupta and Cardi B in a similar Gaurav Gupta design from the Grammy’s 2023; Images from Check the Tag Instagram Account and Cardi B Official Instagram Account.
Conclusion: A Green Carpet in Need of Revival
The Met Gala 2024 green carpet, despite a few shining moments, largely felt underwhelming. While more attendees seemed to engage with the theme compared to the previous year, the overall impact lacked the excitement and innovation expected from fashion’s biggest night. The event could benefit from a greater diversity of designers, providing opportunities for independent and emerging talents to showcase their creativity. However, given the Met Gala’s fundraising priorities, this may remain wishful thinking. Ultimately, while some looks blossomed, the Met Gala 2024 green carpet left many viewers longing for a more vibrant and conceptually rich fashion garden.
Footnotes
[1] Press release by Givenchy shared on the Instagram Account of Kendall Jenner.
[2] Vogue Met Gala 2024 Livestream, Who What Wear 2024.
[3] Vogue Met Gala 2024 Livestream.
[4] Ballard 1962.
[5] Ballard 1962.
[6] Vogue 2024.
Sources
J.G. Ballard, The Garden of Time, 1962, via Culture Injection, last accessed on 10 May 2024.
Vogue, Met Gala 2024 Livestream, last accessed on 10 May 2024.
Vogue, Zendaya Brought the Drama—In Two Different Looks!—At the 2024 Met Gala, last accessed on 10 May 2024.
Who, What, Wear, Lewis Hamilton Understood the Assignment at This Year’s Met Gala, last accessed on 10 May 2024.
See Also
Met Gala 2024 Prep – All You Need to Know about “The Garden of Time”
Disclaimer
This article is based on the personal views, experiences, and research of the author. No fees were received by the organizations and people mentioned above. All information is current as of the date of publishing/updating.
