2024 Met Gala Critique — Spoiled Splendid

Fashion’s biggest year was really left open to interpretation for guests this year. The Met’s Exhibit is called “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” however the dress code is listed as “The Garden of Time” - which is a short story by JG Ballard. So while I’m happy we didn’t see an overabundance of Disney references, we should also discuss the Reawakening Fashion portion. Inside the Met, the exhibit will bring forward archival pieces from Dior, McQueen and more that show the artistry and craftsmanship. That being said, it’s not surprising that we see a few attendees wear something vintage or vintage-inspired. To me, this can be problematic unless it ties back to “The Garden of Time.” So unless a dress clearly channels a very specific aesthetic, and becomes “reawakened” - it may just look like another pretty dress that would be better placed on any other red carpet. This is why I love the Met Gala - it combines fashion, context and artistic vision.

THE BEST

Elle Fanning - This glass inspired gown by Balmain was sheer (pun intended) perfection. The icy feel could easily translate to a sleepy garden or a dormant winter, but I actually saw it more as water - which is vital for garden. I also thought the “glass” birds on the shoulders were visually pleasing, but also maybe a slight nod to Cinderella who had the birds dressing her. Here it appears the birds are holding up her dress. Regardless, the birds are another cue to the garden them. Cartier supplied the cascading diamond earrings. Best dressed.

Nicki Minaj - This canary yellow mini dress by Marni really made a statement on the carpet this year. In a sea of muted metallics and beige, Nicki brought a much needed dose of color. The recycled floral appliqués added another burst of creativity to the look. It was also refreshing to see a short dress on the carpet. The look continued with her handbag and the adornments in her bob. Her makeup looked fresh and she looked pleased with herself. Well done.

Amelia Gray - While I’m not usually a big fan of Amelia’s style, this was the perfect choice for the young model. The playful lit-up terrarium-dress from Jun Takahashi was another brilliant pop of color on the carpet. The dress was filled with real purple roses and butterflies to take the garden effect to the next level. I only had 2 issues with this look: First - she had issues keeping the terrarium skirt up while walking on the carpet and had 2 handlers following her around holding it up. Secondly, I would have liked to have seen the wet hair slicked back - brought forward it distracts from the dress.

Zendaya - Zendaya made history by walking the red carpet twice in one night - and with 2 separate looks! My fave was her first look - a Galliano designed gown for Maison Margiela. The gown gave me Poison Ivy vibes which she matched with her sinister stare and maroon lipstick. The dress itself is inspired by a Dior original - and this version was adorned with fruit, feathers and leaves. To top the look off, literally, Zendaya wore a dramatic fascinator and bird earrings. She peacocked her way down the green carpet and proved she was worthy to be a Co-Chair!

Lana Del Ray - This custom corseted Alexander McQueen look scored high marks for Lana, referencing a 2006 McQueen creature. The nude silk wouldn’t work for many, but it gives Lana an etherial feature. The hand-embroidered bronze hawthorn branches crawling up the front of the dress and off the shoulder, where it met with natural hawthorn branches, to form Lana’s tulle headpiece. Brilliant. It was one of the more clever nods to nature without going for obvious florals. The single red rose detail gave a nice nod to the fairytale narrative. My only issue was the clunky footwear she was wearing.

Demi Moore - This Harris Reed gown was made for Demi from archival wallpaper and required over 11,000 hours of silk embroidery (don’t worry - I’m guessing that was with multiple machines!). Not only was the print stunning and showcased Demi in the best possible way, I also got the reference of hearts (shape) and diamond (spikes) which then gives a whole new whimsical aspect to the dress. She has never looked better. Jewelry by Cartier.

Jessica Biel - While the dress isn’t exactly WOW, I love how great Jessica looks in this pink Tamara Ralph gown. And the more I look at it, the more I appreciate it. The dress is adorned with feathers and crystals and took 320 hours to hand apply to the gown. I also give Jessica credit for choosing such a vibrant color. Her hair and make-up look stunningly natural.

Gigi Hadid - Speaking of WOW factor, Gigi turned heads when she hit the rad carpet in this ivory Thom Browne gown. The tiers of the skirt were embroidered with yellow roses the beautifully contrasted with the black ribbon details. Her hair and make-up were done in old Hollywood style and she could have easily passed for an A-list actress. Jewelry by Chopard. Stunning.

THE WORST

Chris Hemsworth - Many men choose to avoid the theatrics of the evening and done a classic black tuxedo. But not when you are the co-chair of the event. The unbuttoned shirt and slightly disheveled look isn’t on theme - even if it is Tom Ford. This would be fine for many events, but not the Met Gala.

Camila Cabello - While the dress isn’t terrible, it missed the brief. The Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress was apparently a last minute replacement for a Michael Kors dress - oh the drama! The dress has over 250,000 Swarovski crystals and weighes over 15lbs. Apparently the night before the event, the dress was slashed at the bottom to make it look like she had ran through a field of thorns. Sorry - but a shredded dress isn’t enough to make it fit the theme. I will say the melting ice cube with a bronze rose inside was a great distraction from the trainwreck of a dress.

Camila Cabello in Ludovic de Saint Sernin

Lizzo - This Weinsanto gown should have been a no-go from the start. Labeled as the vase-dress, the original had the full face covered. So the designer did a cut out for Lizzo’s face and dyed the fabric to match her skin. Knowing that it was likely to miss the mark, they inserted rose petals between the fabric to try and tie to the garden theme. While the dress fit Lizzo’s body nicely, from the shoulders up it was a mess and the headpiece teetered as she moved. I couldn’t help but think of all the memes this will launch. On a positive note, her hair and make-up looked beautiful.

Jaden Smith & Willow Smith - Why bother showing up if you’re not going to try? Jaden’s Thom Brown outfit has small white flower details, but Willow’s Dior jacket-dress belonged in a cabaret, not at this year’s Met Gala. Jaden finished his look with New Balance sneakers. As newcomers to the Met, it would have been nice to see them put in a little effort.

Jaden Smith in Thom Brown & Willow Smith in Dior

Doja Cat - While I loved Dojo’s look last year, this floor length wet cotton t-shirt by Vetements was a losing look. Apparently she wanted to avoid florals - but decided to go for cotton, utilizing a cotton t-shirt. I give her props for using that much hair gel to create her wet look. Although I can’t imagine how sticky she’ll be by the time she gets to the top of the 62 Met steps.

Gustav Magnar Witzoe - Well, where to begin. This model and billionaire is no stranger to the Met Gala - but what is he wearing? Is this his interpretation of Prince Charming? The nude pink washes him out - and the crystal details do little. The loin cloth and train had better not become the next fad. I could not find who designed this, and perhaps its for the best.