It’s the first Monday of May, and every fashion lover knows what that means – it’s Met Gala time. Since 1948, stars have descended upon the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, draped in haute couture and dripping in daring designs.
This year’s dress code ‘The Garden of Time,’ is inspired by the short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard. And with that, we saw a plethora of show-stopping designs throughout the night – from floral embellished gowns to striking archival-inspired pieces, with John Galliano being the designer that stole the show.
Image courtesy: WWD
Here are some of our favorite moments from the green carpet during last night’s Met Gala.
Best Dressed Stars
Zendaya, co-chair and undeniable focal point of the evening turned heads in two remarkable looks. She made her grand entrance on the steps in a stunning custom Maison Margiela creation by Galliano. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Dior Spring-Summer 1999 Dior Haute Couture show, Zendaya’s reimagined look was nothing short of show-stopping.
Zendaya. Image courtesy: Vogue
The actress’s second gown, a vintage Givenchy couture masterpiece designed by John Galliano, dates back to the very year she was born, 1996.
Zendaya. Image courtesy: Vogue
Fellow co-chair and icon Jennifer Lopez stunned in a dazzling Schiaparelli number.
Jennifer Lopez. Image courtesy: Vogue
The Met’s ‘mystery guest’ emerged as one of the best-dressed attendees, capturing attention with her debut appearance. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Mona Patel made headlines in her custom Iris Van Herpen gown, styled by Law Roach.
Mona Patel. Image courtesy: Vogue
Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.
Florals, as anticipated, emerged as the standout trend of the evening, with some stars clad in literal floral motifs while others embraced more abstract interpretations.
Anna Wintour set the scene with her take on florals, opting for a chic black Loewe maxi coat adorned with flowers.
Anna Wintour. Image courtesy: Vogue
Emma Chamberlain infused a gothic twist into nature with two custom looks by Jean Paul Gaultier, elegantly complemented by dazzling Cartier jewels.
Emma Chamberlain. Image courtesy: Vogue
Delicate floral gowns were also embraced by attendees. Ayo Edeibiri chose a floor-length Loewe ensemble delicately adorned with flowers and leaves, while Rebecca Hall opted for an equally delicate look by Danielle Frankel.
Meanwhile, Dan Levy embraced florals too with an ombré effect Loewe suit.
Ayo Edeibiri. Image courtesy: Vogue
Rebecca Hall. Image courtesy: Vogue
Dan Levy. Image courtesy: Vogue
On the other end of the spectrum, Nicki Minaj made a bold statement, donning a sculptural Marni dress adorned with hand-painted metal flowers.
Nicki Minaj. Image courtesy: Vogue
Cynthia Erivo embraced an avant-garde approach head-to-toe with Thom Browne, wearing a deconstructed tuxedo studded with pink floral motifs and mini insects. Following suit, Gigi Hadid joined the Thom Browne club, donning a white off-the-shoulder corset dress with exaggerated hips, embellished with 3D yellow roses.
Cynthia Erivo. Image courtesy: Vogue
Gigi Hadid. Image courtesy: Vogue
Avant-Garde Elegance
Some of the evening’s most memorable fashion moments veered in the realm of avant-garde, proving that the standout looks didn’t solely rely on floral motifs.
Lana Del Ray commanded attention in a dramatic veiled Alexander McQueen look, complete with an antlered headpiece – a thoughtful tribute to the late designer’s iconic Fall 2006 collection.
Lana Del Rey. Image courtesy: Vogue
Meanwhile, Tyla underwent a remarkable transformation, resembling a living sand sculpture in a meticulously tailored custom Balmain creation.
Tyla. Image courtesy: Vogue
Bags & Blooms
The celebrity ensembles were the stars of the evening, however, we kept a keen eye on the handbags. While some attendees adhered to the theme by elegantly carrying floral arrangements in lieu of a bag, there was also a delightful array of clutches and petite top handles.
Here are some of our favorites.
Hand-held bags reigned – from sleek and minimal designs like Jennifer Lopez’s Tyler Ellis Eloise clutch, to appropriately bedazzled choices, such as Sarah Jessica Parker’s option.
Jennifer Lopez. Image courtesy: Vogue
Sarah Jessica Parker. Image courtesy: US Magazine
Cynthia Erivo elevated her Thom Browne look with a perfectly pink bag from the brand that included a sculptural gold top handle.
Cynthia Erivo. Image courtesy: Vogue
Thom Browne had more than just his ensembles on display – there was a pair of the brand’s Hector dog bags showcased. First, an all-black leather Hector worn by Reece Feldman, and then a Natural Wicker Hector brimming with flowers carried by Cole Escola.
Reece Feldman. Image courtesy: Vogue
Cole Escola. Image courtesy: Vogue
Tyla’s attention-grabbing ensemble was complemented by Balmain’s hourglass clutch bag.
Tyla. Image courtesy: Vogue
The time-inspired accessories didn’t end there. NBA star Ben Simmons made a statement with a briefcase adorned with a clock face. We can’t help but wonder whose timekeeping was more precise.
Ben Simmons. Image courtesy: GQ
Sabrina Harrison fully embraced the theme, with a headpiece resembling a watch face, and an eye-catching dress. She finished her Chrishabana ensemble with a tear-dropped golden mirrored bag.
Sabrina Harrison. Image courtesy: US Magazine
Lana Del Rey was accompanied by Seán McGirr, the new creative director of Alexander McQueen, who carried an unusual metallic bowling ball-esque bag, adorned with a small clock face.
Seán McGirr & Lana Del Rey. Image courtesy: ELLE
Enhancing her bold yellow floral look, Nicki Minaj accessorized with a matching Marni mini bag with a gold chain top handle.
Nicki Minaj. Image courtesy: Vogue
Storm Reid embraced the bag charm trend adding NYC-inspired taxi, Empire State Building, and apple diamante bag charms to a Coach quilted black leather bag.
Read also: Charm Your Handbags à La Jane Birkin
Storm Reid. Image courtesy: Vogue
Jessica Seinfeld opted for classic elegance with a silver metallic Chanel bag, complete with circular chain top handles.
Jessica Seinfeld. Image courtesy: Vogue
Another Chanel purse completed Sudha Reddy’s all-white ensemble – the Fall/Winter 2023 Camellia-shaped bag in white.
Sudha Reddy. Image courtesy: @sudhareddy.official
Sudha Reddy. Image courtesy: @sudhareddy.official
Sudha Reddy. Image courtesy: @sudhareddy.official
The Chloé girls, Sienna Miller, Greta Gerwig, Emma Mackey and Zoe Saldana with creative director Chemena Kamali radiated bohemian vibes in flowing neutrals. Emma Mackey and Greta Gerwig both chose the Chloé Bracelet Handle bag seen on the Fall 2024 runway.
Chloé girls. Image courtesy: WWD
Emma Mackey and Greta Gerwig. Image courtesy: WWD
Rita Ora went for the gold with a mini Marni top handle.
Rita Ora. Image courtesy: WWD
Another Loewe look came from Greta Lee, who paired the feminine dress with the practical Mini Puzzle bag in white.
Greta Lee. Image courtesy: The Daily Mail
For an unexpected look, Camila Cabello accessorized her extravagant 15lb Swarovski crystal-studded gown, with a clutch made entirely from ice! But this was no ordinary block of ice, roses were frozen within, and as the ice gradually thawed throughout the evening, Cabello was left clutching roses. Meanwhile, her assistant held onto her actual clutch bag for the evening!
Camila Cabello. Image courtesy: US Magazine
Injecting a playful and unexpected twist to his classic look, actor Michael Shannon certainly had one of the most eye-catching accessories of the night – the Balenciaga Chip bag in yellow. Because who said you couldn’t bring snacks to the Met Gala?
Michael Shannon. Image courtesy: Vogue
Erykah Badu and J. Harrison Ghee brought flair to the Met Gala 2024, pairing extravagant ensembles with eye-catching accessories. Badu chose a geometrically embellished clutch, while Harrison Ghee opted for a striking blue ostrich feather bag.
Erykah Badu. Image courtesy: Highsnobiety
J. Harrison Ghee. Image courtesy: Vogue
Olivia Sandelman pairs her pink gown with the JW Anderson Frog Clutch bag.
Olivia Sandelman. Image courtesy: @enews
Kerry Washington oozed elegance in an all-purple Oscar de la Renta look highlighted with flowers. She was spotted carrying a matching purple velvet handbag at The Mark Hotel before the main event.
Kerry Washington. Image courtesy: WWD
Gabriela Hearst opted for a timeless white box clutch, while Riley Keough goes for an embellished option.
Gabriela Hearst. Image courtesy: WWD
Riley Keough. Image courtesy: WWD
Irina Shayk sparkled in 84,000 Swarovski crystals, including a matching clutch.
Irina Shayk. Image courtesy: WWD
Meanwhile, not all bags were attention-grabbers. Taking a more subtle approach, Camila Mendes selected a satin nude clutch to complement her sequined dress. Similarly, Lily James went classic with a black satin clutch.
Camila Mendes. Image courtesy: WWD
Lily James. Image courtesy: WWD
Linda Evangelista opted for a fur-handle vintage-inspired handbag.
Linda Evangelista. Image courtesy: WWD
H&M made a notable return to the Met Gala this year, dressing Awkwafina and Ann-Sofie Johansson, among others. Both opted to complete their ensembles with embellished top-handle bags. Proving once again that red carpet looks don’t always have to be high-end.
Awkwafina & Ann-Sofie Johansson. Image courtesy: Forbes
Awkwafina. Image courtesy: WWD
The Met exhibition, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, opens to the public on May 10, 2024.
Who do you think won best dressed of the night? Let us know.
Updated: May 7th, 2024
Comments
2 Responses to “All the Viral Looks and Handbags of Met Gala 2024”
Mona Patel, absolutely stunning
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