The highly anticipated Met Gala of 2024 is set to grace the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City this Monday. This year, the event will celebrate the opening of the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Leading the charge as celebrity co-chairs are Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth, alongside the iconic Anna Wintour. The star-studded guest list is urged to embrace the theme of the exhibition, titled “The Garden of Time,” which draws inspiration from the showcase.
The “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition promises to dazzle attendees with approximately 250 rare items, many of which are too delicate to be worn again. The exhibit is driven by recent discussions in the fashion world surrounding the manipulation and reinterpretation of archival clothing. Utilizing cutting-edge sensory stimulation technology such as video animation, light projection, AI, and CGI, the exhibition will digitally present numerous garments to safeguard their preservation. Additionally, visitors can expect to encounter computer-generated imagery, X-rays, video animation, light projection, and immersive soundscapes throughout the showcase.
Sponsored by TikTok and supported by Loewe, both the exhibition and the gala aim to push the boundaries of fashion exploration and innovation.
The theme for this year’s Met Gala, “The Garden of Time,” draws inspiration from J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story, exploring concepts of preservation through the symbolism of flowers. In the story, a couple endeavors to fend off an angry mob by utilizing a magical garden to manipulate time. This theme sets the stage for a red carpet spectacle where attendees are expected to interpret the beauty of nature or the evolution of design through their attire.
Expect to witness a myriad of fashion statements, with some opting for floral prints, motifs, and color palettes to embody the essence of the garden, while others may delve into archival fashions to symbolize the passage of time.
Reflecting on last year’s Met Gala, which honored the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, guests were encouraged to pay homage to the legendary designer. The event saw attendees donning attire reminiscent of Lagerfeld’s iconic contributions to Chanel, Fendi, and Chloé, as well as personal tributes to his distinctive style and his beloved feline companion, Choupette.
For those unable to attend in person, the Met Gala will be livestreamed across various digital platforms, offering viewers an exclusive glimpse into this prestigious event.