Ethereal Reverie: Unveiling the Enchanted Garden of My 2024 Met Gala Favourites

Prepare to witness the awakening of fashion's sleeping beauties as we step into the timeless garden of the 2024 Met Gala. In a celebration of style transcending eras, this year's dress code 'A Garden of Time' invites us to explore the ethereal realm where fashion meets the passage of time. Join me on an enchanting journey as we unveil the spellbinding creations that bring this garden to life, each garment a masterpiece waiting to awaken from its slumber and captivate the world with its beauty.

"The Belle of the Ball"

All eyes were undoubtedly on Zendaya as she made a triumphant return to the star-studded carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday. The actress graced the Met Gala carpet not once, but twice — first as one of the esteemed co-chairs of the event, and secondly, as a distinguished guest.

As one of the evening's official co-hosts, Zendaya took centre stage as one of the early arrivals to deliver a memorable fashion moment at the 2024 Met Gala, themed 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' - and she did not disappoint! The A-list star stunned in a lamé and organza fishtail Artisanal Maison Margiela gown reminiscent of a stormy ocean, featuring hand-painted metallic accents, tiny hummingbirds and a satin corset. She styled her hair in a tousled up-do and accessorised with a feathered plume-like Philip Treacy veil, playing perfectly into the 2024 “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme and “A Garden of Time” dress code for the decadent evening.

This fabulous ensemble included several nods to nature and appeared to draw inspiration from the surrealist spring 1999 Christian Dior Haute Couture collection, also designed by John Galliano, notably featuring grape-adorned tulle gowns famously worn by celebrities such as, Nicole Kidman. To accentuate the drama of the Met Gala, Zendaya completed her look with dark eyeshadow and a crimson pout created with makeup from beauty icon Pat McGrath — who created a similar viral look for a recent Margiela runway.

Dressed by her beloved stylist, Law Roach (who despite announcing in 2023 that he was “retiring” from the industry; yet continues to work with Zendaya, as his longest-running and dearest client) the fashion mogul never seems to shy away from the drama. This was emphasised later, when she made a surprise return to walk the red carpet a second time wearing another Galliano design — this time wearing a never-worn, archival black taffeta Givenchy couture gown from its spring/summer 1996 collection – one of two collections that John Galliano designed for the house (this also happens to be the same year Zendaya was born). Once more, the star gave a grand gesture to this year's "Garden of Time" dress code, wearing a massive bouquet headpiece filled with multicoloured roses, also created by Philip Treacy as part of Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer 2007 collection.

The Mystery Guest

As the evening progressed, each arrival brought a new wave of excitement and anticipation. Yet, amidst the garden of fashion statements, one particular ensemble stood out, captivating my attention as a worthy contender alongside Zendaya's remarkable appearances. This next look, which left an indelible mark on the night's festivities, was none other than Mona Patel's reinvention of a butterfly. Despite her anonymity to many, Patel's presence commanded attention, casting a spell of curiosity and wonder among onlookers and all throughout social media. Patel, 43, made her debut down this year's green carpet in a stunning nude floor-grazing sculpted Iris van Herpen gown that included a corset bodice designed to resemble butterfly wings and a scalloped train that pays homage to the theme 'A Garden of Time’. This delicate detail was not limited to just the gown; it was intricately woven throughout, complemented by an arm piece crafted by Casey Curran in collaboration with Patel herself. The arm piece, adorned with animatronic flower petals cascading down its length, added an enchanting touch to Patel's ethereal ensemble, bringing her fairy-like persona to life in a mesmerising display of artistry and innovation as she elegantly graced up the steps of the Met Museum's infamous staircase.

According to Vogue India, Patel said “I wanted my debut look to be something that celebrates my heritage and also combines my love couture, and when I heard of the theme, Iris Van Herpen seemed like the obvious choice". In order to create this one-of-a-kind gown, the business mogul partnered with esteemed stylist, Law Roach - ultimately leading them to a factory visit in Mumbai with members from the Iris Van Herpen team. Not only did Law Roach work his magic on bringing Mona Patel's vision to life, but the duo managed to perfectly intertwine both the Dutch haute couture designer’s alien aesthetic (which takes inspiration from nature in the most unique and extreme ways) as well as having parts of the gown crafted by Indian embroidery houses that the brand has often partnered with, enabling them to create spectacular, one-of-a-kind artisanal outfits. In order of minimal distraction from the gown, Patel opted for a simple, yet elegant slick-back bun, and a pair of classy white/yellow diamond drop earrings to complete her exquisite look.

Tyla made a striking entrance at the Met Gala, latching onto "time" as the operative word from "The Garden of Time" dress code. Named the "Winner of the Met Ball" by many, the South-African singer wore a custom Balmain creation made entirely of sand, fitted to the millimetre based on a cast of her body. The creative director of Balmain, Olivier Rousteing, was intrigued by the idea of ephemerality for Tyla's dress, suggesting that the inspiration stemmed from the desire to redefine boundaries and transform a transient material into an everlasting masterpiece.

The dress, made with three colours of sand mixed with micro-crystal studs, shone with Tyla's every move, showcasing her elegance and making her one of the standout appearances of the evening. With true attention to detail, the gown featured the illusion of sand on her bum cheeks, as though she had been seated on the beach, emphasising the precision and artistry involved in creating this stunning piece. Adding another nod to the night's theme, she carried the Balmain hourglass clutch, completing her look with a perfect blend of innovation and sophistication.

Once inside the Gala, Tyla's ultra-fragile sand dress underwent a dramatic transformation into a chic minidress. Olivier Rousteing, the mastermind behind the delicate look, captured the moment on Instagram. The video shows Rousteing kneeling before Tyla, carefully using scissors to remove the bottom portion of the original floor-length gown. This impromptu alteration added a surprising and dynamic twist to the evening, showcasing the innovative and adaptable nature of the design.

Paying homage to her renowned portrayal of Aurora in Maleficent, Elle Fanning brought fairytale to life at the Met Gala. Draped in a transparent, sculptural Balmain gown and accentuated with Cartier jewellery, the actress embodied the very essence of the red carpet's theme with grace and allure. The gown adorned with sculptural birds delicately affixed to each shoulder of the bodice, exuded an enchanting aura reminiscent of iconic Disney princesses, bringing the gown to life, as if they were attending her in getting dressed, much like those in fairytales. With high expectations set due to her iconic role, Fanning's appearance at the Gala did not disappoint. As she ascended the stairs, the ensemble shimmered gracefully, echoing the tranquillity of flowing water under the soft glow of moonlight.

The actress, expressed her desire to embody the fragility and luminosity of glass or ice, evoking the image of a delicate glass statue nestled within the garden. This ethereal aspiration subtly alluded to the beloved fairytale of Cinderella, whose story features the iconic glass slipper. Through her interpretation, Elle Fanning seamlessly blended elements of fantasy and whimsy, further enhancing her mesmerising presence on the Met Gala red carpet - a Sleeping Beauty frozen in time.

After Aurora's ethereal presence, Maleficent emerges anew, embodied by Kendall Jenner. The model made a striking entrance in a never-worn archival Givenchy gown by Alexander McQueen from 1999, igniting the red carpet with vintage allure. Jenner took a figurative interpretation of the theme of 'time,' describing the creation as "a sleeping beauty" itself, having been in archives for the past 25 years. The stunning gown featured an exquisite design made with 100,000 black and chocolate brown beads and sequins, meticulously sewn over 500 hours. With a plunging neckline, beaded tassel sleeves, and a subtle squiggly beaded pattern, the gown exuded elegance and boldness. Additionally, it showcased a daring V-shaped cutout along her hips and lower back, adding a touch of seduction to the ensemble. Jenner's confident demeanour and striking presence completed the look with effortless grace.

On the red carpet, Jenner revealed that she was the first "human" to wear the gown — it had only been fit on a mannequin before the Monday of the Met Gala. Despite initial speculation that Winona Ryder had worn a similar gown, it was later proven that Ryder had worn a remodel of the original dress. Jenner's look sparked a flurry of comparisons, with many likening her to a young Maleficent or drawing parallels to characters from Game of Thrones. With her makeup more subdued and paired with her retro hairstyle, the ensemble achieved a subtle medieval aesthetic, further charming all who beheld her bewitching presence.

A Diamond in Victoria Beckham

Phoebe Dynevor made a flawless impression at the Met Gala, shining in a custom Victoria Beckham gown. This romantic silhouette was crafted from archival lace and adorned with over 300 lace appliqué flowers, each meticulously hand-cut and sewn onto a delicate tulle base. The flowers, dyed to a "faded rose" hue to harmonise with Dynevor's complexion, epitomised the fashion house's dedication to intricacy and sophistication. Their attention to detail served to underscore the theme's essence of fragility and elegance, all while ensuring that Dynevor remained the captivating focal point of the evening.

The gown, described by the brand as "at once fragile and delicate," perfectly encapsulated the evening's theme. Dynevor, at 29 years old, likened the ensemble to something out of a fairytale, aligning seamlessly with the Costume Institute's spring exhibition, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. The gown's ethereal quality, complete with a beautiful train adorned with cascading flowers, added to its enchanting allure.

Beckham's dedication to accentuating the actress' true eloquence and beauty when sharing the inspiration behind the curation of her gown. The use of vintage lace was chosen for its romantic appeal, symbolising a revival akin to that of a sleeping beauty. Beckham also expressed her admiration for Dynevor's talent and beauty, emphasising her desire for the gown to be an extension of the actress herself. The meticulous hand-dyeing of the flowers further personalised the creation, ensuring it harmonised flawlessly with Dynevor's radiant presence.

Amidst the array of glamorous luminaries, Ariana Grande radiated her trademark elegance and charisma. Despite its simplicity compared to other attendees, her Met Gala attire exuded timeless beauty reminiscent of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, a role she recently portrayed in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. Clad in a Loewe bustier gown meticulously crafted entirely from Mother of Pearl, Grande's ensemble epitomized understated glamour. The hand-pleated, multi-layered silk chiffon skirt with subtle hues of blues and pinks peeking through, artfully designed to emulate the iridescence of nacre, added a captivating dimension to her ethereal presence. Additionally, the cascading drapery placed elegantly across the waist mirroring a waterfall, added another element of natural imagery to the gown. Anderson and his atelier's dedication to 'sensorial craft techniques' resonated in every aspect of the gown's construction and shimmering finish. Notably, the bustier, showcasing a mosaic-like detail, inspired by the natural world and contributing to the ensemble's enchanting allure, culminating in a truly mesmerising masterpiece. A finishing touch to elevate the singer's makeup artist, Michael Anthony, ingeniously opted for small, opalescent wings delicately placed around her eyes. This subtle yet captivating addition added an angelic touch, enhancing Ariana Grande's already stunning appearance with a dash of celestial allure.

Last but certainly not least, Gigi Hadid graced the carpet in a truly notable Thom Browne gown. The choice of designer was unexpected for the model, known for often opting for a more feminine look. However, It is rumoured that the model's gown will find a permanent place in the Thom Browne archive, symbolising its significance beyond the confines of the Met Gala 2024. Remarkably, Hadid’s ensemble comprised two distinct pieces: a sleek white figure-hugging column dress embellished with a single yellow rose, serving as the foundation for the ensemble. Layered atop was the playful overskirt and train, intricately designed to resemble a tuxedo jacket cascading down over the 29-year-old's hips. This innovative interpretation of Browne's signature suiting-inspired aesthetic exemplifies the designer's penchant for reimagining traditional motifs in a glamorous and unexpected manner, and may just be the most fascinating iteration of his signature motif yet. The tuxedo jacket portion of the gown showcased the majority of the detail, featuring a voluminous skirt bursting with hand-beaded thorns, vines, and yellow roses adhered to a multi-layer train trimmed in black duchesse satin.

For the finishing touches, Hadid accessorised with pointy yellow pumps, accompanied by a diamond necklace and dangly diamond earrings from Chopard. For her glam, the model opted for a timeless look with a side-parted, Old Hollywood-style blonde bob and a bold red lip, adding a touch of vintage glamour to her overall ensemble.

By Maddie Lainchbury