The 2024 Met Gala: Influential Looks from "The Garden of Time"
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Reawakening fashion
The 2024 Met Gala paid homage to the Costume Institute's new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” This year's theme, "The Garden of Time," inspired designers and celebrities to explore the intricate connections between fashion, nature, and time.
Hosted by Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth, the gala presented an eclectic mix of styles that ranged from gothic to ethereal. In this blog, Hollywood Branded examines the 2024 Met Gala's most influential looks from "The Garden of Time." In this article, Hollywood Branded takes a look at the most influential looks from the Met Gala red carpet from "The Garden of Time".

Photo Credit: Vogue
Emma Chamberlain in Jean Paul Gaultier
Emma Chamberlain brought a unique edge to the Met Gala red carpet with her Jean Paul Gaultier gown. The dress, styled by Jared Ellner, was a deep brown hue with gothic undertones, featuring intricate detailing that suggested a sense of decay. The asymmetrical design and flowing lines created a look that was both dramatic and mysterious. Chamberlain's gown seemed to hint at the darker side of nature, with an air of foreboding that made it stand out among the more conventional styles.
The connection to the theme, "The Garden of Time," was evident in the gown's decaying aesthetic. Emma Chamberlain mentioned that she enjoyed exploring the "underbelly of nature," adding that the gothic twist was a fun way to embrace the theme. The brown color and worn appearance of the fabric suggested a garden in its later stages, with withering leaves and overgrown elements. This interpretation of the theme offered a refreshing contrast to the more traditionally beautiful aspects of nature.
Photo Credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards
Lana Del Rey in Alexander McQueen
Lana Del Rey captivated the crowd with her Alexander McQueen ensemble, which paid tribute to the brand's iconic fall 2006 collection. The dress featured a corseted bodice and silk double georgette fabric, embellished with elaborate embroidery. The gown's structure and detailing were reminiscent of historical garments, while the headpiece—adorned with hawthorn branches and draped in sheer tulle—added a touch of romance. Del Rey's overall look was hauntingly beautiful, with a vintage quality that resonated with the gala's theme.
The hawthorn branches in Del Rey's headpiece linked her look to the natural world, echoing the theme's focus on gardens. The corseted dress and embroidery drew inspiration from a bygone era, suggesting a journey through time. By referencing Alexander McQueen's archival design, Del Rey honored the rich history of fashion while embracing the garden theme. Her ensemble was a reminder that fashion can bridge the past and the present, creating timeless beauty that transcends generations.
Photo Credit: The Hollywood Reporter
Zendaya in Maison Margiela
Zendaya, one of the hosts of the Met Gala, made a grand entrance in a Maison Margiela gown designed by John Galliano. The dress was a stunning combination of blue and silver tones, evoking the shimmering beauty of the ocean. It featured a dramatic train that flowed behind her as she walked the red carpet, and the headpiece—created by Stephen Jones for Margiela—added an extra layer of drama. Zendaya's look was both regal and ethereal, capturing the essence of a mythical sea goddess.
The oceanic inspiration in Zendaya's gown was a creative interpretation of "The Garden of Time" theme. The flowing design and shimmering colors suggested the fluidity of water, while the dramatic headpiece added a touch of fantasy. This connection to the natural world emphasized the timelessness of the ocean, a source of wonder and beauty throughout history. Zendaya's ensemble demonstrated how the theme could be explored through a variety of elements in nature, showcasing the vast creative possibilities of fashion.
Photo Credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards
Cardi B in Windowsen
Cardi B's Met Gala look was centered around "gothic glamour," a fitting choice given the gala's theme. She wore a black off-the-shoulder dress by Windowsen, complete with an abundance of tulle and a train so large that it required nine men to manage it on the red carpet. The dramatic silhouette and voluminous fabric gave Cardi B a regal presence, while the gothic elements added a touch of dark elegance. Her outfit stood out for its boldness and sheer scale, making it one of the most memorable looks of the night.
The connection to "The Garden of Time" theme lay in the gothic elements of Cardi B's gown. The abundance of tulle and the black color suggested a gothic garden, where darkness and mystery coexisted with beauty. The dramatic train and off-the-shoulder design hinted at a sense of nostalgia, evoking images of Victorian-era gardens at night. Cardi B's look was a powerful reminder that fashion can explore the darker aspects of nature while still embracing the glamour and grandeur that define the Met Gala.
Photo Credit: Cosmopolitan
Tyla in Balmain
Tyla's ensemble for the Met Gala offered a unique interpretation of the "Garden of Time" theme. The Balmain team created a dress made entirely of sand, referencing the "sands of time." The dress had a fluid quality, as if it were shifting and changing with each movement. Tyla also carried a Balmain hourglass clutch, further emphasizing the theme's focus on time. This innovative use of materials set Tyla's look apart from the rest, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of time and its relationship with fashion.
The choice of sand as the primary material for Tyla's dress was a bold and creative approach to the theme. The "sands of time" reference suggested the passage of time, reminding viewers that everything is fleeting and constantly changing. The hourglass clutch served as a visual anchor, reinforcing the theme's central message. Tyla's look demonstrated that fashion can be both innovative and meaningful, using unconventional materials to create something truly unique and thought-provoking.
Wrapping up
The 2024 Met Gala's "Garden of Time" theme inspired a diverse range of looks that captured the imagination of attendees and viewers alike. From Emma Chamberlain's gothic-inspired dress to Tyla's sand-based ensemble, each celebrity brought their own interpretation of the theme to life. These influential looks showcased the creativity and versatility of the fashion world, proving that fashion can explore complex concepts while remaining visually stunning. The Met Gala once again demonstrated its ability to blend tradition with innovation, inviting attendees to reawaken their sense of wonder and embrace the beauty of fashion in all its forms.
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