By Tori B. Powell, Scottie Andrew and Kristen Rogers, CNN
Updated 11:33 PM EDT, Mon May 6, 2024
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These viral moments reshaped the fashion industry
02:40 - Source: CNN
What we covered here
- Met Gala 2024: The Met Gala, an annual, invitation-only event, was held Monday in New York City. Here are the best looks from the night.
- The inspiration: The theme was “The Garden of Time,” referencing a 1962 short story byBritish author J.G. Ballard, which takes place in a garden of time-bending florals.
- The hosts: The co-chairs were Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth.
Our live coverage has ended. Scroll through the posts below for all the details on tonight’s event at the Metropolitan Museum.
55 Posts
Here's what happened on one of fashion's biggest nights
From CNN staff
Zendaya attends the 2024 Met Gala in New York City on May 6.
Celebrities stunned Monday night at the Met Gala in New York City in earthen colors inspired by concepts like decay and fairytales.
The official dress code was “The Garden of Time,” which takes its title from a 1962 short story written by British author J. G. Ballard, set (as its title suggests) in a garden filled with translucent, time-manipulating flowers.
The Ballardian theme accompanies The Costume Institute’s exhibition,“Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,”which will run at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 10 through September 2.
Here’s what you should know:
- Co-chairs: Superstars Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth served as co-chairs —alongside American Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Lopez, who wore a nude illusion Schiaparelli gown, described it as “quite the honor” to serve as co-chair, although she hinted it might be the last time. “I think that’s it for me.”
- A second look from Zendaya: In addition to co-chairing, Zendaya worked double on the red carpet, which in fact was cream-colored. The “Challengers” star’s first look was designed by Maison Margiela and was an ode to nature, with a towering headpiece tucked into a forest-green beret, a hummingbird on her neck and fruits and vines draped around her deep blue-and-green gown. Her surprise second appearance was styled by Law Roach and sourced from Beverly Hills vintage clothing store Lily et Cie.
- Fun spins on suits: Though their looks weren’t as attention-grabbing as their counterparts on the green carpet, several celebrity men — including Donald Glover, Ed Sheeran and Jack Harlow — put fun spins on suits and tuxedos with subtle nods to the night’s garden-centric theme.
- Celebrities in all-black: The red carpet saw an array of colors, including a handful who interpreted the year’s theme in black ensembles. Stars like Juliana Canfield, Rosalía, Cardi B and Dua Lipa wore black. Rosalía explaining she wanted to embody lady Dior – but through the eyes of fashion designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, and described herself as “a black tulip.”
- Who didn’t attend: Met Gala favorites including Rihanna, Blake Lively, Kate Moss, Beyoncé, Solange and Taylor Swift were all not in attendance at this year’s gala.
Here's who didn't show at the Met Gala this year
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Rihanna arrives at the Met Gala in New York City on May 7, 2018.
Alas, fashion lovers: Some of our favorite Met Gala attendees of years past did not grace the green carpet this year.
Perhaps the most notable absence was that of Rihanna, who’s delivered some of the most memorable Met Gala looks of recent memory, including her stunning yellow Guo Pei cape from 2015 or that incredible, gem-encrusted mitre hat from John Galliano. When she has stopped by the Met Gala, she’s typically one of the final celebs to walk the carpet.
Blake Lively, another Met Gala regular, didn’t return this year either. Amateur Met Gala historians are still fawning over her 2022 Versace gown inspired by the Statue of Liberty’s patina.
Blake Lively attends the Met Gala in New York City on May 2, 2022.
Supermodel Kate Moss was noticeably missing. Her 1995 pastel yellow Calvin Klein gown is one of the most casually beautiful looks in Met Gala history.
Beyoncé hasn’t been to the Met Gala since 2016, and yet every year, fans hold out hope that she’ll make her grand return. At least she’s delivered some exceptional country-fied looks on Instagram to celebrate the release of her new album, “Cowboy Carter.”
Solange, sister of Beyoncé and fashion icon in her own right, was deeply missed at this year’s Met Gala. The carpet could’ve used her unique infusion of personality, intellectual curiosity and fearlessness.
And finally, Taylor Swift, the other concert movie queen of 2023, has also chosen not to return to the gala since 2016. Perhaps she’ll consider returning in 2025 once she’s taken a break from world domination.
Taylor Swift attends the Met Gala in New York City on May 2, 2016.
"Succession" stars take the night off at the Met
From CNN's Scottie AndrewThese looks would never fly at WayStar Royco.– but on the Met Gala red carpet, the stars of the Emmy-winning HBO drama eschewed the corporate dress code.
Jeremy Strong attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
“Eldest boy” Jeremy Strong, currently starring on Broadway in “An Enemy of the People,” wore a creamy tux with floral embellishments on one side of his lapel and a single earring that Logan Roy would certainly not approve.
Kieran Culkin attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Kieran Culkin, who won an Emmy for his raucous performance as Roman Roy, was accompanied by his wife Jazz Charton and wore a colorfully printed suit.
Matthew Macfadyen attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Tom Wambsgans himself, Matthew Macfadyen, jazzed things up with a velvety blue tuxedo jacket.
Juliana Canfield attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
And Juliana Canfield, who played Kendall’s beleaguered assistant Jess across four seasons, finally got her moment in the spotlight, dazzling in a strapless black gown with a giant bow across the bodice and a feathery skirt.
Celebrity men put subtle fun spins on suits
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Donald Glover attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Though their looks weren’t as attention-grabbing as their counterparts on the green carpet, several celebrities made impressions in suits and tuxedos with subtle nods to the night’s garden-centric theme.
Donald Glover, who recently teased new music from his rap alter ego Childish Gambino, looked relaxed in various shades of brown.
Ed Sheeran, attending with Stella McCartney, wore a powder blue suit straight out of an ’80s prom, complete with a casually undone bowtie.
Jack Harlow, on his third trip to the Met Gala, matched his mullet-in-progress with a gray-and-silver suit.
Jack Harlow attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Nicolas Galitzine, who stars opposite Anne Hathaway in Amazon’s romance “The Idea of You,” wore a sharp custom Fendi tuxedo to his first Met Gala.
A blond Adrien Brody accented his otherwise standard black tuxedo with a large silver brooch.
Sebastian Stan looked relatively subdued in a black T-shirt and pants, minus his dashing coat with black sequin appliques.
Director Taika Waititi, accompanying wife Rita Ora to her 10th Met Gala, wore a monochromatic milky brown suit complete with gloves. It looks as though he was dipped in the river at Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
Taika Waititi attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Zendaya reveals second Met Gala look
From CNN's Kristen Rogers
Zendaya attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Just when we thought we’d seen the last of her, Zendaya is again walking the Met Gala carpet in a surprise second look styled by Law Roach and sourced from Beverly Hills vintage clothing store Lily et Cie.
In addition to the dramatic black Victorian gown — pulled from the archives of spring/summer 1996 Givenchy by John Galliano — she accessorized with a headpiece crafted from a bouquet of roses. It was designed by Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen for spring/summer 2007.
Lizzo's headpiece turned her into a flower
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Lizzo attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Dressed like a whimsical character out of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, Lizzo’s dress didn’t stop at her neck. Instead, it turned into a conical hat that wrapped around her face and was laced in the back with corset-like closures. The hem of her dress curved up, like the lip of an anthurium flower.
Nicki Minaj pops in colorful custom Marni
From CNN's Kristen Rogers
Nicki Minaj attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Nicki Minaj has made her grand entrance at the Met Gala, wearing a vibrant yellow Marni minidress reminiscent of an idyllic oil painting.
This controversial Met Gala look glows in the dark
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Amelia Gray attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Model Amelia Gray’s mini Undercover dress is one of the most ambitious of the night: When the marigold look was modeled on the runway, it was filled with live butterflies.
The dress now appears to feature roses alone, but it’s no less show-stopping. It glows in the dark, too, though the lights of the carpet were too bright for the effect to fully dazzle.
The “terrarium” dress closed Undercover’s Spring-Summer 2024 show in Paris and is now on the cover of the hardcover book commemorating the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
It wasn’t without its detractors, though. Designer Jun Takahashi apologized for featuring live insects inside the dress after animal rights organization PETA criticized the look.
Lewis Hamilton's Burberry look pays homage to the first Black gardener in Wales
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Lewis Hamilton attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
The British Formula 1 driver was proud to share the inspiration behind his oversized black coat from Burberry: An unnamed gardener, an enslaved man brought to the UK in the slave trade who became the first Black gardener in Wales in the 18th century.
The slave trade was abolished in the British Empire in 1807 and the Slavery Abolition Act went into effect in 1834.
“Through adversity, he really triumphed,” Hamilton said.
Inside the coat is a large tag with a poem from an unnamed Black English poet, he said.
Hamilton’s dedication to the Met Gala — this year is his fifth — is unmatched. He was in Miami just this morning after racing there on Sunday.
Sydney Sweeney pairs a black bob with a ballgown
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Sydney Sweeney attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
The scream queen and “Anyone But You” star shocked by trading in her signature blonde locks for a choppy black bob reminiscent of a punkier Snow White. The Miu Miu dress, meanwhile, was a more traditional baby blue gown with a tulle skirt and dozens of tiny flower buds, but Sweeney livened it up with black gloves.
Worth the wait. Cardi B arrives in a voluminous black gown
From CNN's Tori B. Powell
Cardi B attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Rapper Cardi B arrived on the Met Gala red carpet just as the Vogue live-stream of the arrivals was wrapping up.
It was worth the wait. She wore avoluminous black gown, complimented by a tall black head wrap.
She said jokingly that the dress weighs 5 pounds more than she does.
Sabrina Carpenter's striking in Oscar de la Renta
From CNN's Kristen Rogers
Sabrina Carpenter attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Sabrina Carpenter’s custom Oscar de la Renta gown features a sleeveless body-con fit that descends into a puffy baby blue and white train.
Dua Lipa goes goth in Marc Jacobs
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Dua Lipa attends the 2024 Met Gala in New York City on May 6.
The singer and occasional actress, who just released her third album and hosted “Saturday Night Live,” arrived on Jacobs’ arm in a revealing, lacy black dress with a feather boa, sheer sparkling gloves and a healthy dose of attitude.
Doja Cat gets wet at the Met
From CNN's Kristen Rogers
Doja Cat attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Doja Cat is wearing a wet Vetements by Guram Gvasalia T-shirt dress and Euphoria-esque glitter tears at the Met Gala.
Before she arrived on the carpet, she posed for paparazzi photos in white towels wrapped around her head and torso — which some fans think is an homage to a photo of Lady Gaga taken backstage at the 2019 Oscars.
Kim Kardashian dazzles in metallic Margiela
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Kim Kardashian attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
The billionaire businesswoman’s look is a masterclass in mixed media: She’s wearing custom Maison Margiela, with a metal bodice and a silver floral overlay. For the illusion of comfort, she’s draped a gray, pilling sweater over her shoulders.
Kendall Jenner's rare gown has never been worn before
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
KendallJennerattends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Looking like a forest queen from a fantasy series, the supermodel is wearing archival Givenchy, made by Alexander McQueen during his time helming the atelier.
“I’m the first human to ever wear it,” she told La La Anthony. The dress was made in 1999 but was never modeled on a person, she said, so when she and her team found the dress and it fit, the look felt meant to be.
Stella McCartney brings sustainability to the red carpet with lab-grown diamonds and vegan leather
From CNN's Tori B. Powell
From left, FKA Twigs, Stella McCartney, Ed Sheeran and Cara Delevingne attend the 2024 Met Gala on May 6.
Fashion designer Stella McCartney highlighted sustainability in her looks seen on model Cara Delevingne, and singers FKA Twigs and Ed Sheeran.
The stars each are wearing ensembles that feature lab-grown diamonds, McCartney told red carpet livestream hosts Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie. Sheeran’s shoes, she added, are made from vegan leather.
Lana del Rey is an earthen goddess
From CNN's Kristen Rogers
Lana Del Rey attends The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
In custom Alexander McQueen by Seán McGirr, Lana del Rey embodied a woodland queen aesthetic, apt for the theme’s roots in the natural world.
The hand-embroidered bronze-hammered bullion natural hawthorn branches — inspired by Alberto Giacometti’s sculptures — reach up her dress and crown her head. It’s upheld by the branches is an all-encompassing tulle veil that resembles a more fashionable version of mosquito netting, referencing McQueen’s fall/winter 2006 “Widows of Culloden” collection. McGirr and del Rey finished off the look with hoof boots.
The post was updated with more details on Del Ray’s dress and shoes.
Kpop stars "Stray Kids" make their Met debut
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
I.N, Lee Know, Han, Felix, Seungmin, Changbin, Hyunjin and Bang Chan of Stray Kids attend The 2024 Met Gala in New York City, on May 6.
Stray Kids are attending their first Met Gala with Tommy Hilfiger, who brought his distinctly American sensibility to the South Korean performers’ established aesthetic.
The boy band’s eight members are wearing unique suits tailored to their individual personalities: There’s a pinstripe ensemble, a larger jacket that resembles a school uniform and another made in snow white. But as a team, their looks work.
Karol G's fantastical look turns her into an elf
From CNN's Scottie Andrew
Karol G attends the 2024 Met Gala in New York City on May 6.
The Grammy-winning reggaeton singer paid homage to fairies, elves and fantasy in her Marc Jacobs look, complete with a platinum blonde wig and pointy prosthetic ears. In her sheer, gem-encrusted gown, she resembled the elf queen Galadriel from “Lord of the Rings.”
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