MET GALA 2024: Predictions
The MET Gala is fast approaching and I’ve spent all week pondering and excited to see what designers, celebrities and all creatives involved bring to this years theme; Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.
Essentially a nod to the ‘The Garden of Time’, bringing archival pieces and nature together in a flurry of vintage blooms and designers such as YSL, Mugler and Dior are set to impress. ‘The Garden of Time” is a short story written by J.G. Ballard, and it explores the preservation of beauty, particularly in the use of florals to signify youth and innocence. Interestingly, across social media we haven't heard much about the talk of fragility. Though there was an interesting note about it in this Months British Vogue.
During an interview with Vogue magazine, Andrew Bolton, the curator in charge of the costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of art, talks about how preserving historical garments is a careful balance between presentation, information and fragility. He wanted to create an exhibit where these historical outfits are really explored how they were intended to be. How they moved, what they sounded like and how they were seen. Genius really. His exhibition will open to the public on the 10th of May following the Met Gala event.
As great as the costumes were in all their glory, there is something sombre about them hanging lifeless in a museum. Presented in, essentially, what acts as their death and demise. Instead of admiring these garments at their best, we are only looking at depressing snapshots. So what Bolton has decided to create and capture, the movement, scents and imagery of the garments is really what the theme of the Met Gala event will be expecting, reawakening fashion across time.
“A piece of clothing isn't just to hang on a hanger or put on a mannequin.
We have dreams in it and live our lives through it”
Nick Knight, Photographer of the 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakened Fashion' Exhibition - Interviewed by British Vogue.
In this way, there’s two different approaches which can be taken from this years event. The historic and archival fashion element or the delicate, natural world. It’ll be so interesting to see who approaches the ‘The Garden of Time” through reawakening fashion and used their archived designs to showcase once again. After all, it has become a tradition in recent years for the celebrities of today to remodel something once worn by a previous icon, decades ago.
Already in 2024 we have seen a huge rise of vintage trends, from the maison margiela show which has been a leading topic of conversation since the debuted runway in February to the —— . The rise of natural and botanical aspects in clothing and beauty are also creeping their their way into high street fashion and hair too has been a fantastic area with so much growth. I would be surprised not to see any major hair transformations by those attending. However, hopefully not Jared Leto, his hair is perfect just the way it is. Read my next post, for my beauty predictions for this years Met Gala Event.
THE ONES TO WATCH
The top designers I’m expecting great things from and who we can expect to throw in a wild card.
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen has executed a perfect harmony between floral patterns and haute couture. They created a living floral dress to end the SS07 runway show, filled with fresh roses and hydrangeas the petals left a trail behind the model as she walked the runway. Though this may be their most memorable floral design to date, the continuous use of bold floral patterns throughout the last 60 years prove they know exactly what they are doing. I am certain they will be planning something big for “The Garden of Time”, whether they will bring back an archived piece or style an entirely new concept.
DIOR
Dior have proved time and time again that they can nail the elegance of flowers and the natural beauty they inspire. Christian Dior has commented time and time again on the likeness of women's bodies and the elegance of flowers, so this years met gala theme is sure to be a comfort zone for Dior and for whomever they are dressing.
MUGLER
Mugler are incredible with couture looks and are never afraid to go big. I’m very excited to see what they will be bringing to the red carpet and who has been chosen to wear their creations. The daring silhouettes of over-the-top feathers, tutu-esc skirts and the fairytale-like looks will fit this theme incredibly well. I’m hoping they will have some surprises to show, but am certain they are going to impress.
YSL COUTURE
YSL could use their bridal collections hugely with this theme, really honing in on the beauty and fertility aspect of florals with their lingerie designs. Equally their 1980’s gowns would make a hit comeback with the theme of ‘Reawakening Fashion’, a true nod to the vintage aspects and the repetitive trends which circle the years and our high streets.
These designers are sure to be the talk of the town, but I personally am looking forward to seeing what Schiaparelli and Maison Margiela bring to the red carpet. They have already been huge this year, stunning runways with antique and vintage inspired looks or accessorised, structured outfits to bedazzle, both accompanied by show-stopping makeup by the mother of makeup artistry herself, Pat McGrath.
Also, stone statues could be an interesting element to explore in this garden aspect. Jean Paul Gaultier (see below) and Comme des Garcons could easily tackle this fete and provide structural wonders as they have done time and time again. Bridging the gap between the beauty and the decay of a garden, with strong upright structures which draw the eye all-year round. For me, they would be fantastic to throw in a wild-card to really wow the paparazzi and take the spotlight.
Also incredibly excited to see what kind of beauty trends we are going to say this weekend, so I've done a whole separate post about what we can expect for this year going off the current trends and themes of sleeping beauties: reawakened fashion.
