The Met Gala, fashion’s most anticipated night, promises an even more glamorous 2024 with the announcement of its co-chairs, as disclosed by Vogue magazine and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This illustrious group joining Vogue’s own Anna Wintour includes the multifaceted Jennifer Lopez, Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny, Marvel superstar Chris Hemsworth, and the ever-stylish Zendaya.
Each first Monday of May, a constellation of celebrities converges upon the Met Museum’s grand steps for an event that is equal parts fundraiser and fashion spectacle. This year’s dress code, “The Garden of Time,” beckons attendees to tap into their imaginations and explore the intersection of nature and temporality through their sartorial choices.
Linked to the theme of the upcoming May 6 gala is this year’s spring exhibition at the Met’s Costume Institute, titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” However, guests should not expect a fairytale interpretation. Instead, the focus will be on revitalizing significant, albeit often unseen, pieces from the Costume Institute’s vast and venerable collection. Some of these garments are considered too delicate to even be placed on mannequins. Curator Andrew Bolton aims to protect and present nearly 250 treasures in a careful display reminiscent of the enchanted slumber of the exhibition’s namesake.
Bolton, the visionary behind the Met’s iconic fashion exhibits, revealed his intentions during a November preview. The chosen items, among a collection that totals 33,000, will encompass themes reflective of natural elements—land, sea, and sky. This strategy not only showcases these rarities but also thematically connects the exhibition to the ecological consciousness that has become ever more critical in recent times.
The Met Gala is more than just an evening of shimmering gowns and tailored tuxedos; it is a vital source of funding for the Costume Institute. Accumulating over USD 223.5 million to date, the gala significantly contributes to the institution’s annual budget. The spectacle preceding the event is a cultural phenomenon itself, annually capturing worldwide attention as celebrities and icons grace the carpet in theme-aligned attire, evoking memories of striking appearances from the likes of Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Billy Porter, and Rihanna.
This year marks significant firsts and returning milestones: Bad Bunny will attend his third gala, Chris Hemsworth will make his debut, Jennifer Lopez will add another appearance to her 13-time attendance record, and Zendaya will revel in her sixth. The event will also honor TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and Loewe’s creative director Jonathan Anderson as honorary chairs. Notably, TikTok takes on the role of sponsor, along with support from Loewe, mirroring the tech-savvy, forward-thinking ethos that the fashion industry is progressively embracing.
Post-gala, the exhibit is set to open to the public from May 10 to September 2, 2024. The impact and influence of the Met Gala and its corresponding exhibition transcend mere aesthetics, offering a moment where fashion becomes the vehicle for history, storytelling, and innovation to intersect. As the big night approaches, the buzz around “The Garden of Time” will undoubtedly grow, with speculations about how each invited luminary will interpret the theme—forecasting a celebration of fashion that will be remembered for years to come.
