Designers and their A-list muses are once again taking over the Met Gala red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, an annual event that brings together some of the most influential figures in fashion, entertainment, sports, business, and beyond. This year’s dress code is “The Garden of Time,” and co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth, with honorary chairs TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and Jonathan Anderson of Loewe. The event celebrates the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” showcasing 250 historically significant pieces from the past 400 years that are too fragile to be worn again.
Zendaya arrived on the red carpet in a custom Maison Margiela gown by John Galliano, featuring iridescent organza and embellishments of leaves, grapes, beetles, and birds. Jennifer Lopez made a stunning entrance in a sparkling silver web dress, emphasizing the importance of fashion over comfort at the Met Gala, where it’s all about pushing boundaries and making a statement. Co-chair Bad Bunny donned a custom Maison Margiela suit that paid homage to the theme, resembling a royal court member from the story that inspired the dress code, “The Garden of Time.”
Gwendoline Christie, known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” arrived in a vibrant red dress with a black tulle cape, embodying the whimsical and creative spirit of the event. The Met Gala this year faced protests near the event, reminiscent of the J.G. Ballard short story that inspired the dress code, where a peaceful existence is disrupted by those outside the walls looking to make a stand. However, amid the controversy, the red carpet remained a showcase of innovative fashion and creative expression.
Ahead of the Gala, the Condé Nast union, representing employees at the media company, announced a tentative labor agreement, averting a planned picket at the event. Stars like Ashley Graham, Elsa Pataky, and Chris Hemsworth made their way down the green and white carpet, embodying the theme of “The Garden of Time.” Celebrity aesthetician Joanna Vargas shared her insights on prepping stars for the red carpet, focusing on sculpting and depuffing to create flawless looks for the star-studded event.
The Met Gala remains one of fashion’s biggest nights, with a strict guest list curated by Anna Wintour and a combination of timely achievements and cultural clout determining who gets an invite. The event is exclusive, with a limited headcount, high ticket prices, and a star-studded lineup, where celebrities often attend as guests of designers rather than purchasing tickets. As the night continues, guests mingle and showcase jaw-dropping fashion moments that define the essence of the Met Gala.
