Kendall Jenner made a statement at the 2024 Met Gala with a stunning nude and black tulle dress covered in over 100,000 black and brass beads and sequins. This labor-intensive dress, which took over 500 hours to hand-embroider, featured waist cutouts and a regal collar and shoulders, making it a true work of art. Jenner’s stylist, Michelle, explained that the dress was chosen to reflect a darker, queenly aesthetic inspired by the theme of “Sleeping Beauties.” Vintage clothing was a strategic choice for Jenner, allowing her to explore her love of archival fashion and create a personal connection to the garments she wears.
Jenner’s Met Gala look was not the only piece from Alexander McQueen’s time at Givenchy that she wore that night. For the after-parties, she changed into a white dress from 1997 that featured a silk skirt with a high-low hem and an angel wings bodice. This choice showcased the breadth of McQueen’s work and added to the impact of Jenner’s Met Gala appearance. With custom Studio Amelia shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, Jenner completed her archival look, marking her 10th Met Gala attendance with a standout fashion moment that may be her most impactful to date.
The theme of the 2024 Met Gala, “beauty that’s been slept on,” was interpreted by Jenner as an opportunity to showcase vintage pieces that have been overlooked or underappreciated. Her Givenchy dress, with its intricate beading and striking design, embodied this theme while also reflecting Jenner’s personal style and preferences. The 500 hours of hand-embroidery demonstrated a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, making the dress a standout piece at the event. Jenner’s ability to engage with the theme and create a meaningful connection to the garments she wears set her apart at the 2024 Met Gala.
Jenner’s stylist Michelle emphasized the importance of Jenner’s personal connection to her outfits, stating that each look must “come alive” for the model. The choice of the Givenchy dress, with its dark and regal aesthetic, added to the narrative of a “darker queen” inspired by the theme of “Sleeping Beauties.” This attention to storytelling and character creation through fashion showcased Jenner’s innovative approach to red carpet styling and her willingness to experiment with different looks and themes. By wearing archival pieces and engaging with the history and craftsmanship of fashion, Jenner demonstrated a deep appreciation for the artistry and creativity of design.
The 2024 Met Gala marked a milestone for Jenner, as it was her first time wearing an archival look to the event. Over the past decade, Jenner has made memorable appearances at the Met Gala, from bold naked dressing to showgirl-inspired ensembles. However, her choice to wear a vintage Givenchy dress from the McQueen era added a new dimension to her Met Gala repertoire. By tapping into the rich history of fashion and embracing the theme of “beauty that’s been slept on,” Jenner showcased her growth as a fashion icon and her ability to make a statement through her wardrobe choices.
