Vogue is hosting a garden party for the 2024 Met Gala with the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” focusing on how technology can revive old and fragile garments. The dress code for the event is “The Garden of Time,” inspired by a short story by J.G. Ballard. It is expected that many guests will incorporate florals into their outfits to fit the theme.
In past years, some Met Gala themes have lent themselves more to floral interpretations than others. For example, the 2023 theme “Karl Lagergfeld: A Line of Beauty” saw many guests incorporating camellias into their looks to honor the late designer’s signature flower. Other themes, such as 2016’s “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” also allowed for a variety of nature-inspired interpretations.
Over the years, the Met Gala red carpet has seen attendees embracing florals in a variety of ways, from abstract interpretations to classic floral prints. Rihanna made a statement in a sculptural Commes des Garçons gown in 2017, while Adwoa Aboah opted for a blurred green botanical print by Marc Jacobs in 2018. Suki Waterhouse kept it classic with a pretty Fendi floral dress in a previous year.
Guests at the Met Gala have shown that florals can be unexpected and surprising. Elle Fanning chose to carry a bouquet of daisies to match the crown on her head in 2023, while Beyoncé mixed latex and florals in a memorable look in 2016. These bold choices demonstrate how florals can pack a powerful punch on the red carpet and keep guests on their toes.
As the 2024 Met Gala approaches, it will be interesting to see how guests interpret the theme of “The Garden of Time” and incorporate florals into their outfits. The event promises to be a unique celebration of fashion’s ability to breath new life into old garments through technology. Looking back at past Met Gala red carpet moments, it is clear that florals have always been a popular choice for attendees to make a statement and showcase their personal style.
