My laptop keyboard is still fuming because the 2024 Met Gala red carpet concluded with a Cardi B train that required at least eight handlers, but there's no time to cool off — let's get straight to the post-game analysis .
While overall the guest list had a darker and more woodsy reading of the “Garden of Time” dress code than expected – “everyone's Maleficent” popped up early in the group chat; we saw a lot of flowers and a bit of well-placed archival shooters. (Kendall Jenner, for example, wore Givenchy from the '90s, which had never before had contact with a human body.) But because this is the Met Gala, most of the looks were new creations that were based on older work, such as Zendaya's Maison Margiela dress, designed by John Galliano referencing John Galliano (when he was at Dior); Penelope Cruz's off-the-shoulder Chanel chimera combined three different outfits; and Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga, influenced by Cristóbal.
But which celebrities were able to transcend the constraints of both a theme and a dress code that could be taken in many different directions, not to mention production times to wire, to arrive at a dress plan higher? Ahead, check out our (very subjective) best dressed of the night.
Brie Larson in Prada
The combination of pearls and slightly off-colors are classic Ms. Prada, but what I love most about this for tonight is that the bottom half acts as the skeleton of, you guessed it, a ruffled hoop skirt. in the garden of time The effect is very “Brie Larson if she was a 19th century grande dame who traveled through a wormhole.”
Zendaya in Givenchy Spring/Summer 1996 Couture
Surprise! Zendaya walked the carpet in a second, even stronger look. Some may prefer the first Maison Margiela dress, but I'm all for the childish drama and the more modern, less punky style, which aligns a little better with evening.
Kendall Jenner in 1999 Givenchy
Yes, the thinking here is pretty much “point A to point B” — Jenner said she knew about the existence of this vintage dress, which fit her perfectly — but “Sleeping Beauties” was done to wake up the old clothes sleeping in the fridge and show them a night on the town. And while sticking to the theme stops there, does it really need to go any further when Jenner looks this good?
Charli XCX in Marni
The temporary aspect of it, Charli XCX revealed on the red carpet, is that this sticky Marni is made from reworked old T-shirts. The fit is impeccable, as is the level of craftsmanship (just look at that distressing), and it still feels true to a party princess on a fancy night out, which could be why it earned double votes from the NYLON team.
Tyla in Balmain
Upon learning about the theme, I had visions of Flavor Flav watch necklaces, but Olivier Rousteing went the hourglass route with a kitschy accessory and sassy dress (literally, see next slide), which emphasized the silhouette. I love that this is a not-so-direct take on the subject that, if you really want to read into it, touches on ideas of mortality!
The aforementioned sassy
Taylor Russell at Loewe
Russell said Loewe's creative director Jonathan Anderson was inspired by marquetry, which is such an unexpected leap to make from “garden” (to “trees,” I guess, then to “wood veneer”). The juxtaposition of the wood and draped skirt also makes Russell look like a half-petrified sculptural nymph.
Greta Lee at Loewe
I couldn't decide between the previous pick and this one…so I've included both. The appeal of this Loewe dress lies mainly in the sheerness and face shield, but Greta Lee wears it very well, and while some will hate the mullet, she feels more fairy than punk here.
Amelia Gray in Undercover
Another divisive choice that maybe could have done with a different style, but just wait: once more photos of the light-up flowers in action are posted, we bet you'll change your mind.
