The Met Gala 2024 is set to be a spectacular event, taking place on Monday, May 6. This year’s theme is "The Garden of Time", inspired by J.G. Ballard’s short story. The exhibition, titled “Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion”, will feature around 250 rare items from the Costume Institute’s permanent collection, highlighting the evolution of human history and the cycle of creation and destruction.
The exhibition is divided into three main “zones”—Land, Sea, and Sky—that pay tribute to the natural world, reflecting the emotional poetics of fashion as an ode to nature. It’s a unique opportunity to witness fashion’s ‘sleeping beauties’—garments far too fragile to be worn, brought back to life through modern technology and creative presentation.
The exhibition aims to present these historic dresses not just for viewing but to bring each piece to life, allowing visitors to appreciate how they were worn, their appearance on the body, and how they moved. The Met will utilize AI and CGI technologies to provide an immersive experience that simulates the sensory aspects of these antique gowns.
The event will be co-hosted by Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya, alongside other prominent figures such as Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth. It’s often considered the Oscars of fashion, where celebrities and designers showcase their interpretations of the theme with bespoke creations.
The 15 rare exhibits at the Met Gala 2024 are a true highlight of the event, representing over 400 years of fashion history. These garments are considered the “sleeping beauties” of the Costume Institute’s collection due to their fragility and historical significance. Here’s more about them:
Charles Frederick Worth Gown
The Charles Frederick Worth gown featured at the Met Gala 2024 is a remarkable piece of fashion history.
Charles Frederick Worth, often referred to as the “Father of Haute Couture,” was a pioneering designer in the 19th century, and his creations were highly sought after by the elite of that era.
The specific gown at the Met Gala is an 1877 silk satin ballgown, which is a testament to Worth’s exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Charles Frederick Worth’s gowns are significant not only for their beauty but also for their role in shaping the course of fashion design. His influence is still felt today, and the Met Gala 2024 offers a unique opportunity to witness his legacy.
Dior Creations
At the Met Gala 2024, among the Dior creations to be showcased, the Venus and Junon ball gowns from Monsieur Dior’s Fall 1949 collection will be included.
The Venus gown is particularly notable for its intricate embroidery and represents the height of post-war glamour, reflecting Dior’s vision of femininity and elegance.
The Junon gown is equally stunning, with its opulent decoration and silhouette that has become synonymous with the Dior name.
Both gowns are exemplary of the craftsmanship and artistry that define the Dior legacy in fashion history. Visitors to the Met Gala will have the unique opportunity to experience these masterpieces, which have been preserved as treasures of the fashion world.
Elizabethan Bodice
The Elizabethan bodice featured at the Met Gala 2024 is a precious artifact from the 17th century, embodying the beauty and intricacy of English fashion during the Elizabethan era.
This bodice is one of the oldest items in the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition and is highlighted for its delicate nature-themed embroidery, which includes motifs such as peas in a pod and birds eating insects.
The bodice is a representation of the exhibition’s theme, “The Garden of Time,” which connects to the natural world and its influence on fashion design. The craftsmanship of the bodice, with its detailed embroidery, showcases the skill and artistry of the period. It’s a rare glimpse into the past, providing insight into the materials, techniques, and aesthetic values of the time.
Schiaparelli Designs
Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her innovative and artistic designs, is expected to be featured in the exhibition.
She was an Italian fashion designer known for her innovative and artistic creations that left a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
Schiaparelli’s designs were celebrated for their Surrealism and eccentricity, often incorporating themes like the human body, insects, or trompe-l’œil. She is credited with creating the color “shocking pink”, which became a hallmark of her brand.
Her creations were not just clothing but works of art, often colorful, extravagant, and eccentric, yet classic. They could range from a monochromatic dress to one embellished with appliqué of vases of flowers, stars, suns, and other motifs inspired by her friends’ paintings.
Givenchy Garments
Givenchy is expected to present some remarkable garments at the Met Gala 2024, aligning with the event’s theme, “The Garden of Time.”
The designs will likely incorporate elements of nature, time, and perhaps even a nod to historical fashion pieces.
Givenchy, known for its elegance and sophistication, will likely interpret the theme through a lens of modernity and innovation. Givenchy has a history of incorporating nature-inspired elements into its collections.
The Givenchy Spring Collection featured models strutting down the runway at the Jardin des Plantes, exuding an air of sensual empowerment tied to nature. The collection included agate slice prints and earthy jewel-toned colors, reflecting a deep connection to Mother Earth.
Saint Laurent Pieces
Yves Saint Laurent’s contemporary pieces will be featured in this time. Yves Saint Laurent has created many iconic pieces that have become staples in contemporary fashion. In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent introduced the tuxedo jacket for women, known as “Le Smoking.”
This piece revolutionized women’s evening wear and has become a symbol of female empowerment. The Safari Jacket: Inspired by the sportswear of the elegant aristocracy, Saint Laurent transformed the functional safari jacket into a chic fashion statement, blending sportiness with femininity.
These pieces reflect Saint Laurent’s innovative approach to fashion, where he played with gender norms and redefined what was considered appropriate for women’s fashion.
Video Animation Displays: Some garments will be displayed through video animation to preserve their delicate condition.
Light Projection: Innovative light projection techniques will be used to showcase certain items.
AI and CGI: Artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery will bring some of the historical pieces to life.
Sensory Stimulation: Other forms of sensory stimulation will be employed to present these rare exhibits.
The remaining five exhibits have not been disclosed yet, but they are likely to be of similar historical value and presented with the same level of care and innovation. These exhibits are a testament to the enduring legacy of fashion and its ability to tell the story of humanity through clothing.