The Monday that all fashion enthusiasts eagerly await finally arrived as the first Monday of May dawned, signalling the arrival of the Met Gala, where the red carpet awaited the biggest celebrities ready to display fashion in the most unique and intriguing ways. This year’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” set the stage for a stunning showcase, although the dress code and general theme of the Met Gala remained anchored in the ethereal concept of “The Garden of Time.”

As celebrities graced the red carpet with their interpretations of this enchanting theme, there were undeniable hits and a few misses that sparked conversations and critiques among fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our take on the looks of Met Gala 2024, where creativity collided with the unexpected, leaving us with moments of awe and some that missed the mark.

Hits that Captivated the Eye

Zendaya in Maison Margiela by John Galliano

Zendaya graced the red carpet in not one but two stunning looks — the first look featured a black taffeta Givenchy haute couture dress, a nod to timeless elegance. However, it was her second look in a custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano gown that truly stole the show. It was like Mother Nature herself whispered fashion secrets into John Galliano’s ear, and Zendaya just materialized them onto the red carpet. 

The blue and green gown, adorned with branch and fruit accents, created a captivating water-meets-greenery vibe. Zendaya accessorised with a Bulgari necklace and a striking veiled hat, completing the look with dramatic eye makeup and dark-hued lipstick. Her ensemble was a masterful blend of artistry and sophistication, earning her accolades as one of the night’s best-dressed.

Bad Bunny in Maison Margiela

Bad Bunny made a bold statement with his ensemble, showcasing his unique sense of style, proving that men’s fashion can be as enchanting as a fairy tale. Wearing bespoke Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano and custom Christian Louboutin for Maison Margiela Tabi boots, he embraced the theme with elegance and creativity. 

The midnight blue barathea wool smoking, paired with a foam hat and sunglasses, exuded a poetic charm that resonated with the Garden of Time theme. Who knew a foam hat could look so chic? Bad Bunny’s attention to detail, from the black barathea wool flower bouquet to the intricate accessories, made his ensemble a standout moment on the red carpet.

Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne and Chopard

Gigi Hadid wore a custom Thom Browne creation, which was truly a testament to her fashion prowess. The sculptural gown, adorned with floral motifs and an off-the-shoulder neckline, captured the essence of the Garden of Time theme with a modern twist. Gigi accessorised with a sparkling Chopard necklace and earrings, adding a touch of glamour to her ensemble. Her interpretation of the theme, coupled with impeccable styling, solidified her status as a fashion icon on the Met Gala red carpet.

Lana Del Rey in Alexander McQueen

Lana Del Rey transported onlookers to a whimsical realm with her Alexander McQueen gown and tulle-based headdress. Inspired by nature, her ensemble featured hand-embroidered bronze hammered bullion hawthorn branches, creating a mesmerizing forest nymph aesthetic. The ethereal veil and unique accessories added a touch of fantasy to her look making it a memorable moment at the Met Gala. She didn’t just wear a gown; she became a living, breathing ode to nature. 

Karlio Kloss in Swarovski

Karlie Kloss dazzled in a Swarovski gown adorned with flower-shaped embellishments, embodying the Garden of Time theme with grace and elegance. Her bejewelled ensemble, complemented by sparkling jewellery and sleek hairstyling, showcased her effortless sophistication on the red carpet. Karlie’s attention to detail and timeless elegance made her a standout among the attendees.

Misses that Missed the Mark

Jennifer Lopez in Schiaparelli

Jennifer Lopez, known for her bold fashion statements, arrived at the Met Gala in a striking custom Schiaparelli haute couture dress designed by American designer Daniel Roseberry. The dramatic silhouette and intricate details of the gown were reminiscent of J-Lo’s iconic style, but the look missed the mark in terms of innovation and creativity. Let’s just say, we expected fire, but we got a gentle breeze.

The colour, design, and overall aesthetic of the dress seemed somewhat predictable and outdated, especially in comparison to the avant-garde ensembles showcased by other attendees. Despite the flawless makeup and hairstyle, the outfit failed to deliver the expected wow factor, leaving fashion enthusiasts wanting more from the queen of dramatic looks.

Cardi B in Windowsen

Cardi B made a grand entrance at the Met Gala in a black Windowsen couture gown that garnered attention for its sheer size and dramatic presence. While the gown was undeniably eye-catching, it lacked the innovative edge and thematic relevance expected at such a prestigious event. The design, though intricate, felt somewhat generic and failed to make a memorable statement in the sea of extravagant fashion choices. Cardi B’s ensemble, while glamorous, missed the opportunity to truly captivate and inspire with a more unique and imaginative interpretation of the Garden of Time theme.

Alia Bhatt in Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Alia Bhatt, known for her elegant style, opted for a Sabyasachi Mukherjee saree inspired by the Met Gala’s Garden of Time theme. The saree, featuring intricate embroidery and embellishments, showcased the craftsmanship of the Indian couturier but we’ve seen Sabyasachi magic before, Alia; we were hoping for a new spell this time.

The look lacked originality and failed to stand out in a crowd of bold and innovative ensembles. We’ve seen other actors wear similar sarees by the designer previously. The combination of bow details, floral motifs, sequins, and draping seemed overwhelming and disjointed, detracting from the overall impact of the outfit. While Alia attempted to infuse a desi charm with her hairstyle and accessories, the overall execution fell short of creating a cohesive and memorable Met Gala moment.

Mindy Kaling in Gaurav Gupta

Mindy Kaling’s Met Gala look, a collaboration with designer Gaurav Gupta, aimed to capture the essence of The Melting Flower of Time theme. The long cape and intricate flower-like structure of the dress had us experiencing déjà vu. Haven’t we seen this before, on another red carpet, worn by another star?  Well, the outfit was a lot like what Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore at the 2022 Cannes ensemble by the same designer, raising questions about originality and creative direction. While the dress fit the theme, the lack of a unique and fresh perspective left it feeling somewhat uninspired and repetitive on the grand stage of the Met Gala.

Doja Cat in Vetements

Doja Cat, known for her bold fashion choices, arrived at the Met Gala in a wet-look maxi t-shirt from Vetements, paired with standout glam makeup and a buzz-cut hairstyle. While the ensemble turned heads and sparked conversation, some critics noted similarities to past celebrity looks, including Kim Kardashian’s iconic Met Gala appearance. The lack of originality and the somewhat predictable nature of the outfit raised questions about its suitability for the theme and the event’s grandeur. While Doja Cat’s daring style is often celebrated, this particular choice left some fashion enthusiasts wanting a more unique and imaginative interpretation of the Garden of Time theme.

The Met Gala remains a wild ride of fashion highs and lows, with celebrities soaring to style heights or taking unexpected dips into questionable fashion choices. After all, it’s the collision of creativity and critique that keeps the fashion universe spinning.