2024 Met Gala Dress Code: In order to decipher the dress code for the 2024 Met Gala, with the title “The Garden of Time,” one must explore the idea and inspiration of the show. The exhibition “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” curated by Andrew Bolton, pays homage to the Costume Institute’s sleeping beauty by showcasing garments and accessories that are too fragile to salvage. The concept of the exhibition, which centers on the transience of beauty, is mirrored in the dress code.

Photo: the Metropolitan Museum of Art

“The Garden of Time,” a short tale by J.G. Ballard, portrays a utopian home with a view of a crystal flower garden, which serves as inspiration for the dress code. But a swarm of onlookers is about to ruin this utopia, representing the inevitable decline and loss that we all face.

Photo: the Metropolitan Museum of Art

There are multiple ways to approach the theme’s interpretation. One choice is to go all out with flowers; botanical designs and sad blooms reflect the delicate nature of beauty. Appropriate options would include designs from the haute couture collections of designers like Dries Van Noten and Simone Rocha that use floral themes or are inspired by nature.

Another option is for participants to delve into the concepts of perseverance and time. Designs that capture the essence of time passing, such as Moschino’s grandfather-clock gown, provide a whimsical yet pertinent take on the trend. The exhibition’s emphasis on vintage clothing is perfectly matched by Alexander McQueen’s works, which are renowned for their meticulous construction and profound philosophical exploration.

Photo: Vogue Runway

In the end, choosing an antique object reflects the exhibition’s subject of ephemeral beauty and the ephemeral nature of style. With its dress requirement that encourages guests to think creatively and critically about fashion, the Met Gala is a feast for the senses.