A Couple Predictions for the 2024 MET Gala

With less than 24 hours before fashion's biggest night, I wanted to share my predictions of what to you can expect at the 2024 MET Gala. Over the years the MET Gala went from an elite high society event that featured New York’s elite. However, it’s now been place as the cultural phenomenon where celebrities, designers, and influencers gather to be part of the sceptical the gala has become.

For some fashion insiders it’s believed the emphasis on celebrity/influencer attendance has cheapened the prestige of the gala and has made it less about the exhibit and more about who’s walking the red carpet. For context let me give you a brief rundown of what this coveted event is about:

 - 250 items from the Costume Institute’s permanent collection have been selected to be featured for the 2024 exhibit.

-  The Gala is meant to be both opening night of the exhibit as well as a fundraiser for the MET Museum

-   This year the exhibit is structured around approximately 15 historically significant pieces from the archival collections that are extremely fragile.

-   Usually, celebrities are invited to the gala by the designers their wearing    

-   The exhibition will run from May 10 – September 2, 2024.

-   This year’s event co-chairs include Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya.

This year’s theme is Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion. Surprisingly, from what I’ve read and seen in the press releases and on Vogue the theme appears to be a marriage between floras, architecture, with a heavy nod to the Elizabethan and Regency eras. And if I’m being honest, I’m unimpressed by the theme.

Much like the 2022 MET Gala In America: An Anthology of Fashion that focused on pieces from the 1870’s – 1900, I’m uncomfortable with desire to revisit periods where racial inclusion and diversity of any kind could not honestly be celebrated. Let’s ignore the racial component for a moment and remember what that era meant for women’s fashion. Corsets, layers upon layers of fabric and wired skirts which made it incredibly difficult to walk let alone enjoy an evening out. I get that fashion is a cyclical industry that often-drawing inspiration from the past, but there are periods that’s often have me scratching my head and thinking “Who wanted this?!”

That said, part of me is curious to see how designers will reimagine and modernize the designs featured. The MET Gala has become synonymous with the resurgence of vintage and retro styles, with celebrities paying homage to iconic fashion eras through their attire, accessories, and hairstyles. So, I guess I’m curious to see who tries to endure an actual piece from this theme.

For example, in 2008 Beyoncé attended MET gala which featured several pieces from French designer Thierry Mugler. The Mugler brand ghough highly regarded was not a line many celebrities were wearing during the early 2000’s, the exhibit resulted in a collaboration during her I Am… Sasha Fierce era. This included styling her for performances, appearances and hr critically acclaimed I Am… World Tour.  

Given the tumultuous global landscape, fashion has become a platform for political and social commentary. The themes and designs showcased at the 2024 MET Gala may reflect pressing issues such as climate change, social justice, and human rights, sparking meaningful conversations both on and off the red carpet. As we eagerly await the 2024 MET Gala, let's delve into some off my predictions about what we might witness on the red carpet and beyond.

1. Sustainability Takes Center Stage

With an increasing focus on sustainability in the fashion industry, we anticipate the 2024 MET Gala will emphasize eco-friendly designs and practices. Celebrities may opt for outfits crafted from recycled materials, showcasing the creativity and innovation driving sustainable fashion forward.

2. Inclusivity and Representation

The fashion industry has been making strides towards greater inclusivity and representation, and the 2024 MET Gala will likely reflect this evolution. We anticipate a diverse array of designers and celebrities from various backgrounds, celebrating the beauty of different cultures and identities on the red carpet.

3. Virtual Reality Experiences

In an era where virtual events have become increasingly prevalent, the 2024 MET Gala may incorporate virtual reality experiences for both attendees and audiences worldwide. Virtual red-carpet tours, immersive fashion showcases, and interactive exhibitions could redefine the way we engage with this iconic event.

4. Revival of Vintage and Retro Styles

This year’s theme will defiantly be focusing on the conservation of delicate garments. Chiffon, lace, silks, cashmeres, and organza will be front and centre. Historically, the MET gala's dress code is often used interchangeably, however, this year’s dress code is "The Garden of Time." It's inspired by a J.G. Ballard short story of the same name, which follows a couple plucking glass-like flowers as an ominous mob approach.

The 2024 MET Gala promises to be a spectacle like no other, blending innovation, creativity, and cultural significance on one of fashion's grandest stages. From sustainable couture to reimagined eras, this iconic event will continue to push the boundaries of fashion and redefine what it means to make a statement on the red carpet. This year’s theme will be can very much be a hit or a miss. Hopefully, the 2024 MET Gala will leave a lasting imprint on the world of fashion and beyond.