The highly anticipated Met Gala is set to return on the first Monday of May, bringing together celebrities and fashion icons for a night of glamour and style. This year’s event will celebrate the Costume Institute‘s exhibition titled ‘Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion‘, inspired by the J.G. Ballard short story, ‘The Garden of Time’.

The exhibition will showcase 250 historically significant pieces, known as ‘sleeping beauties’, from iconic designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hubert de Givenchy.

These pieces, too fragile to be worn again, represent a connection to fashion history and the natural world.
Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of The Costume Institute, emphasized the emotional connection between fashion and the body, highlighting the sensory experience of appreciating fashion. The exhibition’s theme mirrors the themes of ‘The Garden of Time’, exploring the evolution of human history and the cycle of creation and destruction.
The Met Gala, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of fashion’, is a charity event held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Celebrities and fashion icons dress according to the set theme, showcasing bespoke creations from renowned fashion designers.
Previous themes have ranged from ‘punk’ to ‘heavenly bodies’, with guests paying homage to designers like Alexander McQueen and Rei Kawakubo. The gala raises funds for the Costume Institute through the sale of tickets, which are highly sought after and can cost up to $35,000 each.
This year’s co-chairs, Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez, along with Chris Hemsworth and Bad Bunny, will lead the evening’s festivities. The theme of ‘Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion’ is expected to inspire guests to incorporate floral motifs and explore the theme’s sense of transience and renewal.

With the Met Gala’s rich history and influence on fashion, this year’s event promises to be a captivating celebration of creativity, history, and the enduring allure of fashion. As Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, and other co-chairs prepare to host the gala, anticipation for the red carpet looks and memorable moments continues to build.