Who was the best dressed at this year’s Met Gala?

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Every year, the first Monday in May is dedicated to the Met Gala, a star-studded affair where celebrities ascend the green tie-dye steps, as was the case this year with luminaries like Zendaya, Bad Bunny, and Jennifer Lopez. For enthusiasts, it’s a time to indulge in assessing the best, worst, weirdest, and most on-theme outfits. 

The Met Gala is like an elusive holiday bash that remains a distant dream for many of us. While A-listers strut in their custom-designed ensembles, the rest of us observe from our cozy couches, fingers crossed that they’ll nail the theme. Dating back to 1948, when it was a gathering for New York’s elite to showcase their philanthropy, the gala has morphed into a sought-after, invite-only extravaganza, broadcasted worldwide.

This prestigious event serves as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, orchestrated by the powerhouse Vogue magazine and overseen by none other than editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Tickets for this year’s soirée commanded jaw-dropping prices, starting at $75,000 per individual and skyrocketing to over $350,000 for a table.

The 2024 theme “Garden of Time” inspired a dazzling array of interpretations from attending stars, ranging from vibrant florals to whimsical fairy tale motifs and nods to mythological legends. This theme, influenced by the Costume Institute’s exhibit “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” urged designers to reimagine pivotal moments in fashion history, resulting in a captivating blend of nostalgia and innovation on the gala’s renowned stage.

My heart ached with the absence of Rihanna and Blake Lively at this year’s event. Margot Robbie and Anne Hathaway, who usually grace the iconic steps, were also notably missing. Many anticipated appearances from Florence Pugh (the May Queen herself!), Hailee Steinfeld, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, but alas, they never materialized. Here’s to hoping they’ll make a dazzling entrance next year.

So, who was the best dressed? 

In my opinion, Alia Bhatt stole the show. The Bollywood actress made a memorable entrance at the gala, stunning onlookers as she walked the red carpet in a timeless mint green Sabyasachi saree embellished with a long, dramatic train.

Zendaya commanded attention with not one, but two stunning ensembles — a custom Margiela creation and a vintage Givenchy dress from the house’s spring 1996 collection — that left onlookers captivated. 

Tyla underwent a remarkable transformation resembling a sand sculpture in an exceptionally fitted Balmain gown that hugged her like a second skin. 

Ayo Edebiri elevated the “Garden of Time” theme to new heights with a custom floral dress by Loewe. The dress featured hand-embroidered, hand-painted lace and 3D appliqué blooms, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and creative interpretation.

Mona Patel left attendees in awe as she arrived on the green carpet, prompting whispers of intrigue and admiration. The multi-millionaire entrepreneur donned a jaw-dropping, functional Iris Van Herpen gown, accentuated by animatronic butterflies adorning her arm, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

In a tribute to the exhibit’s theme of reimagining vintage attire, Prada drew inspiration from its own archives for Brie Larson’s ensemble. The base layer of her outfit paid homage to the orange and beige gradient from the fall 2007 collection, while the pencil dress featured crystal embroidery, offering a lavish interpretation of the passage of time. Larson’s attire also provided a more literal nod to the theme with a stiff yet ethereal layer of lilac crinoline shaped like an hourglass, a reference to the fall 2024 collection. 

Fashion choices this year didn’t stir as much discussion as usual, with most opting for relatively tame looks, aside from a few daring naked dresses. 

Amidst a backdrop of pressing global crises including a cost of living crisis and escalating tensions in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan, the extravagant display at the Met Gala served as a tone-deaf tipping point for many activists and observers.