• Fashion

All the Best Looks at Met Gala 2024

This year’s theme was ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion‘ based on J.G. Ballard’s novel, ’The Garden of Time’.
  • ByRadhika Bhalla

All images: Instagram

This is the story of how the humble matchbox from Sweden helped in india’s independence, spread mythological motifs, and became one of the biggest marketing tools of the early 20th century.

Yes, the matchbox.

But first, a look at how the matchbox came into being in the first place.

The first “safety match” was discovered in 1844 by Swedish chemist, Gustaf Eric Pasch. It was later developed by the Lundström brothers, who applied for a patent for the phosphor-free fire-starters.

The matchstick was introduced at the World Expo in Paris 1855, and they instantly became a  huge sensation. Naturally, it spread like wildfire, quite literally, across the world…as colonising nations introduced matchsticks to the countries they ruled.

Alia Bhatt in custom Sabyasachi

Alia Bhatt in Sabyasachi

Actor Alia Bhatt went sari-clad in a floral design by Sabyasachi, which took 1,905 man hours and 163 craftsmen to create. She wore her ensemble with a long, cascading pallu, and her hair up in a wispy ’do that featured more jewellery by Sabyasachi.

Isha Ambani in Rahul Mishra

Isha Ambani Piramal in Rahul Mishra

Entrepreneur Isha Ambani Piramal bloomed in a remarkable, floral creation by Rahul Mishra. Isha paired this with a bag by Jade by Monica and Karishma, that was painted on by an artist, and jewellery by Viren Bhagat.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee in Sabyasachi.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee in Sabyasachi

Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee became the first Indian designer to walk the Met Gala’s beige-and-green carpet. His look was a delightful lesson in layering jewellery, with a chunky choker worn over strings of pearls and beads, above a white shirt that made for the perfect canvas. The pieces were from his own brand, of course.

Natasha Poonawalla in Viktor&Rolf

Natasha Poonawalla in Viktor&Rolf

For the opening of the Met Museum Exhibition, entrepreneur Natasha Poonawalla wore a fantastical interpretation of ‘Sleeping Beauties’, with an attached pillow and a gown resembling a duvet. The look was taken from Viktor&Rolf, a piece they had designer for their Autumn/Winter 2018 collection.

Artist Jennifer Lopez wore a custom Schiaparelli gown and actor Zendaya in a John Galliano creation.

Zendaya in John Galliano, twice

Artist Jennifer Lopez wore a custom Schiaparelli gown, and looked gorgeous as ever. But it was actor Zendaya who made a mark in not now, but two John Galliano outfits. Zendaya first walked in a Galliano creation that referenced his collection from 1999 when he was the Maison’s Creative Director.

Zendaya changed into a second look a few hours later.

A few hours later, Zendaya returned in another Galliano ensemble, this time referencing his work from 1996, when he was with Givenchy.

Mindy Kaling in Gaurav Gupta

Mindy Kaling in Gaurav Gupta

Actor Mindy Kaling made a dramatic appearance in folds of sculptural details, in a couture creation by Gaurav Gupta. The look was elegant and framed her well.

Cardi B in Windowsen

Cardi B in Windowsen

Is that the spell that was cast on Sleeping Beauty? Artist Cardi B wore a sweeping look by Chinese designer, Windowsen. And the best part is, her jewellery was by Dubai-based, Indian jewellery brand, Kamyen Jewellery.

Demi Moore in Harris Reed

Demi Moore in Harris Reed

Actor Demi Moore came as the angry mob—from the book—who came to attack the flower garden. Or so it looked in this intriguing, custom-made Harris Reed gown. The actor completed her look with Cartier jewellery and her hair brushed back.

Lana Del Ray in Alexander McQueen

Lana Del Ray in Alexander McQueen

Artist Lana Del Ray paid homage to the characters of the novel, dressed was a statue covered in cobwebs. And on her head, she placed twigs that resembled antlers. This special look was created by Seán McGirr, who is Creative Director of Alexander McQueen.