Takeaways from the Met Gala 2024 - Sustainable High-Fashion
Fashion, in all its bold glory and eccentricity, held centre stage at the Met Gala 2024. It was a glamorous night, a floral extravaganza, where celebrities, new and old, came out with their own interpretations of the theme, the Garden of Time.
The red carpet event has been the most talked about since Monday, the 6th of May, and has completely taken over social media. There is little else the fashion world would rather talk about and discuss. The lush “green” carpet covering the grand entrance of the Met, set the tone for the dazzling night.
Exotic flora meticulously lined the carpet on both sides, welcoming the guests into a magical, timeless “Garden”, their couture gowns and perfectly tailored tuxedos adding bursts of colour to the scene.
Many new trends were witnessed and countless old ones were revisited. Let us take a look at some of the key takeaways from the Met Gala 2024.
Sustainable Fashion
Environmental concerns were a driving force behind the costume choices of many. One notable advocate for sustainability was the actor Amanda Seyfried. She requested to be dressed in a gown that aligned with her sustainable approach to fashion and famously joked that she would attend the gala only if she could have “solar panels on (her) head”. Hence, the actor was dressed in a Prada gown made from deadstock fabric that did not, however, take anything away from her chic allure.
Seyfried was not the only one who felt the need to highlight the climate crisis and not be lost in the opulence of it all. Designer Stella McCartney made a significant contribution by creating custom pieces with sustainable materials for all the stars she dressed. It was her way of paying homage to Mother Earth by ensuring that sustainable clothing had a place on the red carpet. Her muses included model and actress Cara Delevingne, and singers FKA Twigs and Ed Sheeran, all dressed in sustainable fashion.
Chloë Sevigny arrived in a unique dress made from upcycled Victorian pieces with a matching Victorian hairdo of intricately twisted braids tied up neatly.
Demi Moore dazzled in a Harris Reed custom gown created from vintage wallpaper! Her sculptured look garnered tremendous attention proving that her fashion choice was a magnificent hit with audiences.
Pop star Charlie XCX went a step further by wearing a white distressed gown made from recycled old t-shirts.
Some pre-loved accessories were also given a fresh start. The star from Outer Banks, Madeline Cline, chose to carry a Tommy Hilfiger clutch she got from eBay which had been upcycled by the designer using fabric from her dress. Even her delicate earrings were something she had acquired from eBay.
CELYSTM; An Innovative Fabric Helping Attain Sustainability in the Fashion World
CELYSTM compostable polyester could provide meaningful help in supporting the sustainability efforts made by the fashion world. Collaboration with designers and fashion houses could help them create sustainable clothing for celebrities who have an eco-conscious approach to fashion and believe in having a responsibility towards the environment.
The unique chemical structure of CELYSTM compostable fibre makes it perfectly suited for use in couture gowns which celebrities could wear confidently to any red carpet event. It could be a stylish yet sustainable addition to any wardrobe and could offer a chance to make fashion eco-friendly.
Reviving the Old
There were distinct notes of nostalgia throughout the night. Zendaya was perhaps the most talked about celebrity when she made two separate appearances in vintage looks by John Galliano.
Nicole Kidman channelled 1951 Balenciaga in her vintage-styled custom dress recreated for her by Demna. Kendall Jenner chose an archived Givenchy dress that was designed by Alexander McQueen in 1999.
A marked appreciation for old collections was felt when these classic gowns of the vintage era made an appearance on the red carpet. It was a sheer joy witnessing the timelessness of these evergreen beauties.
Revisiting Beauty Standards: Body positivity
Guests of all body types celebrated body positivity on the red carpet, challenging traditional beauty standards. There was a noticeable appreciation for all body shapes and sizes
.
From curvy figures to athletic builds, self-love was apparent and guests confidently embraced their own beauty.
This turned out to be a magnificent contribution by the Met Gala as the norms of society were challenged and refuted. It went a long way in showing that representation and inclusivity are now encouraged on all platforms, no matter how glamorous.
The Met Gala encouraged conversations about how the definition of beauty is now transforming. The attendees contributed in their own unique ways by boldly embracing their choices and individuality.
Inclusivity in Fashion
Inclusivity in fashion basically involves an appreciation for the variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, styles and choices present in the industry. At the Met Gala 2024, celebrities, designers, and guests all had their own ways of embracing inclusivity.
The guest list itself comprised celebrities from a range of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Some of those in attendance made sure their cultural heritage was reflected in their fashion choices.
Guests stepped out on the red carpet in traditional garments or their modern interpretations. This was a clear reflection of the richness and diversity of global fashion.
Innovation In Fashion
There were moments at the Met Gala 2024 when technology made a stand-out appearance. Indian fashion entrepreneur and philanthropist Mona Patel stepped out in an innovative ensemble that stole the limelight. The groundbreaking dress proved that fashion is ready to move ahead with the help of technology.
Iris Van Herpen created a custom gown for her which came with dainty kinetic butterflies fluttering along Patel’s arms. These strings of butterflies moved gently in response to Mona’s movements and added a touch of intrigue to the entire ensemble. The entrepreneur herself had a hand in the creation of this breathtaking gown. She is said to have dreamed up the creation which was then beautifully put together by Law Roach.
It is no wonder then that Mona Patel was heralded as one of the best-dressed attendees at the gala and was covered extensively by social media.
Final Thoughts
The Met Gala 2024 was a treat for the eyes. Despite much backlash, We can still see how It was a groundbreaking moment for sustainable clothing in the fashion world. We witnessed how celebrities made subtle displays of eco-consciousness and environmental friendliness in their wardrobe choices for the evening.
The gala was a collective effort by the fashionable set to raise awareness about the climate crisis. There’s much work to do in bringing sustainability to the forefront but a positive change in the industry is now apparent and we hope it lasts.
The Met Gala 2024 was an exhibit of how fashion and sustainable clothing can exist together and can do so quite beautifully and in countless creative ways.
