Archive fashion dominates Met Gala 2024 with Galliano and McQueen tributes

At the Met Gala 2024, held on the first Monday of May in New York City to benefit the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the dress code was inspired by JG Ballard's short story "The Garden of Time." While floral motifs and temporal references were expected, archival fashion emerged as the true winner. Zendaya, a co-chair alongside Anna Wintour, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Hemsworth, and Bad Bunny, wore two looks: a Maison Margiela Artisanal piece referencing Christian Dior's spring/summer 1999 Haute Couture collection, and a Givenchy spring/summer 1996 ensemble from John Galliano's tenure. Kim Kardashian honored Galliano with a reinterpretation of Dior's autumn/winter 1997 Haute Couture collection, featuring antique silver brocade corsetry and worked silver metal skirt. Lana Del Rey wore a custom McQueen by Seán McGirr, updating a look from the autumn/winter 2006 collection "The Widows of Culloden," influenced by the Battle of Culloden (1746) and Victorian/1950s elements. Kendall Jenner wore an angelic gown from McQueen's spring/summer 1997 collection at the after-party. Troye Sivan wore a custom Prada from the brand's archives, referencing the autumn/winter 2008 menswear collection with a black corset and reversed shirt. Isabelle Huppert ascended the steps in a Balenciaga homage to Callot Soeurs' "The Mermaid Bride" (1930). The prevalence of archival pieces suggests a fashion industry struggling to innovate, with some noting the sustainability angle.