Met Gala 2024: From sandy hourglasses to AI pranks, here's what had everyone talking

2024 Met Gala fashion moments. (Courtesy)

The 2024 Met Gala lived up to its reputation as fashion's biggest night, with a "Garden of Time" theme that sparked creativity, controversy, and plenty of online buzz. Here's a deeper dive into some of the most talked-about moments:

Stairway to fashion heaven (or hurdles?)

The iconic Met steps are notorious for posing challenges to even the most well-designed gowns. This year, Grammy-award singer Tyla took the "Garden of Time" theme quite literally with a sand-covered Balmain dress. To navigate the stairs, she was carefully lifted by her team, proving sometimes looking good takes a village (and strong arms!). While some found it humorous, it also sparked discussions about the pressure placed on celebrities to prioritize aesthetics over practicality.

Dresses or sculptures?

Taking the concept of a "dress" to new heights, Gigi Hadid's Thom Browne creation blurred the lines between fashion and art. This hand-crafted masterpiece, requiring a team of over 70 people and a staggering 13,500 hours to create, solidified its place as a fashion marathon. While praised for its craftsmanship, it also reignited the debate about the purpose of fashion – is it about wearability or pure artistic expression?

AI gone wild

Technology almost stole the show! Photos of Katy Perry and Rihanna in elaborate floral gowns flooded social media, only to be revealed as impressive creations of artificial intelligence. While some fans were momentarily fooled, the elaborate AI-generated images showcased the growing sophistication of this technology and its potential impact on the fashion industry. Could AI-designed garments become the next big trend or even replace human designers altogether?

Kim Kardashian's hourglass figure

Kim Kardashian's custom Maison Margiela dress sent the internet into a frenzy. Her cinched waist, reminiscent of her daring Marilyn Monroe dress moment, had social media questioning the comfort level and potential health risks associated with such a restrictive silhouette. This reignited discussions about body image expectations and the pressure placed on celebrities to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

Doja Cat takes the theme by surprise

Doja Cat defied expectations with a look that could be mistaken for post-shower luxury. Wrapped in a white towel, she took the theme to a playful and unexpected direction. While some praised her for her sense of humor and subverting expectations, others found it underwhelming for such a prestigious event.

Cardi B channels her inner Disney villain

Cardi B never disappoints on the red carpet. This year, she arrived in a voluminous gown so grand it earned the nickname "20-person dress." The dramatic silhouette channeled Ursula from The Little Mermaid, a fittingly theatrical choice for the "Garden of Time" theme. Her bold look sparked comparisons to past iconic Met Gala moments and solidified her reputation as a fashion risk-taker.

Big names miss the Gala

Despite the excitement, several A-listers were noticeably absent. Fans missed seeing red carpet regulars like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and even Met Gala stalwarts like Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively. Their absence fueled speculation and theories, leaving some wondering if there was a hidden message behind their decision to skip the event.

From elaborate creations to playful interpretations, the 2024 Met Gala solidified its position as a night where fashion meets pop culture, leaving us wanting more until next year's extravaganza.

The event sparked conversations not just about fashion trends, but also about technology, body image, and the ever-evolving relationship between celebrities and the public.