(Image credit: @katcollings; @bobbyschuessler)
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When the clock struck 4 p.m. ET on the first Monday in May this year, our editors were sitting together anxiously awaiting the biggest night in fashion. The 2024 Met Gala dress code, “The Garden of Time,” was inspired by J.G. Ballard’s short story of the same name and prompted a myriad of botanical and—dare I say—storybook looks. There was no shortage of whimsical, showstopping ensembles celebrating the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
On the latest episode of Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr, Who What Wear Editor in Chief Kat Collings and Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler sat down to discuss their favorite fashion moments of the night and the pieces that inspired them.
For excerpts from their conversation, scroll below.
Hillary Kerr: Let’s talk about some of the biggest style trends we saw at the Met Gala this year. What were some of your favorite looks in each category?
Kat Collings: I couldn’t stop looking at all the gloves. There were a few iterations. Some looked like satin. Others were lace or mesh, which I think is an easy entry point to the trend if you’re a little unsure. But I love how it gives some drama to the look and has a retro feel. I noticed a lot of the ladies were wearing a big cocktail ring or bracelets on top of the gloves. So that’s always a fun way to highlight the jewelry in an unexpected way.
Bobby Schuessler: I think for me, it was sheer for sure. We saw it so much on the carpet—full sheer, sheer accents, full naked dress, sheer accents on a skirt. And that’s something we love this season—a sheer moment on a skirt or a sleeve. That’s definitely my favorite trend.
HK: So if you had received a coveted invitation to fashion’s biggest night, which direction would you have taken your look? And how would you have sourced the pieces to put your outfit together?
BS: I loved, of course, the archival looks. So I’d probably go in that direction, maybe with a gorgeous vintage piece. I feel like I would do a cool, vintage Valentino floral suit situation. And I always hunt eBay to source fantastic designer items, especially vintage designer items. I love the idea of bringing a vintage piece—or a piece, in general—back to life.
KC: I would do a look that adds some drama: a headpiece, a fantastic statement piece of jewelry. Of course, it’s about the dress, but it’s just as much about the accessories. And I feel like more than ever, as you’ve mentioned, Bobby, celebrity stylists are pulling these archival looks. And it’s almost expected that there’s going to be this cool storytelling moment.
Shop Pieces Inspired by the 2024 Met Gala
Unknown
Vtg 18K Gold Estate Lily of the Valley Flower Pin Brooch
PRADA
1999 Red Silk Brocade Corset Top
Unknown
Vintage 1950’s 14K Yellow Gold Floral Flower Style Pin Brooch
Comme Des Garcons
Gold Floral Jacquard 3 Button Blazer
PRADA
Pre-Loved Prada Cream Silk Sheath Dress
Versace
1996 Vintage Brown Leather and Lace Mini Dress
Gucci
Black Chiffon Ruffled Long Sleeve Blouse
Unknown
Vintage NY Designer Leon 18K Solid Gold Brutalist Bark Pin
Fendi
Vintage Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Pink Sequin Paillette Ruffle Top
PRADA
Copper Sheer Silk Ruffle Tie Blouse Shirt Top
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Next, check out our interview with celebrity stylist Dani Michelle.
