The Met Gala 2024 had high expectations with its theme of "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," promising a focus on sustainability and the beauty of nature. While there were some stellar examples of eco-friendly fashion, it seemed like we could've seen more. Let's dive into the highlights and where the event might have fallen short.
Vintage Glam: Kendall Jenner and Zendaya
Vintage fashion is an easy and stylish way to embrace sustainability, and Kendall Jenner and Zendaya did it perfectly. Kendall's vintage Givenchy 1999 gown and Zendaya's Alexander McQueen 2007 outfit showed that re-wearing fashion from past decades is both chic and eco-friendly. By opting for vintage, they reduced the need for new materials and honored the timeless craftsmanship of iconic designers.
These vintage choices were a fantastic start, but why weren't there more? With a theme that celebrates reawakening fashion, vintage seems like a no-brainer.
Innovative Upcycling: Charli XCX and Madelyn Cline
Madelyn Cline wearing a Tommy Hilfiger gown. Image credits: Getty Images
Upcycling brings a creative twist to sustainability, and Charli XCX and Madelyn Cline stood out. Charli XCX's custom Marni dress made from upcycled t-shirts turned discarded items into a fashion-forward statement. Madelyn Cline's Tommy Hilfiger dress, re-used the fabric scraps of the dress to line the clutch, showcased resourcefulness and reduced waste.
These innovative approaches are a breath of fresh air, but why not more of them? Sustainability in fashion deserves to be celebrated and encouraged.
Isha Ambani's Hand-Embroidered Sari Gown
Isha Ambani's hand-embroidered sari gown by Rahul Mishra was a remarkable example of sustainability and craftsmanship. Taking over 10,000 hours to create, this couture piece incorporated elements from the designer's past collections, reducing waste and supporting traditional Indian art forms. The intricate embroidery techniques and the use of elements from previous works demonstrated a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Cara Delevingne's Lab-Grown Diamonds
Cara Delevingne made a statement with her lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are not only stunning but also have a much smaller environmental impact compared to mined diamonds. They align perfectly with the Met Gala's theme, offering an ethical alternative without sacrificing luxury.
Amanda Seyfried's Sustainable Statement
Amanda Seyfried's custom Prada gown made from leftover deadstock fabric was another example of sustainability at the Met Gala. Prada repurposed crinkly silver satin from its 2009 collection, with flowers embroidered in pink, silver, and black. This use of deadstock fabric demonstrates how designers can reduce waste and create something beautiful. Seyfried's dedication to sustainability, both on and off the red carpet, is refreshing to see.
Could have been sustainable?
Da'Vine Joy Randolph in Gap. Credits: Getty Images
A few other outfits hinted at sustainability without fully embracing it. Da'Vine Joy Randolph's full denim look by Gap could've used upcycled denim, but it's unclear if that was the case.
Left: Ben Simmons WireImage/Right: pinterest Nadya Seredina
Ben Simmons's sharp outfit had potential, and its structured design with layered details reminded us of Nadya Seredina's upcycling technique, where knitting techniques are creatively used to give new life to garments. While these outfits showed promise, we would like to see more clarity and commitment to sustainable practices.
Conclusion
The Met Gala 2024 offered some promising glimpses into sustainable fashion, but there's definitely room for improvement. With a theme that leans into nature and sustainability, the event could've done more to showcase vintage, upcycled, and ethically sourced garments and accessories.
Fashion's biggest night has the power to influence trends and set a positive example. Let's hope future Met Galas take sustainability more seriously, encouraging designers and attendees to embrace eco-friendly practices and contribute to a greener fashion industry. 🌱💃
