Instagram’s annual Met Gala Red Carpet Watch Party brought together fashion and social media icons at The Mark Hotel’s lobby and Instagram Creator Penthouse. The event, dubbed the “mini Met,” was a hub of excitement and energy, with attendees from Emily Chen to Nelson Tiberghien mingling and sharing their experiences. The night was filled with collaborations, conversations, and a glimpse into the world of fashion’s biggest stars.
The creation of ‘s iconic 2024 Met Gala look was a collaborative effort involving five editors, a stylist, assistants, a messenger, a publicist, an electrician, and the model herself. The Jun Takahashi light-up terrarium dress, a masterpiece currently on display at the Met, required a complex fitting process and meticulous attention to detail. The dress, with its corset, underdress, and screw-on encasing, presented challenges that the team worked tirelessly to overcome. Despite the stress and challenges, the model, styled by Danyul Brown, pulled off the look with grace and confidence, making a memorable appearance in fashion history.
At this year’s Met Gala, Penelope Cruz showcased the enduring power of classic beauty and elegance. She departed the star-studded event in a stunning fishtail Chanel gown, adorned with old Hollywood glamour. To combat the chilly evening, she layered her gown with a sleek, embellished coat, transforming it for a trans-seasonal update. Cruz’s effortless style and timeless fashion sense serve as a reminder of the Met Gala’s true purpose: a celebration of beauty and fashion dreams.
After the glamorous Met Gala, the party moved to Casa Cruz for an exclusive TikTok x Stella McCartney after-party. The elegant townhouse hosted celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Shakira, and Cara Delevingne, who partied the night away on the rooftop terrace. Stella McCartney, known for hosting memorable after-parties, welcomed guests with a pizza oven on the street and a gleaming elevator that whisked them up to the indoor-outdoor celebration. The night was filled with star-studded moments, including designer Wes Gordon escorting Shakira in a chic white number and Cara Delevingne ditching her elaborate headpiece for a comfortable blazer. Celebrities mingled and enjoyed Casamigos cocktails while exploring the townhouse’s five floors, featuring a members-only club with a mirrored staircase that provided countless photo opportunities. As the First Monday in May concluded, the exclusive after-party served as a fitting end to the fashion’s biggest night.
Ed Sheeran made his Met Gala debut in a bespoke powder-blue suit from Stella McCartney, marking a significant departure from his usual casual style. The singer-songwriter expressed excitement about the occasion and shared his experiences adapting to the high-fashion world, including the stress of body fittings and the temptation to overindulge in food while preparing for the event. McCartney herself assisted Sheeran in getting ready for the gala and shared anecdotes about her own first Met Gala appearance.
Despite a strict ban on chives, onion, and garlic, the 2024 Met Gala menu surprised guests with its extravagant and whimsical offerings. Inspired by the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit, chef Oliver Cheng crafted a “romantic and ethereal” menu featuring seasonal ingredients. The first course, a spring vegetable salad, was adorned with elderflower foam, butterfly-shaped croutons, and a soil-like olive crumble. The main course showcased a filet of beef suspended over a “pine needle and mushroom ‘moat,'” accompanied by a tortellini rose. For dessert, guests were treated to an almond cremeux shaped like a miniature apple, glazed in vibrant red and nestled on a walnut-flavored “leaf.”
Charli XCX arrived at the red carpet of the Met Gala wearing a stunning gown made from vintage T-shirts, a collaboration between her stylist Chris Horan and Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso. The dress, which took 200 hours of workmanship to create, was inspired by the exhibition’s theme of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” and the idea of fragility. Charli’s look also included a mini aged-leather Marni Trunkaroo bag, a tourmaline ring from Dyne by Sarah Ysabel Narici, and a beauty look created by Isamaya Ffrench and MAC Cosmetics that complemented the disheveled delicacy of the dress.
Loewe emerged as a star on the Met Gala night and beyond. From sponsoring the event and outfitting celebrities like Anna Wintour and Taylor Russell to hosting a memorable after-party with Luca Guadagnino, the brand showcased its influence and style. The party featured appearances from Challengers stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, with guests enjoying custom Loewe costumes, delicious treats, and lively music that rivaled the film’s soundtrack. Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, and other attendees danced the night away, making it clear that Loewe’s after-party was the place to be.
Supermodels took center stage on the red carpet at the 2023 Met Gala, showcasing a diverse range of stunning looks. Kendall Jenner graced the steps in an extravagant Alexander McQueen gown, while Kaia Gerber opted for an ethereal Prada ensemble. Precious Lee captivated in Bad Binch Tongtong’s dragonfly-inspired creation, and Lily Donaldson looked timeless in Burberry. However, the most talked-about look was Naomi Campbell’s custom Burberry dress, featuring elements of morning glory and fresh ice, leaving reporters in awe.
Baz Luhrmann’s enchanting interpretation of the Met Gala exhibition, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, transported guests into a whimsical forest filled with dancers, a choir, and an orchestra. The elaborate production showcased glittering beauty, with gold leaf hair accents and natural textures for the dancers. The makeup, inspired by John Galliano and Pat McGrath, featured bold glitter and trippy Tinkerbell eyes, creating a glamorous and ethereal ambiance.
