Paint! Decay! Petals! British Designers Really Showed Up to the 2024 Met Gala
The 2024 Met Gala was a spectacular celebration of creativity and imagination, especially when it came to the contributions from British designers. With the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Awakening Fashion” paired with the dress code “The Garden of Time,” the event served as an eclectic canvas for the UK’s most innovative talents.
The Eclectic Charm of British Design
British creatives have a long-standing reputation for their bold and whimsical interpretations, often bringing to life themes in unexpected ways. This year was no exception, with designers embracing the theme with an audacious blend of paint, decay, and botanical beauty.
Rising Talent Takes Center Stage
Steve O Smith: The rising London talent brought art into fashion by collaborating with Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe. Inspired by Cy Twombly’s Peony series, Smith used a unique relief appliqué technique to translate his fluid drawings onto luxurious fabrics, merging the worlds of fine art and haute couture.
Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe: Adorned in Steve O Smith’s creations, their looks were a testament to the seamless fusion of artistry and fashion. Their appearance at the Met Gala was both an homage to Twombly’s masterpieces and a bold statement on textile innovation.
Fearless Florals by Erdem
Erdem Moralioglu reimagined traditional floral motifs, crafting pieces that were as edgy as they were elegant. For Lily James, he created a gown with black vines entwining through pink satin—a nod to the operatic world and an embodiment of nature’s unpredictability.
A Touch of British Elegance
British designers brought their unique blend of elegance and audacity to the Met Gala. The designs showcased not only a mastery of craft but also a deep connection to historical and cultural narratives.
Jodie Turner-Smith’s Garden Dream
Jodie Turner-Smith wore an intricately embroidered Burberry dress that featured 150,000 faux pearls and silk organza wildflowers—a nod to the theme’s reference to JG Ballard’s “The Garden of Time.” This ensemble blended delicacy with strength, echoing both nature’s fragility and its resilience.
Custom Creations by Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham introduced a custom creation for Phoebe Dynevor, crafting an ethereal gown using hand-stitched flowers on tulle and archival lace. This bespoke piece highlighted her ability to blend tradition with modernity, creating something truly unique.
Inspiration from the Past
Many designers drew inspiration from historical elements, turning them into contemporary statements of fashion. These interpretations showcased a deep reverence for history while pushing the boundaries of current design trends.
Simone Rocha’s Timeless Touch
Simone Rocha’s look for Eve Hewson was inspired by preserved garments like Queen Victoria’s mourning dress. Her design, featuring hand-embellished crystal daisies on tulle and corseted dresses, connected past elegance with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Dilara Findikoglu and Chloë Sevigny
Chloë Sevigny’s collaboration with Dilara Findikoglu was a profound exploration of themes like decay and rebirth. Using repurposed Victorian fabrics, her dress with Victorian “mourning hair” reflected on the cyclical nature of time.
Sustainability Meets Style
British designers were also at the forefront of sustainable fashion, integrating eco-friendly practices into their runway-worthy creations.
Conner Ives’ Qing Dynasty Vision
New York-born Conner Ives looked to China’s Qing dynasty for inspiration. By upcycling 300-year-old tapestries with ornate peacock embroidery, he crafted a unique gown for Ivy Getty—a testament to sustainable luxury.
Harris Reed’s Sustainable Statement
Harris Reed utilized hand-painted wallpaper scraps from Fromental in his design, underscoring the importance of sustainability without compromising on style or elegance. His creation for Demi Moore was both a fashion statement and an eco-conscious move.
Conclusion: A Showcase of British Creativity
The 2024 Met Gala served as a powerful platform where British designers showcased their exceptional talent, creativity, and commitment to sustainability. From bold floral reinterpretations to historical inspirations, the event was a testament to the dynamic nature of British fashion—a blend of tradition, innovation, and artistry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
As Harris Reed aptly noted, design is about dreams, fantasy, and empowerment. Through their contributions, British designers have once again reminded us that while fashion may be a business, at its core, it remains an art form capable of inspiring change and celebrating beauty in all its forms.