“It’s really about making Shakira feel like the best version of Shakira,” says Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon. This sentiment guided every stitch and detail of Shakira’s groundbreaking look at the 2024 Met Gala, a night celebrated for its bold fashion statements.

The Creative Process Behind the Iconic Look

Over several months, Gordon engaged in deep conversations with Shakira through emails, calls, and visits to her Miami home. Their goal was clear: to create something that encapsulated Shakira’s essence and empowered her on one of fashion’s biggest stages.

The Dress

The final design is a sleek, scarlet red column dress featuring geometric cutouts and an elaborate cape crafted from nearly 100 meters of fabric. The cutouts echo Shakira’s signature style seen in her music videos—midriff-baring and low-rise, allowing the audience to appreciate every move she makes.

“She was incredibly focused on the tiny details of the cutouts—where things are hitting, as well as the neckline,” says Gordon. “It’s amazing to work with someone who is a physical performer; her sensitivity to movement and body awareness is extraordinary.”

The Sculptural Cape

For this first Met Gala appearance, Gordon ensured Shakira would stand out amongst fashion icons like Karlie Kloss and Adut Akech. The result was a breathtaking rose-shaped cape inspired by both the Carolina Herrera house code and Philip Treacy’s 2000 rose hat from the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit.

The Impact of the Design

Gordon’s aim was to balance modernity and glamour, a challenge he embraces at Carolina Herrera. The blend of minimalistic lines with dramatic drapery achieved this harmony perfectly.

“The line I always try to walk at Herrera is between modern and clean, and dramatic and glamorous. This piece does that with the dress and then the cape,” he adds.

The response was immediate and overwhelming—crowds erupted in applause as Shakira made her entrance, cementing her place among fashion royalty.

Exploring Other Celebrity Looks

The 2024 Met Gala was a feast of fashion creativity. Here are some highlights from other celebrities:

• Zendaya in Vintage Givenchy
• Glimpses from the Red Carpet: See every celebrity arrival, read the latest stories, and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content.