Exploring the Enigmatic Elegance: Met Gala 2024 Theme Unveiled

"Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," the museum's latest exhibition, will be opened with a gala celebration this year. Proceeds from the event benefit the Costume Institute of the museum.

"Beauties" herein refers to the designs themselves, as opposed to the fairy-tale heroines or glamazons wearing designer clothing that one might imagine. Masterpieces from the museum's collection that are frequently too delicate to be worn again will be shown in the exhibition.

There will be over 250 pieces on show that span four centuries, including rare clothing by Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Hubert de Givenchy.

• What to expect

It could be just as confused as the display. Guests are expected to dress for "The Garden of Time," which takes its name from a 1962 short tale by J.G. Ballard about a serene existence of an aristocratic couple living in a walled estate with a beautiful garden, threatened by an invading mob. The spouse attempts to roll back time by breaking off flower after flower until there are no more blossoms in order to keep the gathering at bay. The two nobles turn to stone when the crowd arrives and loots the estate.

Many are baffled as to how this parable will be rendered in fabulousness, but if in question, roses are probably the best option. Along with corsets, draperies, and maybe a few amazing vintage gowns, the smart money is on the return of the late John Galliano.