Met Gala 2024 as it happened: Cardi B stops red carpet traffic, while Zendaya changes looks

From shimmering shadows to seemingly wet-look makeup (that somehow didn’t streak) some of the Met Gala’s beauty looks were almost as impressive as the fashion.

While I’d stop short of saying the Met Gala sets any trends - though perhaps pilling cardigans will be the sleeper consumer hit of the night, thanks to Kim Kardashian - there are a few common threads running through this year’s attendees.

‘Naked’ dressing

Kylie Minogue, Doja Cat (her second outfit, not the towel get-up she wore to depart the Mark Hotel) and Emily Ratajkowski take the prize for most sheer looks. Runner up: Rita Ora in her fringed Marni bodysuit.

Catsuits

Speaking of bodysuits, the Met Gala is the one red carpet of the year where a catsuit doesn’t even bat an eyelid. Models Anok Yai and Australian Adut Akech showed two different interpretations of the onesie.

Statement jewels

Go big or go home is the mantra of the Met, and that extends to jewellery, with Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and Demi Moore all sporting pieces that needed their own security detail, though in Moore’s case, the arrowheads on the shoulders of her Harris Reed gown should provide all the protection her jewels needed.

From towel turbans to abundant bouquets, hats topped off this year’s most dramatic looks on the Met Gala red carpet. It’s a look so strong that Zendaya wore two hats, but not at the same time.

The red carpet for the Met Gala is so long that Zendaya has already changed out of her spectacular Maison Margiela dress into a second outfit.

The off-the-shoulder black gown with a substantial train and floral hat are both vintage creations by John Galliano, who was also responsible for Zendaya’s first look.

The Dune star is making the wait for Rihanna worthwhile with a second fashion history lesson, but we’re all keen for recess.

Up until now, much of Sydney Sweeney’s signature look has been centred around her blonde hair – she’s the classic “girl next door” (albeit with a little more depth). But all that seems to have changed.

The Anyone But You star debuted her jet-black bob at the Met Gala, creating a wonderful contrast with her powder-blue gown adorned with delicate flower detailing.

The new look is perhaps no surprise given her most recent role in the nunsploitation horror, Immaculate. But for anyone panicking about this apparent shift, worry not. We’re fairly certain it’s a wig, meaning Sweeney’s golden locks will likely return soon.

So, the celebrities have done their interviews, taken a million photos and made it up the Met steps without falling over. Where do they go now?

What happens inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art on gala day remains murky since no one is allowed to snap pics on their phones or post to social media while inside (though we all know that rule becomes a grey area in the museum’s bathrooms).

That being said, it’s largely reported that the invitees first walk through the special exhibition – in this case, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion – before making their way into the main room. If they know what’s good for them, they’ll refrain from touching the displays…

Once there, they presumably mingle with other guests while sipping on drinks, and find their carefully assigned seat (remember, everyone must sit in their Wintour-approved spot). A dinner follows, which is likely inspired by the theme of the evening. Last year, Vogue previewed the dinner, which was inspired by one of Karl Lagerfeld’s most famous gatherings, Paloma Picasso’s wedding reception.

This is often accompanied by a live performance of some kind. In the past, they’ve had Cher, Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lizzo. Perhaps this year they’ll get a Wicked preview from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo? Or a new track from Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism album?

And, of course, it all ends with the famous Met Gala after parties. Brands, designers and celebrities often host their own festivities, with The Standard Hotel’s Boom Boom Room a common venue. This is yet another opportunity for A-listers to show off their wares, as many opt to change into something that’s perhaps a little more scandalous to party late into the night.

There have been some pretty cryptic interpretations of the theme so far, including singer Rita Ora and her husband, director Taika Waititi, who are both wearing Marni.

Ora’s body stocking ensemble with a multicoloured fringing is hard to decode. Maybe she’s hiding the themed part of the outfit under that curtain? Or perhaps her wet-look hair is meant to be a slow-drip irrigation system? Someone call our friends at ABC’s Gardening Australia for a clue.

As for Waititi, his all-brown leather suit screams just one thing: bark.

Bigger is always better for singer Cardi B who enlisted eight assistants to unfurl the gigantic tulle skirt of her black Met Gala gown on the red carpet.

The scale of this dress is designed to be immortalised in memes, complete with a black turban rivalling Marge Simpson’s hairdo in height.

How the dress fits into the event’s garden theme is difficult to identify, unless it’s made of shade cloth.