The Rise of Menswear at the 2024 Met Gala

At the Met Gala on Monday night, there were plenty of eye-catching outfits - from flower-covered gowns worn by Gigi Hadid and Jordan Roth, to naked dresses sported by Emily Ratajkowski and JLo, and even wet T-shirts seen on Doja Cat. But amidst all the glamour, one unsung hero was quietly making a statement. The humble suit, often overlooked and underestimated, was reimagined in countless ways this year.

References to the event's dress code and JG Ballard's 1962 short story "The Garden of Time" could be seen in a variety of creative interpretations.

For Lewis Hamilton, a Formula 1 driver, and Nicholas Galitzine, an actor, their outfits at the event showcased intricate details. Hamilton wore Burberry while Galitzine opted for Fendi, both with delicate embroidered flowers adorning their jackets. The flowers were discreetly sewn in matching thread, adding a touch of elegance to their looks.

Jonathan Bailey's peony bowtie was made from metal.

Jeremy Strong and Jonathan Bailey also stood out with their unique floral accessories. Strong wore a custom all-white Loro Piana suit with a subtle white flower peeking out from his high collar. On the other hand, Bailey sported a hand-painted purple, white, and gold peony bowtie made from metal by Loewe. Bailey humorously mentioned that the metal flower was ideal for him, as he suffers from extreme hay fever.

Jonathan Bailey's peony bowtie was made from metal.

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There was a lot of Loewe at the event. "Challengers" co-stars Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor were seen wearing the label, which was the film's official outfitter and a part-sponsor of the Met Gala. They both rocked the brand's unique and quirky charm. Faist sported a crochet turnip brooch, a nod to the event's horticultural theme and fashion's love for fresh vegetables. O'Connor paired his elongated tuxedo with stylish chintz clogs.

Comedian Dan Levy turned heads with his floral two-piece outfit, another creation from Loewe. Actor Jamie Dornan, known for his role in "Fifty Shades", showcased a fuzzy take on the mourning suit, also by Loewe.

Zendaya attends the 2024 Costume Institute Benefit for "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6.

Zendaya attends the 2024 Costume Institute Benefit for "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6.

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A throng of male guests also reminded us of the stem-winding, masculine power of flowers.

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne attend the event in matching Steve O Smith designs. Redmayne's suit featured large cut-outs filled with sheer flesh-toned fabric.

Wisdom Kaye's Robert Wun suit included a corsage, burnt at the edges like the lapels of his overcoat and hat.

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Usher's look was a melancholic take on florals, as he entered holding a singular bleeding rose.

Usher wore a dark and brooding ensemble designed by Seán McGirr for Alexander McQueen. The outfit included an enveloping cloak and a dramatic bleeding rose, which Usher made sure to showcase for the camera. Model Wisdom Kaye rocked a romantic Robert Wun suit and overcoat, looking like a phoenix risen from the ashes with protruding pleats and a singed rose corsage. Bad Bunny, the Met Gala host, made a stylish entrance in a custom Maison Margiela ensemble, complete with shades, leather gloves, and a blackened bouquet made from the same fabric as his suit. Coleman Domingo completed his billowing Willy Chavarria suit with black-rimmed eyes and a drooping bunch of wistful white lilies.

But that wasn't the only way Ballard's story was interpreted. Some guests at the event decided to focus on the concept of court dressing, inspired by the setting of an aristocrat's Palladian villa.

Barry Keoghan's Burberry suit came with a satin necktie, top hat and three watches.

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Jeff Goldblum also embodied Count Axel in a opulent outfit including a smattering of Tiffany's brooches.

Barry Keoghan wore an old-fashioned, velvet Burberry suit at the event, paired with a satin necktie and top hat. Surprisingly, he sported three watches - two on his wrist and one in his pocket, the latter dating back to the 1930s. Jeff Goldblum and his stylist Andrew Vottero also drew inspiration from Ballard’s character, Count Axel. Goldblum mentioned that Vottero was familiar with the story and collaborated with Prada for his look. The actor appeared in an extravagant ensemble resembling an opera costume, holding white gloves, and adorned with a trailing white scarf, necktie, boxy overcoat, and a collection of stunning Tiffany brooches.

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne attend the event in matching Steve O Smith designs. Redmayne's suit featured large cut-outs filled with sheer flesh-toned fabric.

Some celebrities missed the mark or completely ignored the theme, and this year's menswear was no different. Actor Taika Waititi opted for a daring head-to-toe leather suit, while Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne may have shocked everyone with a matching naked suit outfit with his wife.

But one thing is for certain, after last night, tailoring will never be the same again.

Editor's P/S:

The Met Gala 2024 witnessed a resurgence of the humble suit, reimagined in myriad creative ways. Inspired by JG Ballard's "The Garden of Time," designers infused the classic attire with intricate floral details, showcasing the power and beauty of nature. From subtle embroidered flowers to hand-painted metal bowties, the suits embodied the event's horticultural theme while maintaining a sophisticated elegance.

The interpretations of Ballard's story extended beyond floral embellishments to include the concept of court dressing. Actors like Barry Keoghan and Jeff Goldblum channeled the aristocratic attire of a Palladian villa, complete with satin neckties, top hats, and opulent accessories. This juxtaposition of traditional menswear and modern interpretations underscored the Met Gala's commitment to pushing fashion boundaries and challenging preconceived notions.