Tyla shines at Met Gala
NEW YORK - From Bad Bunny's Tudor-inspired hat and shoes resembling cloven hooves to the hummingbird perched delicately on Zendaya's neck, the hosts set the tone at fashion's biggest night -- the annual Met Gala in New York.
Florals, animals and vintage couture abounded at the so-called Oscars of the East Coast, a mammoth fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.
The extravaganza's dress code this year is "The Garden of Time" -- which draws inspiration from the 1962 short story of the same name, written by English writer J.G. Ballard.
![Zendaya's second look of the night, a Mexican Gothic-inspired funereal gown, taken together with her earlier look, underscored the theme Zendaya's second look of the night, a Mexican Gothic-inspired funereal gown, taken together with her earlier look, underscored the theme](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/afp/2024-05/doc-34QX22W-%40photo6.jpg.webp?itok=tHVdCUxc)
Tyla's strapless Balmain gown evoking the sands of time -- right down to the hourglass purse -- was sculpted so tightly to her body that she had to be carried up the steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
For sheer drama, co-host Zendaya dominated the green and cream carpet in her first appearance at the Met Gala since 2019.
The 27-year-old star made a highly-anticipated appearance early on wreathed in jewel-toned lame, organza and satin designed by John Galliano, with vines crawling up her duchess corset and arms -- and what appeared to be a hummingbird nestled into her neck.
![Singer Lana del Rey was one of those who chose to emphasize the darker side of beauty's ephemeral nature - decay Singer Lana del Rey was one of those who chose to emphasize the darker side of beauty's ephemeral nature - decay](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/afp/2024-05/doc-34QX22W-%40photo8.jpg.webp?itok=ywWEpbFW)
Most attendees chose to evoke awakenings and life -- and perhaps defied the theme by demonstrating the immortality of fashion through the centuries, with many 17th and 18th century flourishes.
Some -- such as singer Lana del Rey -- emphasized decay, with stark sculptural twigs rising from her gown to hold a veil of tulle like a canopy over her head.
Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny evoked a kind of Tudor matador with a sweeping hat and a black bouquet, with the only pop of color his bright red inseam and the patent shine of his cloven shoes.
Cardi B was resplendent in funereal black, with a train so expansive it required nine tuxedoed men to lift it up the stairs.
![Champagne sequins clung to Jennifer Lopez Champagne sequins clung to Jennifer Lopez](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/afp/2024-05/doc-34QX22W-%40photo3.jpg.webp?itok=jPKWgLQG)
Celebrity interpretation of Met Gala themes have been wide-ranging and often sparked social media debate -- but attendees this year appeared to shrug off the pressure.
"I don't even think there's pressure at all, I think it's more of an opportunity," actor Colman Domingo, who carried a bouquet in a lily-colored caped jacket and wide-leg trousers, told journalists.
The theme parallels the exhibit "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which focuses on the most fragile pieces of the Costume Institute's vast collection.
![Tyla's dress evoked the sands of time, with sand dusted across her shoulders accented by an hourglass purse Tyla's dress evoked the sands of time, with sand dusted across her shoulders accented by an hourglass purse](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/afp/2024-05/doc-34QX22W-%40photo2.jpg.webp?itok=bW-qwzCQ)
The spectacle is social media catnip for celebrity watchers -- and once again this year, both the gala and the exhibit are co-sponsored by TikTok.
The tech world joined luminaries of music, film, politics and sports on the carpet, with TikTok CEO Shou Chew, also an honorary co-chair, in attendance.