top of page
Writer's pictureShe's SINGLE Magazine
May 73 min read

H&M Takes Center Stage at the 2024 Met Gala: A Night of Fashion, Heritage, and Innovation

by Samara Morris

Image Credit: H&M


The first Monday of May is a date etched in the fashion calendar, marking the pinnacle of haute couture and celebrity glamour - the Met Gala. This year, H&M, the Swedish fashion giant, made a grand entrance into the gala with a roster of A-list celebrities donning exclusive, custom-made designs.


Among the stars who graced the event in H&M creations were Awkwafina, Adwoa Aboah, Paloma Elsesser, Quannah ChasingHorse, Hari Nef, Stefon Diggs, and Victor Glemaud. As they walked the red carpet, they not only showcased their individual styles but also paid homage to the theme of the evening - "The Garden of Time."


Inspired by the Costume Institute exhibition, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," H&M's in-house design team crafted unique ensembles that merged the essence of the past with the allure of the present. Drawing inspiration from the brand's archival collections dating back to its inception in 1947, the designs encapsulated the optimism and ultra-femininity of late 1940s and 50s fashion.


Two standout pieces from H&M's archival collection made a special appearance at the gala. A peach ruffle-trimmed maxi dress crafted from recycled polyester and a pale pink organic silk gown symbolized the brand's commitment to sustainability and its emotional connection with the natural world.


Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Womenswear Design and Creative Advisor at H&M, expressed her excitement about the brand's participation in the gala. She remarked, "The Met Gala is a cultural phenomenon, and a moment for H&M to show off what we can do in terms of custom-made fashion. This year's theme allowed us to create modern, one-of-a-kind designs inspired by our company's rich heritage, worn to stunning effect by our guests."


Each celebrity ensemble told a unique story, blending contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Adwoa Aboah, for instance, exuded confidence and charm in a custom two-piece creation. Her fiery red silk organza capelet, adorned with tulle ruffles, symbolized contemporary femininity, while the voluminous bubble-hem skirt added a modern edge to the ensemble.


Awkwafina embraced the spirit of romance in a tulip skirt gown inspired by an archival "Hennes" wedding dress. The cream silk-zibeline gown featured an off-the-shoulder neckline hand-embroidered with delicate daisy decorations, epitomizing understated glamour.


Paloma Elsesser opted for a sculptural two-piece ensemble that combined metallic bodice with a champagne-colored silk taffeta skirt. The 3D-printed metallic bodice, embellished with calla lilies, paid homage to H&M's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. Quannah ChasingHorse's forget-me-not blue gown captured the essence of her Alaskan heritage, with its ballerina-length silhouette and pure silk-satin gazar fabric. The gown, adorned with a beaded floral belt and earrings by Indigenous designer Heather Dickson, celebrated cultural diversity and inclusivity.


Hari Nef radiated old-school opulence in a pale pink column gown overlaid with translucent paillettes and sequins. The timeless romance of the gown was accentuated by a sweeping ivory taffeta bow, handcrafted in a New York atelier. Stefon Diggs and Victor Glemaud opted for contemporary takes on formalwear, with Diggs donning a double-breasted velvet blazer and Glemaud sporting a three-piece wool suit with satin lapels and rhinestone embellishments.


As the stars descended upon Anna Wintour's pre-Met Gala dinner, the rain-soaked streets of Manhattan bore witness to an unforgettable night of fashion, heritage, and innovation. H&M's debut at the Met Gala marked a milestone in the brand's journey, showcasing its ability to blend creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity on fashion's grandest stage.

bottom of page