The excitement surrounding the upcoming 2024 Met Gala reached its peak as the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveiled the highly anticipated theme for the event.
Titled “Sleeping Beauties, Reawakening Fashion,” this fashion extravaganza promised to be a dazzling affair attended by A-list celebrities from the entertainment and fashion industries.
The exhibition showcased an impressive collection of around 250 items, including fifteen exceptional pieces that spanned over four centuries of fashion history.
Among the highlights was a breathtaking silk satin ballgown designed by Charles Frederick Worth in 1877.
In addition to the historical treasures, contemporary creations by renowned fashion influencers such as Philip Lim, Stella McCartney, and Conor Reyes were also featured.
The exhibition even included 17th-century English Elizabethan garments, paying homage to the rich tapestry of fashion through the ages.
Esteemed fashion luminaries like Hubert de Givenchy, Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior were set to be honored in this grand showcase.
However, a twist in the tale emerged when rumors circulated that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, might not receive an invitation to attend the prestigious event.
Despite this setback, Meghan’s representatives at WME (William Morris Endeavor) were reportedly working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure a ticket for her.
Meghan herself had engaged in discussions with their supervisor, assuming the role of a princess to align with the Sleeping Beauties theme.
She envisioned herself adorned in a regal ensemble, complete with a tiara and a dress featuring a rose-shaped collar that would frame her face like a delicate blossom.
But the question remained: which fashion house would be willing to take a gamble on Meghan?
Complicating matters further, WME faced a significant obstacle due to the strained relationship between Meghan and Harry and the event’s organizer, Anna Wintour.
Since 2019, Anna had placed the royal couple under an embargo, firmly establishing herself as a staunch monarchist.
Moreover, invitations were already planned for Prince William and Princess Kate, and the presence of Meghan could potentially create unwanted speculation and connections in the media.
While some attendees may have preferred to avoid such circumstances, declining an invitation was not an option.
With Anna Wintour’s unwavering stance, it seemed unlikely that Meghan would receive an invitation as long as Wintour remained in charge.
This raised the question of why Harry and Meghan were absent from prominent Hollywood gatherings.
Speculation suggested that Hollywood publicists were hesitant to invite the royal couple, fearing their presence would overshadow the event.
Thus, their previous involvement had been limited to less high-profile occasions.
The 2024 Met Gala was scheduled to take place in New York on Monday, May 6, following the tradition set since 2005 of hosting the event on the first Monday of May.
However, due to the pandemic, the Gala was canceled in 2020 and postponed to September in 2021.
For over two decades, Anna Wintour has played a pivotal role in organizing and presiding over this beloved annual fashion celebration, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Each year, the Gala marks the opening of the Institute’s fashion exhibition and generates substantial financial support for its mission.
As the world eagerly awaits the grand event, the uncertainty surrounding Meghan’s invitation continues to loom.
Will she be able to overcome the obstacles and grace the Met Gala with her presence?
Only time will tell if Meghan’s aspirations to shine like a princess at the Sleeping Beauties-themed affair will come true.