As the countdown begins for the highly anticipated 2024 Met Gala, fashion enthusiasts and celebrity watchers are buzzing with excitement over this year's theme and dress code.
With stars like Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, and Bad Bunny set to grace the red carpet, the stage is set for a spectacular showcase of style and creativity at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for May 6.
Dubbed 'The Garden of Time,' the theme of this year's Met Gala is inspired by the Costume Institute's new exhibition, 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.'
Unlike the typical fairy tale interpretation, this exhibition delves into the realm of delicate garments that are too fragile to be worn again, earning them the title of "sleeping beauties" within the museum's archives, as per E! News.
According to Andrew Bolton, the head curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the theme is "very much an ode to nature and the emotional poetics of fashion."
Drawing inspiration from J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story of the same name, the gala pays homage to a world where time and beauty intertwine in a lush garden setting.
'The Garden of Time' dress code invites attendees to explore the theme through botanical-inspired creations, promising a red carpet adorned with florals, plants, and other elements of nature.
From ethereal gowns to avant-garde designs, guests are encouraged to interpret the theme in their unique way, adding to the eclectic tapestry of fashion at the gala.
Joining Anna Wintour as co-hosts for the evening are industry icons Bad Bunny, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, and Chris Hemsworth.
With each bringing their flair and style to the event, the lineup promises an unforgettable evening of fashion and entertainment.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the gala itself, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' exhibition, which runs from May 10 through September 2 at the Metropolitan Museum.
Featuring approximately 250 garments and accessories spanning over 400 years of fashion history, the exhibition offers a sensory journey through the evolution of style.
As per E! News, visitors can expect to engage with the exhibits through various immersive experiences, including sensory capabilities such as smelling hats with floral notes and touching walls adorned with embroidered fabrics.
Notable pieces by designers such as Schiaparelli, Dior, and Givenchy will be on display, alongside innovative presentations of garments too fragile to be worn again.
"By appealing to the widest possible range of human senses, the show aims to reconnect with the works on display as they were originally intended--with vibrancy, with dynamism, and ultimately with life," Andrew Bolton expressed in a press release obtained by E! News.
As the fashion world eagerly awaits the unveiling of this year's Met Gala, anticipation is high for an evening that promises to blend art, culture, and style in a celebration of creativity and innovation.
With 'The Garden of Time' as its backdrop, the 2024 Met Gala is poised to transport attendees to a realm where fashion becomes an enchanting journey through the ages.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.