Met Gala 2024 as it happened: Cardi B stops red carpet traffic, while Zendaya changes looks

Now that we’ve safely given up waiting for Rihanna to arrive or Zendaya to change into a third vintage outfit from designer John Galliano, it’s time to roll up the Met Gala 2024 red carpet.

The floral theme gave us plenty of striking looks, with very little fertiliser.

As expected, there were plenty of nude illusions, Kardashians and looks from event sponsor Loewe.

Now it’s time to sit back and see which trends take root away from the red carpet.

I’m already thinking of wearing a Lana Del Rey mosquito net to Australian Fashion Week on Monday.

From shimmering shadows to seemingly wet-look makeup (that somehow didn’t streak) some of the Met Gala’s beauty looks were almost as impressive as the fashion.

From towel turbans to abundant bouquets, hats topped off this year’s most dramatic looks on the Met Gala red carpet. It’s a look so strong that Zendaya wore two hats, but not at the same time.

The red carpet for the Met Gala is so long that Zendaya has already changed out of her spectacular Maison Margiela dress into a second outfit.

The off-the-shoulder black gown with a substantial train and floral hat are both vintage creations by John Galliano, who was also responsible for Zendaya’s first look.

The Dune star is making the wait for Rihanna worthwhile with a second fashion history lesson, but we’re all keen for recess.

So, the celebrities have done their interviews, taken a million photos and made it up the Met steps without falling over. Where do they go now?

What happens inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art on gala day remains murky since no one is allowed to snap pics on their phones or post to social media while inside (though we all know that rule becomes a grey area in the museum’s bathrooms).

That being said, it’s largely reported that the invitees first walk through the special exhibition – in this case, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion – before making their way into the main room. If they know what’s good for them, they’ll refrain from touching the displays…

Once there, they presumably mingle with other guests while sipping on drinks, and find their carefully assigned seat (remember, everyone must sit in their Wintour-approved spot). A dinner follows, which is likely inspired by the theme of the evening. Last year, Vogue previewed the dinner, which was inspired by one of Karl Lagerfeld’s most famous gatherings, Paloma Picasso’s wedding reception.

This is often accompanied by a live performance of some kind. In the past, they’ve had Cher, Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lizzo. Perhaps this year they’ll get a Wicked preview from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo? Or a new track from Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism album?

And, of course, it all ends with the famous Met Gala after parties. Brands, designers and celebrities often host their own festivities, with The Standard Hotel’s Boom Boom Room a common venue. This is yet another opportunity for A-listers to show off their wares, as many opt to change into something that’s perhaps a little more scandalous to party late into the night.

There have been some pretty cryptic interpretations of the theme so far, including singer Rita Ora and her husband, director Taika Waititi, who are both wearing Marni.

Ora’s body stocking ensemble with a multicoloured fringing is hard to decode. Maybe she’s hiding the themed part of the outfit under that curtain? Or perhaps her wet-look hair is meant to be a slow-drip irrigation system? Someone call our friends at ABC’s Gardening Australia for a clue.

As for Waititi, his all-brown leather suit screams just one thing: bark.