Naomi Campbell, Lewis Hamilton, and More: Burberry’s Star-Studded ‘Garden of Time’ Triumph at Met Gala 2024

The Met Gala 2024 witnessed a mesmerizing display of fashion artistry as Burberry, under the creative direction of Daniel Lee, paid homage to J.G. Ballard's short story 'The Garden of Time.' The British luxury fashion house showcased an exquisite collection that seamlessly blended the story's floral motifs with the brand's rich heritage, captivating attendees and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Burberry's Met Gala designs were a testament to the house's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Delicate fabrics were meticulously shaped to reflect the intricate flower patterns described in 'The Garden of Time,' while soft pastel hues and luxurious gold tones evoked the ethereal beauty of petals. Each piece was a labor of love, crafted by hand with unparalleled skill and precision.

Among the stars who graced the red carpet in Burberry's stunning creations was Barry Keoghan, whose ensemble was rooted in traditional tailoring. The Savile Row-inspired elements combined with Victorian-era flourishes perfectly captured the essence of Count Axel, one of the story's central characters. Bright, another celebrity in attendance, drew inspiration from traditional British nobility, with a jacket adorned with bullion floral embroidery that took over 100 hours to apply by hand.

Chioma Nnadi's dress was a true embodiment of Burberry's British heritage, featuring a floral pattern inspired by quintessential English garden flowers. The intricate pattern was formed from thousands of crystal embellishments, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. He Cong's dress, on the other hand, showcased the brand's attention to detail with gold studding reminiscent of delicate flower petals and the symmetrical patterns found in nature.

Jodie Turner-Smith's ensemble was a masterpiece of layering and texture, with phantom tulle draped over a crystal pearl mesh underdress, symbolizing the delicate nature of flowers. The dress was adorned with approximately 150,000 crystal pearl embellishments and featured a stunning six-metre train. British garden flowers, such as daisies, were embroidered onto the dress, further emphasizing Burberry's connection to its homeland.

Lewis Hamilton's embroidered coat was a poignant tribute to the language of flowers in Black history, featuring periwinkles, yucca, daffodils, and cedar branches, each symbolizing endurance, eternity, resilience, and everlasting life. The coat, inspired by the story of John Ystumllyn, one of Britain's first Black gardeners, required the dedication of twenty skilled artisans who hand-embroidered the piece for two weeks before the final touches were painted by hand in New York.

Other notable Burberry looks included Lily Donaldson's dress, which paid homage to the crystal floral motif in the story with intricate fringing and a long train; Little Simz's leather trench coat featuring floral macramé embroidery; Naomi Campbell's sequin-embellished fringed dress, which took over 200 hours to create; and Roberto Bolle's sharp, tailored ensemble, reminiscent of Count Axel's royal attire.

As the Met Gala 2024 celebrated the fusion of fashion and literature, Burberry's 'Garden of Time' inspired collection stood out as a true embodiment of creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling. The brand's ability to weave together the tale's floral motifs with its own rich heritage and innovative design approach solidified its position as a leader in the world of luxury fashion.