If you’ve ever sat on your couch in sweatpants while judging the world’s most expensive outfits, you know the Met Gala is basically our Super Bowl. But while some celebrities just show up in a nice dress, Gigi Hadid treats the Metropolitan Museum of Art like her personal chessboard. It’s not just about looking pretty. Honestly, it’s about the technical flex.
Take the 2024 Met Gala, for instance. You probably saw the photos of Gigi in that massive, white Thom Browne gown. It looked like a garden exploded on a tuxedo. But here is the thing: that dress wasn't just "couture." It was a logistical nightmare in the best way possible. A team of 70 people spent over 13,500 hours putting it together. Imagine working on one single garment for the equivalent of a year and a half of non-stop labor. That is the level of commitment Gigi brings to the "Garden of Time" theme.
The Met Gala Gigi Hadid Evolution: From "New Girl" to Architect
Looking back at her first time on those steps in 2015, she was wearing a relatively simple red Diane Von Furstenberg gown. It was fine. Cute, even. But fast forward to the 2020s, and she’s basically a high-fashion architect.
The 2025 Met Gala was a massive turning point for her. The theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and while a lot of people were confused about how a supermodel would interpret that, Gigi and her stylist, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, went deep. She wore a custom, liquid-gold Miu Miu gown that felt like it was poured onto her body. But the real story wasn't just the gold sequins; it was the homage to Zelda Wynn Valdes.
Valdes was a legendary Black designer in the 1940s and 50s who basically invented the "Playboy Bunny" silhouette and dressed icons like Josephine Baker. By channeling that history through Victory Rolls and 1940s tailoring, Gigi proved she actually does her homework. It wasn't just a "pretty dress." It was a history lesson.
Why the 2024 Thom Browne Look Was a Viral Masterclass
People still talk about the 2024 "Garden of Time" look because of the sheer math involved.
- 2.8 million micro bugle beads.
- 40 people dedicated just to the embroidery of the skirt.
- 8,500 hours for the skirt alone.
When Gigi walked the carpet, she told Vogue that just a single rose on the dress was a standalone work of art. She wasn't exaggerating. The dress featured a deconstructed menswear coat hanging from the hips, which is a classic Thom Browne move. It blurred the lines between "masculine" tailoring and "feminine" floral fragility.
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It was heavy, too. You could see her moving carefully, almost like she was carrying a statue. Because, well, she sort of was.
Breaking Down the "Gigi Formula"
What most people get wrong about Met Gala Gigi Hadid appearances is thinking she just picks a designer and says "make me look good."
Actually, she’s known for being incredibly hands-on. She works with her long-time stylist Mimi Cuttrell (and more recently, Karefa-Johnson) to build mood boards months in advance. For 2024, they were looking at Italian stone gardens and ancient statues. They wanted her to look like a piece of the museum that had come to life.
She also knows how to use her hair and makeup to tell the story. In 2021, she dyed her hair a fiery red to go with her Prada gown. In 2022, she wore a massive burgundy puffer cape with a latex catsuit from Versace. That look was a "Gilded Glamour" wildcard—interpreting the theme through the lens of late 1800s outerwear but making it look like a sci-fi villain.
The Controversy: Does She Actually Follow the Theme?
You'll always find critics on TikTok or X claiming Gigi "missed the mark." In 2025, some fans thought her gold Miu Miu look didn't fit the "Tailoring Black Style" theme because it wasn't a literal suit.
But that's where the nuance comes in.
Fashion isn't always literal. By referencing Zelda Wynn Valdes, she was highlighting the influence of Black designers on the very concept of "glamour" and "fit." It’s a more intellectual way to approach the red carpet. Instead of just wearing a suit to represent "tailoring," she wore a dress that celebrated the master of fit herself.
A Quick History of Her Best Hits:
- 2018 (Versace): The stained-glass window dress. This is arguably her most famous look. It perfectly matched the "Heavenly Bodies" theme and looked like a literal piece of a cathedral.
- 2019 (Michael Kors): The "Camp" jumpsuit. Silver sequins, feathers, and those wild white eyelashes. It was theatrical and over-the-top.
- 2022 (Versace): The puffer cape. It was huge. It was weird. It was exactly what the Met Gala should be.
What This Means for Your Own Style
Look, you probably aren't going to spend 13,000 hours on your outfit for Friday night. But the way Gigi approaches the Met Gala offers some real-world takeaways.
First, storytelling beats "pretty." If you're going to an event, think about the vibe or the "why" behind what you're wearing. Even a small reference to a favorite era or artist makes an outfit feel more intentional.
Second, contrast is key. Gigi often mixes hard and soft—like the 2024 look's structured menswear coat paired with delicate yellow roses. If you're wearing something very feminine, try adding a chunky boot or a structured blazer.
Lastly, don't be afraid of the "total look." Gigi never neglects her hair and makeup. The 1940s pin curls in 2025 were just as important as the gold dress. If you’re doing a retro vibe, go all in.
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If you want to keep up with how these looks influence actual trends, start watching for "3D florals" and "vintage tailoring" in high-street stores. The Met Gala usually predicts what we’ll be wearing (in a toned-down version) about six months later.
Next time the first Monday in May rolls around, keep a close eye on the craftsmanship. The Met Gala Gigi Hadid tradition isn't just about the celebrity; it's about the hundreds of artisans whose work finally gets a spotlight on the world's most famous stairs.
To stay ahead of the curve, try looking up the specific designers Gigi partners with, like Thom Browne or Miu Miu, to see how their "ready-to-wear" collections differ from these museum-worthy pieces. You might find a more wearable version of that "Garden of Time" magic for your own wardrobe.
Actionable Insight: If you're fascinated by the construction of these gowns, check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s digital archives. They often post behind-the-scenes videos of how garments like Gigi's are preserved and displayed, which gives you a much deeper appreciation for the "13,000-hour" claim. It’s not just PR—it’s legitimate art.
Next Step: Pay attention to "The Hadid Effect" on search trends. After her 2025 appearance, searches for "gold sequin dresses" and "1940s victory rolls" spiked by over 200%. If you're looking for your next gala or wedding guest look, searching for "vintage-inspired tailoring" will get you that high-fashion look without the 13,000-hour wait time.