Like everyone else interested in the newest trends and styles, we tuned in to the 2024 Met Gala. This year's theme celebrated the intersection of fashion and nature with “The Garden of Time,” providing the perfect opportunity to showcase the stunning versatility of embroidery techniques on the runway. We saw the entire event as a garden in full bloom, with displays of delicate beadwork and intricate embroidery techniques. So let’s explore how designers and stylists brought this theme to life – and we’ll make some recommendations from our collection of embroidered jewelry to style some of the best and worst looks of the night.
Runway-Ready Embroidered Jewelry
The Met Gala is known for its extravagant displays of fashion and creativity, and this year's theme offered a unique opportunity for designers to infuse their looks with timeless floral motifs and botanical-inspired embellishments. Each piece that walked up the Met stairs told a unique story of craftsmanship and artistry, and we couldn't help but imagine our jewelry styled with so many of the looks! So, we're going to show you how our embroidered jewelry could have played a central role in bringing these looks to life.
Inspired Styling Recommendation: In her first look of the night, Zendaya opted for a dark, moody look in a custom Maison Margiela couture dress.
For this striking ensemble, we would have loved an unexpected accessory or earrings in a contrasting color. Magenta embroidered earrings would play well with the bold colors in her dress by adding just a touch of feminine mystique. We think any of our pink beaded flower earrings would have complimented her makeup nicely too!
She ended up changing and debuted a second look with pink garden florals and twice the drama. Her second look is the featured image for this post and we think it was perfectly extravagant.
Shop The Look: Pink Geneva Flower Earrings & Magenta Anemone Flower Earrings
Embroidery and Gardens of Time: Preserving the Beauty of Embroidered Pieces
The Met Gala is the primary fundraising event for the Costume Institute, which assists with the preservation of jewelry, materials, and textiles. While embroidered jewelry adds a touch of beauty and elegance to any outfit, it's important to make sure that these delicate pieces remain in the best condition possible. To preserve the beauty and integrity of your embroidered pieces, avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or cosmetics, as these can cause damage to the delicate embroidery threads and embellishments. Instead, we recommend storing embroidered pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, and handle them carefully when cleaning or handling.
Inspired Styling Recommendation: For a celebrity with the more garden-inspired yet understated look like Taylor Russell, we saw pieces adorned with floral motifs, botanical-inspired designs, or nature-themed embellishments.
We know what you're thinking: Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking.
With her hair done up and the high neckline, a pair of dangle earrings would have worked with this look. We would have loved to see our floral Camellia Pearl Earrings with cream and white blending nicely into this gorgeous neutral color palette.
For something a little more avant-garde, our Maleek Bird Earrings would look stunning perched delicately next to her face.
Which would you choose?
Shop the Look: Camellia Pearl Earrings & Maleek Bird Earrings
Recommendations for Cleaning and Care of Embroidered Pieces
When cleaning embroidered jewelry, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris, taking care not to rub or scrub too harshly. For more stubborn stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and lightly dab the affected area, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. It's important to avoid submerging embroidered pieces in water, as this can cause the threads to become distorted or discolored.
Statement Looks with Embroidered Jewelry
Whether you're attending a formal event like the Met Gala or simply looking to add a touch of elegance to your everyday wardrobe, embroidered jewelry makes a statement. When styling embroidered pieces, consider the theme of the event or occasion, and choose jewelry that complements the overall aesthetic. Be sure to keep an eye on our blog for more, like How To Style Embroidered Jewelry. And don’t forget to take advantage of our virtual shopping & in-person styling services, where our experts help you pick out the perfect MG pieces!