Elle Fanning is best known for portraying Sleeping Beauty in the 2014 film Maleficent and its 2019 sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. So, I am unsurprised that she chose to channel her iconic character, Aurora, on the red carpet at the 2024 Met Gala.
On Monday, May 6, Elle Fanning was among the many celebrities who attended the event, which raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and celebrates the Costume Institute’s annual exhibits.
Elle Fanning, accompanied by boyfriend Gus Wenner, shines on the red carpet, her frosty-themed gown contrasting beautifully with his classic black suit (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)
The dress code for the night was “The Garden of Time,” inspired by the art museum’s new exhibition “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” And I think the 26-year-old American actress captured the theme flawlessly, exuding romance and fantasy with her attire.
Channeling Princess Aurora in Icy Balmain Gown
For the occasion, Elle Fanning unquestionably stole the show with her stunning and perfectly on-point attire, adding a frosty twist to her ensemble.
Accompanied by her boyfriend, Rolling Stone CEO Gus Wenner, who exuded sophistication in a timeless black suit, Elle embodied a contemporary Sleeping Beauty, resembling an ethereal ice queen in a bespoke, transparent Balmain gown.
Her dress was inspired by a vase of crystal flowers mentioned in J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short tale “The Garden of Time,” which also inspired the 2024 Met Gala dress code.
Elle’s outfit featured a traditional Disney princess off-the-shoulder neckline, paying homage to Princess Aurora’s iconic dress. It epitomized the ethereal aesthetic The Great star is renowned for, consistently leaving us breathless with her graceful ball gown choices.
Elle Fanning radiates fairy-tale elegance in a bespoke Balmain gown, channeling her iconic role as Princess Aurora with a contemporary icy twist at the 2024 Met Gala (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)
Crafted from a translucent material, Elle’s form-fitting outfit draped elegantly around her figure, creating a mesmerizing striped effect that evoked the appearance of being wrapped in solid ice.
I admire the exquisite gown, featuring a straight, shimmering tulle skirt with a mermaid silhouette. Its high slit added an extra touch of allure as it gracefully trailed across the red carpet.
However, the standout feature of The Girl from Plainville actress’ attire was the pair of crystal “birds” that appeared to elevate the dress from the shoulders, infusing a whimsical touch of fairytale charm to her look.
The intricate detailing of Elle Fanning’s gown, inspired by J.G. Ballard’s ‘The Garden of Time,’ features shimmering tulle and crystal ‘birds’ that add a whimsical, ethereal touch to her ensemble (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)
The artistic birds served as a subtle yet delightful homage to the character Elle portrayed while also playfully acknowledging the initial interpretations of the theme.
Embracing Transparent Elegance in Silver Sandals and Diamond Jewels
I admire how Elle Fanning remained faithful to the transparent theme of her attire by pairing her gown with matching silver Aquazzura So Nude PVC slingback sandals. Other celebrity fans of these shoes include Danai Gurira, Katy Perry, and Chanel Iman.
The footwear boasted a transparent design, open toes, a slingback strap, and a 105mm high block heel, which gave her stature a subtle lift. You can buy her So Nude 105 PVC slingback sandals at Mytheresa and Farfetch.
Styled by Samantha McMillen, who also works with clients such as Brie Larson, Kirsten Dunst, and Dakota Fanning, I appreciate how she accessorized Elle’s look with an array of diamond Cartier jewels.
Elle Fanning showcases her Aquazzura So Nude PVC slingback sandals, which elegantly complement her transparent, ice-inspired gown at the Met Gala (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)
The All the Bright Places actress enhanced her appearance with cascading diamond Cartier Ear Pendant earrings adorned with diamond-encrusted leaf motifs.
She complemented these with two Cartier strap bracelets and adorned her fingers with the Cartier Broderie De Cartier ring, Cartier Reflection De Cartier ring, and Cartier Etincelle De Cartier ring.
I particularly like how Elle’s complexion exuded radiance and how her hairstyle and makeup beautifully complemented the glamour of her outfit.
To finish her look, she opted for a rosy and understated makeup palette featuring a touch of rosy blush and stained lips. At the same time, she debuted a new relaxed cropped hairstyle, wearing her blonde locks in loose waves tucked behind her ears.
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