Elle Fanning Puts Icy Spin on Met Gala 2024’s Theme in ‘Crystal’ Balmain Gown With Sculpted Birds Holding Up the Sleeves

Elle Fanning put an icy spin on the “Garden of Time” theme at the Met Gala on Monday in New York.

The actress opted for an off-the-shoulder Balmain gown that looked like it was made from glass. Two sculpted “birds” appeared to hold up Fanning’s frock. Its mermaid silhouette featured an iridescent tulle skirt that draped across the red carpet.

The “Maleficent” star’s look seemingly referenced a vase of crystal flowers mentioned in J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story, from which the Met Gala dress code derives its name.

Fanning accessorized with high-heeled PVC sandals and Cartier jewelry, including a set of earrings featuring diamond-encrusted leaf motifs.

Stylist Samantha McMillen, who also counts Kirsten Dunst and Elle’s older sister, Dakota Fanning, as clients, dressed the actress for the occasion.

Fanning wore her blond tresses in a wavy lob, while her makeup featured a stained lip and rosy blush.

The Met Gala raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and celebrates the Costume Institute’s annual exhibits. This year’s theme, “The Garden of Time,” nods to the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit, which will open to the public on Friday. The 2024 event is notably cochaired by Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth and Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour.