The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.
Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.
Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the new spring exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, that plays muse. The associated dress code was ‘The Garden of Time’, taking inspiration from a 1962 short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard, whose narrative centres on a dwindling garden of flowers with the ability to slow down time. Attendees donned their botanic-inspired and dystopian-esque interpretations, some taking the story’s inspiration more literally than others (we’re looking at you, Zendaya), while others leaned into the Sleepy Beauty motif wholeheartedly.
Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.
Met Gala 2024
Our Editors’ Picks
Anna Wintour Wearing custom Loewe
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky Wearing Tom Ford and (Elsa wearing) Bulgari jewellery
Bad Bunny Wearing custom Maison Margiela and Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses
Demi Moore wearing Harris Reed and Cartier High Jewellery
Jennifer Lopez Wearing custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co. High Jewellery
Kylie Jenner Wearing custom Oscar de la Renta
Gigi Hadid Wearing Thom Browne
Kendall Jenner Wearing archive Givenchy 1999
Greta Lee Wearing Loewe
Tyla Wearing Balmain
Karlie Kloss Wearing custom Swarovski
Omar Apollo Wearing Loewe
Dua Lipa Wearing Marc Jacobs and Tiffany & Co. jewellery
Mindy Kaling Wearing Gaurav Gupta
Madelyn Cline wearing custom Tommy Hilfiger
Emily Ratajkowski Wearing Atelier Versace FW01 Haute Couture
Riley Keough Wearing Chanel
Kaia Gerber Wearing custom Prada and Tiffany & Co. Jewellery
Lana Del Rey Wearing custom Alexander McQueen
Nicholas Galitzine Wearing Fendi
Lana DelLil Nasx Wearing custom Luar (covered in 50,000 Swarovski crystals)
Rebecca Ferguson Wearing Thom Browne
Irina Shayk Wearing custom Swarovski
Elle Fanning Wearing Balmain and Cartier jewellery
Zendaya Wearing Maison Margiela Couture and Bulgari Jewellery
Naomi Campbell Wearing custom Burberry
Nicole Kidman Wearing iconic 1950s couture gown by Cristobal Balenciaga — albeit, a recreation
Anok Yai Wearing custom Swarovski
Kim Kardashian Wearing custom Maison Margiela Couture
While children’s rooms are often more colourful and chaotic than calm and considered, when it comes to creativity, there’s a place for both. Cultivate a sense of discovery in a space that invites its inhabitants to explore and create in a pared-back setting — providing the canvas for endless imagination.
While you’ll never receive judgement from us for re-watching familiar favourites as the weather cools (we’ve got to find comfort somewhere), there’s something thrilling about discovering a captivating, cerebral or comic new release that gets your mind whirring and provides you with ample water cooler chat. We’ve rounded up an edit of the new films and series that have our attention this week, in a bid to provide you with some inspiration — enjoy.
A Man in Full
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:2nd of May
From the Emmy-winning creator of Big Little Lies comes A Man in Full — a star-studded drama based on Tom Wolfe’s novel of the same name. Jeff Daniels stars as Atlanta real estate mogul Charles Croker as he grapples with sudden bankruptcy and seeks to defend his empire against opportunists. Set in a racially diverse, late-century boomtown, Croker navigates his dwindling fortunes, a demanding second wife, and a staggering debt load. The limited series, coming to Netflix this week, offers a nuanced portrayal of Croker as his charisma wanes and allies abandon him. A captivating series which offers a unique satirical reflection on American hubris.
Unfrosted
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:3rd of May
Directed and co-written by Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted stars a comedic ensemble including Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, and Hugh Grant. Set in 1963 Michigan, amidst a breakfast revolution, the film delves into a cutthroat corporate clash over the invention of a groundbreaking pastry — the Pop-Tart. Seinfeld’s long-standing fascination with the iconic snack finally materialises in this tale of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for breakfast dominance. With witty humour and absurdity, the narrative explores the ridiculousness of grown men in suits obsessing over cereal. Premiering on May 3rd, Unfrosted promises a comedic journey through the evolution of a breakfast staple.
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:3rd of May
John Mulaney returns to the stage with his new Netflix live show, Everybody’s in LA. This eagerly anticipated comedy special promises to deliver Mulaney’s signature wit and humour as he navigates the quirks of Los Angeles life. With his sharp observational comedy and knack for storytelling, Mulaney invites audiences into a hilarious exploration of the absurdities of Hollywood culture and everyday experiences, delivering an evening of side-splitting laughter and relatable insights as the comic brings his unique comedic perspective to the stage once again.
The Sympathizer
Where to watch:Neon Available to watch:now
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer stars Robert Downey Jr. as a master of disguise — portraying all of the characters that make up the vague notion of ‘The Man’ in a tale of a Viet Cong spy infiltrating the South Vietnamese community in 1970s Los Angeles. Navigating themes of loyalty, betrayal, and cultural displacement with gripping intensity, this cross-culture satire explores a tapestry of complex characters and historical context, promising a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of self.
Challengers
Where to watch:In cinemas Available to watch:now
In Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, Zendaya dazzles as Tashi Duncan — a tennis luminary turned coach unapologetically driving her husband’s redemption. Mike Faist portrays her husband, a champion ensnared in a losing spiral, while Josh O’Connor embodies Patrick, his washed-up former friend and Tashi’s ex-lover. As Tashi orchestrates a risky comeback plan, the trio’s intertwined pasts ignite high-stakes confrontations on and off the court. Guadagnino’s signature flair for tension and desire infuses every scene, crafting a fiercely compelling drama. With each volley, Challengers explores the cost of victory, leaving audiences riveted by its sizzling intensity and poignant narrative twists.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the every day, we’ve got just the thing. This edit of new coffee table books is perfect for the escapists amongst us — offering hours of entertainment delighting in fashion, art, travel, and more, all without leaving the comfort of your home. From beautiful imagery to intimate details and untold stories, here are six inspiring coffee table books to acquire now.
Seen through the lens of Oliver Pilcher, this captivating visual journey offers an intimate portrayal of the city that never sleeps. Going beyond New York clichés, the book explores everyday moments and features iconic personalities like Zaldy Goco and Françoise Gilot, giving a glimpse into their creative spaces. Here, Pilcher captures the essence of New York’s diversity, showcasing the metropolis’ sprawling, iconic cityscape through the eyes of artists, writers, designers and chefs who call it home. A vibrant celebration of dreams and possibilities in The Big Apple, New York Chic is a must-have for any well-curated bookshelf.
Take a journey to the most unique, unknown, and remarkable hotels around the world in Secret Stays; an evocative new tome that presents 22 of the world’s most secretive spots. Illustrated by extensive, captivating imagery that celebrates the past and present of each property, within this book you’ll find secluded abbeys, ancient manors, modern homes, larger-than-life mansions, Japanese machiya town houses, and more, accompanied by anecdotes and meaningful insight into the history and best-kept secrets of the properties on the pages.
Delivering behind-the-scenes access to the red carpet looks that made global headlines, Barbie: The World Tour documents the outfits chosen by stylist Andrew Mukamal for Margot Robbie while promoting her groundbreaking film, Barbie. Shot by fashion photographer Craig McDean, Robbie is captured in dazzling outfits, from Schiaparelli to vintage Chanel, showcasing how cleverly Mukamal brought Barbie’s lauded fashion to life. Celebrating the cultural moment of the movie and 65 years of the doll’s captivating legacy, this book is perfect for fashion and Barbie fans alike.
Touted as the definitive exploration of Bulgari’s history of horology and jewellery-inspired creativity, this incredibly detailed and visually stunning book spans over a century of Swiss-Italian watchmaking achievements. Authored by Bulgari’s foremost specialists, Bulgari: Beyond Time comprises captivating illustrations and conversations with key figures, delving into Bulgari’s iconic watch collections to reveal the profound emotional connection each timepiece holds. Insightful essays from global luminaries add depth and cultivate a conversation about the future of watches. Bulgari’s commitment to forging meaningful links across centuries and even, beyond Earth itself.
In this vibrant monograph, explore the tapestry of Julian Schnabel’s artistic universe and his penchant for transforming everyday materials into compelling art. From broken plates to unconventional surfaces like market stall covers, Schnabel’s creativity is famously limitless, and this book offers an intimate portrait of the artist’s unique eye. Whether directing award-winning movies or crafting sculptures, Schnabel’s urgency to infuse life into his work is palpable throughout, making this edition a comprehensive celebration of his multifaceted oeuvre, and a collectable piece indeed.
Chronicling 150 years of maritime excellence, this book (penned by marine journalist Kevin Koenig) celebrates Benetti’s enduring legacy of luxury yacht construction, delving into its evolution from wooden sailing ships to cutting-edge giga-yachts and featuring iconic vessels like El Caran and Nabila. Via exclusive content and unseen photographs, Benetti gives insight into collaborations with renowned designers and prestigious clientele (including Zlatan Ibrahimović), each page reinforcing the brand’s commitment to Italian craftsmanship and sustainability.
Always on-trend, a trench is essential for transeasonal dressing. But not all styles are the same. From oversized to classically cinched, these are the coats to consider this autumn.
Set in a Lower East side tenement in the midst of Covid lockdowns, stranded strangers become friends, and neighbours become community in this heartwarming serial novel. Crafted by literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Celeste Ng, Fourteen Days reveals how, beneath the loss, the pandemic ultimately led to a stronger sense of community and connection.
A tale of family, justice, and the lies that tear us apart, this pulse-pounding new thriller is a sinister look at the lengths we’ll go to for those we love. When TJ, the family disappointment, finds himself with a chance to prove his worth after his ostensibly perfect brother commits a murder, he ends up entangled in a lethal web of deception that forces him to face his demons.
Set to become an instant classic, this inventive new novel by literary icon Julia Alvarez tells the tale of a writer laying to rest her litany of untold tales. Alma Cruz buries the characters whose lives she tried and failed to bring to life; but they have other ideas, and her literary cemetery quickly becomes a mysterious sanctuary for the characters’ true narratives.
This joyful novel tells the tale of a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common: their failed marriages. When Daphne is jilted by her husband after discovering he’s in love with his best friend, she winds up roommates with the only person who could possibly relate: the best friend’s ex. The resulting saga is both hilarious and heartwarming.
In this lively tale of one woman’s quest for a new kind of freedom, an artist struggling with her identity at middle-age embarks on a journey of reinvention. Interrogating the sexual, romantic, and domestic life of a 45-year-old at a crossroads, All Fours is a brave and bold account of life lived as a woman, told in July’s signature bawdy and irreverent prose.
This inquisitive epic charts the astonishing story of a microbiologist who makes an extraordinary discovery that forces into focus everything she thinks she knows about life on our planet. With compassion and curiosity, In Ascension encourages introspection and illuminates matters of the heart, promising an unforgettable journey.
In this blistering, often unsettling and undeniably sharp novel inspired by the convicted con woman and serial killer, ‘The Konkatsu Killer’, Asako Yuzuki explores obsession, misogyny, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan. Through an unexpected bond between a journalist and her subject, Yuzuki tells a riveting tale that is both provocative and thought-provoking.
Orange presents a captivating follow-up to There There, delving into both the past and future, skilfully exploring the repercussions of historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School across a multi-generational tale. Alternating between moments of devastation and wonder, Wandering Stars is a captivating journey for the ages.
Ru Paul’s remarkable life unfolds from his formative years as a queer Black youth in San Diego to his exploration of identity within the vibrant punk and drag communities of Atlanta and New York. Along the way, he discovers enduring love with his husband and embraces sobriety, ultimately leading to his own self-acceptance.
Acclaimed biographer Brad Gooch charts the life of iconic American Artist, Keith Haring — from his initial chalk line scrawls on the subways of New York in the early 80s to the emblematic artist’s untimely demise, Radiant offers a tender glimpse into the magic of a visionary and timeless icon.
In her debut memoir, Jamison explores the intricate realms of motherhood, marriage, and familial bonds with poignant precision. Through vivid storytelling, she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and the healing potency of art in an introspective odyssey — offering a profound reflection on the journey to wholeness.
Crafted in propulsive prose that reads more like a thriller, Cuckooland tells an astonishing story of secrets and lies that reveals how fragile that truth can be. From the best-selling author of Kleptopia, this impressively well-reported work of non-fiction explores how globalisation and technological revolution have combined to imperil the foundation of free societies.
In her signature sharp, and addictive prose, best-selling novelist and essayist Lauren Oyler unpacks the role of cultural criticism in our ever-changing world, encapsulating a host of issues with tenderness and precision, delivering a masterful work of cultural criticism as only she can.
In a collection spanning six short stories and one novella, Amor Towles interrogates topics from the male ego to fate, and the pivotal role compromise plays in modern marriages. The novella, set in the midst of Hollywood’s golden age, tells the story of the indomitable Evelyn Ross who makes a snap decision that alters her life forever.
One of the greatest writers of our time delivers yet another glimmering anthology of stories and parables that unlock the mysteries of the human condition. Addressing the quandaries of the universe — Maktub inspires a journey of faith, self-reflection, and transformation as Coelho taps into universal truths about humanity.
Like Love offers a vibrant collection of essays spanning two decades of insightful work. From profiles to critical essays, Nelson explores themes of love, friendship, and queer issues, alongside tributes to cultural icons, offering a window into her personal evolution while exploring the impact of art and artists on her life.
The denim double-up is proving its high fashion potential this season with a raft of chic, timeless, and versatile pieces to carry you from this season to the next. From playful 90s-inspired bags and accessories to must-have jeans in a myriad of washes and silhouettes, and the oversized jackets and shirts sure to add a contemporary edge to any outfit, here, we round up the pieces our editors are coveting this season, each deserving of a place in your seasonal wardrobe.
You needn’t think your seating can only be rendered in the usual neutral tones. Add a hint of vibrancy to your space by, instead, selecting a sofa, stool or chair in the deep, serene hues of blue. Befitted to most spaces and sure to add a touch of modern luxury to your home, blue — in all of its myriad shades — is sure to endure.
Where I started:Waiting tables at St. Petersburg Restaurant in Parnell (aged 16). Where I am now:Founder of Bayside Rum Co. & Bar Manager at Ahi.
It was sitting in an accounting class, reading a cocktail manual behind his course notes that Egor Petrov first realised, definitely, that hospitality had his heart. When I ask him where it all began, he tells me that his earliest memory of appreciating flavours was as a child, exploring his grandparents’ expansive garden. “We’d get out of the car at my grandparent’s house and run straight into the garden, picking raspberries, smelling herbs and exploring all of the fruit and vegetables they grew. I found it fascinating,” he recounts. It’s little wonder, then, that Petrov’s first job was in a restaurant, waiting tables at St. Petersburg Restaurant in Parnell. “My first customers were on a hens do, and they all totally loved me,” laughs Petrov, “I had no idea what I was doing, but I figured it out pretty quickly.”
After school, Petrov liked the idea of working for a luxury hotel, so set his sights on Melbourne where he secured a job as a concierge at The Hilton. The atmosphere of a hotel, he tells me, was great, but the corporate structure didn’t suit him. He returned home and landed a role at Showcase Hospitality, before moving over to The Britomart Hospitality Group, and it’s within these businesses that he found his groove in the industry and built a solid foundation for all that followed. After running a few bars in the city, Petrov was offered an incredible opportunity as the Beverage Director of a social & dining destination in Dubai — which then led to a job with Sean Connolly as part of the pre-opening team at his Dubai Opera eatery, before moving on to become the head of beverage for Dubai’s largest hospitlaity group, which counted Burj Khalifa as one of its many establsihments. Petrov remained there for several years before heading back home during Covid to start his rum company, Bayside Rum Co.
“With Bayside Rum Co. I’m able to use all of the skills I’ve accumulated across my career, and knowledge of the industry [to make something] that I’m proud of.”
The accumulation of a vast career spanning multiple countries, establishments, and roles set the foundation for Petrov’s own spirits company, but, despite his extensive experience, network of contacts, and incredible insight into the inner workings of a hospitality business, it’s still been a steep learning curve. “Starting a business isn’t easy, but the growth has been incredible,” says Petrov. “I’m doing it all on the side while maintaining my role as the bar manager at Ahi, so it’s busy to say the least,” he continues, “But really fulfilling, too.”
Running Bayside Rum Co. and having full control over production has allowed Petrov to really harness his creativity and tap into his passion for incredible produce (something that began all those years ago in his grandparent’s garden), and experiment with fermentation — another interest of his, to create something truly unique. “Drinks have always been how I’ve channelled my creativity. With Bayside Rum Co. I’m able to use all of the skills I’ve accumulated across my career, and knowledge of the industry — paired with my personal interests, to make drinks that I’m proud of,” he tells me.
The advice he’d give to someone starting out is to stay curious and not be afraid to ask questions. “Working in a bar, you meet so many people — take the time to get to know them, as you never know what might come from a conversation,” he says “That, and prioritise your health from the beginning. There’s a real temptation working in a bar or restaurant to burn the candle at both ends, but that will only lead to poor health and resentment,” says Petrov. “If you want to succeed, and last the distance, taking care of yourself is key.”
Despite only being 34, Petrov has so much behind him, but when you ask — he’ll tell you this is just the beginning. With big plans to expand on Bayside Rum Co.’s offering this year, with two new rums in the works that he hopes will set the brand apart on the world stage, and the introduction of his incredible house-fermented sodas and cocktails at Ahi, Petrov is a prime example of how much hospitality has to offer those willing to earn their stripes.
Where I started:Polishing glasses at a bar in San Sebastian (aged 17). Where I am now:Customer Experience Manager at Allpress.
Walk into Auckland’s Drake Street Allpress on any given day and you’ll be met with Xabi Gutierrez’s megawatt smile and quintessentially Spanish, spirited persona. By your second visit to the bustling café, he’ll not only know your name, but what mood you’re in — and exactly what it is that you need.
This innate penchant for connection was a gift passed down from Gutierrez’s mother, who placed a huge emphasis on cooking and hosting throughout his childhood. It’s this that inspired the San Sebastian native’s reverence for the preparation and serving of food — although the eating part didn’t come quite so naturally. “I wasn’t a good eater growing up,” he laughs, before confessing “My mum eventually got so fed up with me not eating the wonderful food she prepared, that one night, she plonked a whole steak on my head.” It was then that Gutierrez first developed an appreciation for what was put on his plate, and the process of getting it there, and it was this — paired with a childhood spent watching his mother serve food with an easy warmth and generosity, that ultimately led him to pursue a career in hospitality.
After getting a taste for the vibrant food and drink scene in his hometown of San Sebastian, where there are more Michelin starred restaurants per capita than anywhere in the world, Gutierrez caught the bug, and the rest, as they say, is history. His first gig polishing glasses in a local bar quickly turned into more, and before long (after attending culinary school with the goal of becoming a chef), he found himself behind the pass of a busy restaurant in central London. While he loved the creativity of cooking and the frenetic atmosphere of a kitchen, it was the opportunity to meet people and build relationships that excited him most. “Working in the kitchen was great, but to me the food was a tool for service — what it was really about was what I could give to someone; how I could look after them,” he says, before continuing, “I quickly realised that out on the floor I could connect with people directly.” And so began his career as a waiter. He’s never looked back.
“For me, it’s the desire to give, and the ability to really connect with someone… pick up on whether they’re sad or happy… or need cheering up — that’s what [my job] is really about, and the reason I love it.”
Gutierrez worked in lively restaurants and gastro pubs in London for years, including stints at both Gordon Ramsay’s and Jamie Oliver’s famous eateries, before making his way to New Zealand where he worked for Mark Wallbank at Rocco and Natalia Schamroth and Carl Koppenhagen at The Engine Room, before landing at Allpress, where he’s spent the last decade happily solidifying himself as one of the most recognisable (and likeable) figures in Auckland’s daytime hospitality scene.
And it’s still the promise of connection — really getting to know someone on a deeper-than-surface level, that keeps him motivated. “Anyone can carry coffee to a table,” he says without a hint of arrogance, “But what does it mean?” “For me, it’s the desire to give, and the ability to really connect with someone and know what’s going on in their lives; pick up on whether they’re sad or happy; when they want to chat or need cheering up — that’s what [my job] is really about, and the reason I love it,” Gutierrez tells me.
When I ask what advice he’d offer someone looking to get started in hospitality, he says that you can’t be afraid of working hard, before adding “You get out of it what you put in. If you’re willing to give to people and make their days a little better with a positive experience, what you get back in return will surprise you.” And, that’s the thing about the industry — if you have the desire to give it everything, the opportunities it will offer in return are endless. And Xabi, the man with the infectious energy and magnetic personality, who found his calling in making his customers’ morning coffee run the highlight of their day, is proof of just that.
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