Colman Domingo Teases 2024 Met Gala’s Deeply Emotional Theme
Heads up: Colman Domingo just dropped a hint that this year’s Met Gala might actually get to you—yes, you, scrolling through your feed. In a recent chat with WWD, the actor and newly minted Costume Institute host described the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme as “very emotional,” and honestly, that feels like an understatement. He reminded us that the April 29 event isn’t just about A-list looks; it’s about unearthing decades of style history and turning it into a reflection on where fashion’s been and where it’s headed.
Domingo, best known for his Emmynominated turn on “Euphoria” and a string of powerful Broadway performances, told People Magazine that walking into the Met’s grand hall—curated by Andrew Bolton—will feel like stepping into a time capsule. He pointed out how designers are digging deep into archival treasures, framing them through today’s lens of activism and sustainability. And if you thought this was just another “glam meets art” party, think again. The exhibit reportedly includes never-before-displayed gowns and menswear that span the early 1900s through Y2K, offering a curated narrative about identity, inclusivity, and the sheer power of clothes to tell stories.
Studies of the Costume Institute’s archives, as reported by Vogue, reveal that Bolton’s team has paired historical pieces with contemporary designs to highlight recurring themes—how queens of the past influenced punk rockers, or how 70s cutouts resonate in today’s red carpets. Domingo noted that seeing a 1920s flapper dress next to a custom Balenciaga feels “like watching history whisper to you.” He even hinted that some celebrities are bringing personal heirlooms to the event—so we might see family pieces repurposed on the steps of the Met, which raises the emotional stakes even higher.
Sure, everyone’s prepping their looks, but the real conversation is about what we’re wearing when we talk about progress, identity, and heritage. Colman’s spill-the-tea moment reminds us that the Met Gala’s power lies in its contradictions: it’s a Hollywood spectacle and a scholarly exhibit, a nod to the past and a push toward the future. Will we shed a tear when Zendaya reimagines a 1970s Oscar de la Renta? Or feel a lump in our throats as aged brocades meet streetwear silhouettes? Probably both.
Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will—but don’t say we didn’t warn you if you leave feeling oddly nostalgic over a sequined bodysuit.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
WWD (Women’s Wear Daily)
Vogue
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
