Fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala, is a star-studded event where celebrities flaunt their most outrageous and unique outfits. This year, Nicole Kidman’s dress stood out not just for its beauty but also for the story behind it.

Nicole Kidman in a still from Eyes Wide Shut
Nicole Kidman in a still from Eyes Wide Shut

The actress wowed the crowd at the 2024 Met Gala on May 6 in a stunning white Balenciaga gown inspired by a 1951 design by Cristóbal Balenciaga. She and her husband, inseparable as ever, graced the red carpet together, exuding love and affection as they posed hand-in-hand. Their radiant presence paid homage to the evening’s theme, ‘The Garden of Time,’ in perfect harmony with the dress code.

Nicole Kidman Stuns in Balenciaga’s Met Gala Masterpiece

Nicole Kidman in a still from Moulin Rouge
Nicole Kidman in a still from Moulin Rouge

Nicole Kidman‘s Met Gala dress, designed by Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia, featured a 1950s-inspired silhouette with a double silk bustier and a full skirt. It had frayed black silk organza layers that looked like feathers, inspired by flamenco dancer dresses.

“It was based on a dress from 1951 by Balenciaga,” the 56-year-old told on the red carpet (via Grazia). “I saw it in a Richard Avedon photo and asked Demna if he could reinterpret it for the Met Gala’s ‘Sleeping Beauties’ theme. I consider this a ‘Sleeping Beauty’ brought back to life!”

Also read: Nicole Kidman Had to Wait For Over 20 Years For the Most Successful Movie of Her Acting Career

The intricate details of the gown were no small feat. Vogue reported that it took 800 hours to embroider the 3,000 organza “feathers” and another 400 hours to make the white bodice and silk skirt. The Hollywood star didn’t stop with the dress. Styled by Jason Bolden, she completed the look with vintage-inspired Harry Winston jewelry, including diamond earrings and a bracelet.

Her choice wasn’t driven by current trends or big-name designers. Instead, it was a heartfelt tribute to a fashion photographer she never got to collaborate with – the legendary Richard Avedon.

Nicole Kidman’s Met Gala Dress Tribute to Richard Avedon’s Legacy

Nicole Kidman in a still from Dogville
Nicole Kidman in a still from Dogville

Richard Avedon, a giant in the world of fashion photography, captured the essence of elegance and glamour throughout his career. His black and white portraits featured stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe in timeless poses.

Also read: “I’m not sure anyone would say that to a man”: Nicole Kidman Got Annoyed After Getting Her Marriage With Tom Cruise Compared With $450K Movie

While many actresses dreamt of working with Avedon, Kidman never had the chance, which is the “one regret” she has. As mentioned, the Academy Award-winning actress saw the Balenciaga gown she wore to the Met Gala in a photo taken by the late Richard Avedon (featured on Art Net). The Hawaiian native told E News!:

“I never got to work with Avedon. I wanted to work with him. He was sick and he passed and it’s a regret. So I get to wear a dress that was inspired from it. I saw it in a photo that he took and went. Oh, I hope I can bring that to life. So, it’s a celebration of a photographer as well. And the dress.”

This year’s Met Gala theme, ‘The Garden of Time,’ aligns with the upcoming Costume Institute exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,’ which opens to the public on May 10th. The exhibition, curated by Andrew Bolton, explores historical garments through the lens of nature.

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