The 2024 Met Gala had a dress code inspired by "The Garden of Time," a short story by English novelist J.G. Ballard. The "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibit showcased around 250 items from the Costume Institute's collection, spanning 400 years. The exhibit was divided into three main zones - Land, Sea, and Sky - and featured approximately 15 historically significant pieces that are too fragile to be worn again, thus referred to as "Sleeping Beauties." The garments were displayed in glass cases, allowing visitors to observe their various states of deterioration. Famous designers such as Balenciaga, Givenchy, Guy Laroche, and Elsa Schiaparelli had their pieces displayed during the event.