For a great Met Gala after-party dress, it should not be an afterthought, according to Jorden Bickham, who dresses Emily Ratajkowski for special events. Ratajkowski wanted her looks for the 2024 after-party to be vintage, so Bickham turned to Alexis Novak at Tab Vintage for two special archive dresses that fit into the theme of Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. One dress was a Givenchy piece from 1998 designed by Lee McQueen, and the other was an Atelier Versace look from 2001, both in incredible condition considering their age. The glittering silver Versace dress needed some alterations, but the Givenchy showgirl mini with blue stars and fringing required none.
Ratajkowski and Bickham wanted to honor the fragility and timelessness of these vintage pieces, feeling that the dresses chose them. They made one concession for the Met Gala, adding a custom Victoria’s Secret bra and thong to mimic the original underwear McQueen created for the runway. Bickham believes that as much care and attention to detail should go into the after-party look as the red-carpet ensemble. For Ratajkowski, naked dresses are not just a trend but a way of life, so every aspect of her outfit must be carefully considered. The dress choices for the after-party were significant and meaningful to both Ratajkowski and Bickham.
Preparing a great Met Gala after-party dress is an incredible privilege, as noted by Bickham. Dressing someone like Ratajkowski in vintage pieces for such a special event is a unique opportunity. The dresses chosen for the after-party were both over 20 years old and required special care due to their fragility. The Givenchy and Versace dresses had intricate beading and detailing, making them truly special pieces that have stood the test of time. The process of selecting these vintage dresses and preparing them for the after-party was a special experience for Ratajkowski and Bickham.
The post-Met Gala soirée is a chance for celebrities to let loose and have fun after the formal event. Ratajkowski’s vintage after-party look was a show-stopping ensemble that reflected her style and personality. The choices made for the after-party outfit were deliberate and meaningful, with each piece carefully selected to complement the overall theme of the evening. The addition of a custom Victoria’s Secret bra and thong added a modern touch to the vintage dresses, showcasing Ratajkowski’s unique fashion sense. The after-party look was as important as the red-carpet outfit, with every detail meticulously planned by Bickham to ensure Ratajkowski made a statement at the event.
Overall, the process of selecting and preparing a Met Gala after-party dress is a collaborative effort between the stylist and the client. For Ratajkowski and Bickham, the vintage dresses chosen for the 2024 after-party were significant and meaningful, reflecting their shared love of fashion and history. The special care and attention to detail that went into preparing the after-party ensembles highlight the importance of honoring fashion’s past while also embracing modern trends. Ratajkowski’s after-party look was a stunning example of how vintage pieces can be incorporated into a contemporary outfit, creating a unique and memorable fashion moment.
