You might think florals for spring are groundbreaking, but even the most fashion-forward know some trends simply wilt on the vine. Take the Met Gala 2024 menu, for instance. The theme? "Garden of Time," a whimsical nod to the Costume Institute's "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibit. Sounds positively charming, right?
It's reported that no detail is left untouched by the ever-impeccable Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director and the Met Gala's co-chair since practically forever (1995, to be exact). Her influence is known to extend far beyond the guest list and even to the event's menu, ensuring that every detail reflects her exacting levels of sophistication. Her aversion to all things pedestrian has resulted in a ban of garlic, onion and chives from this year's menu.
"Those are three things I'm not particularly fond of," the 74-year-old fashion guru told Jenna Bush Hager on "The Today Show."
Why the aversion to these fragrant friends? We can only speculate, but whispers suggest Wintour finds their pungent presence unbecoming of such a refined affair. After all, the Met Gala isn't some boring picnic in Central Park. Every detail, from the couture gowns to the bite-sized fairytale-inspired menu, reflects a certain level of sophistication.
This isn't the first time Wintour has taken issue with onions and garlic and has also banned parsley for the unbecoming way it can get stuck in a guest's teeth, as well as bruschetta - one drip of olive-oil-soaked tomato is the ultimate fashion faux pas and can ruin a priceless piece of couture.
This year's menu, crafted by celebrity caterer Olivier Cheng, was a whimsical wonderland and included a spring vegetable salad with butterfly-shaped croutons, filet mignon presented on a bed of pine needles with a tortellini rose, and a playful "not-so-poison apple" dessert - a not-so-subtle nod to Snow White.
This, darlings, is the power of a fashion icon. Every detail meticulously curated to create an unforgettable evening. The Met Gala and Wintour remind us that although some florals may forever be in fashion, certain "fragrances" are best left out in the garden.