CYNTHIA ERIVO HAS been known for myriad earrings climbing up her lobe as well as her multiple rings and nail art. At the 2024 Met Gala, she didn’t disappoint, wearing a mix of Roberto Coin and other designer earrings in diamonds and sapphires that ranged from dangling dazzlers to studs to ear climbers and cuffs. But she also kept on theme with the dress code, “The Garden of Time.” She wore a Thom Browne black ensemble with pink floral details, and when she turned, we saw an unexpected and perfect accessory: a bejeweled Jennifer Behr dragonfly on the back of her head. It was a stunning surprise and one that was representative of both the dress code and the Costume Institute’s exhibit “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Dragonflies, like butterflies, represent transformation. They also signify positive and optimistic renewal and changes. How much more metaphorical could Erivo have gotten? The symbolism of that fashion jewel also reinvigorated the idea of mixing fine and superiorly crafted faux jewelry as was done in the earlier time periods.
After this event, Erivo will not only be known for her entrance-making lobes and fingers, but also for her ability to make an exit and turn heads.