Crystal Birds & Balmain: Elle Fanning's Maleficent Met Gala Style Reignites Fairytale Fashion
When the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveiled "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" as the theme for the 2024 Met Gala, the fashion world buzzed with anticipation. For many, the immediate association was with classic fairytales and beloved Disney princesses. While the theme's true essence delved into the delicate artistry of historical garments too fragile for traditional display, one star beautifully blurred the lines between the literal and the enchanting: Elle Fanning. Known globally for her captivating portrayal of Princess Aurora in Disney's Maleficent (2014) and its sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), Fanning instinctively understood the deeper, more whimsical implications of "Sleeping Beauties," deciding it was the perfect moment to resurrect her iconic character for fashion's biggest night.
Her arrival on the Met Gala red carpet wasn't just an entrance; it was a masterclass in subtle storytelling, a sophisticated wink to her most famous role, and a breathtaking display of custom couture. Fanning didn't just wear a dress; she embodied a dream, intertwining her personal history with the evening's grand narrative, proving that true style lies in interpretation and a touch of magic.
The "Sleeping Beauties" Theme: A Royal Interpretation
The 2024 Met Gala theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," was designed to explore a collection of historically significant, often fragile garments from the Met's archives. These pieces, too delicate to be worn or even displayed on mannequins, were to be "reawakened" through innovative technologies like AI and projection, allowing attendees to experience their beauty in a new light. It was a theme about preservation, technological innovation, and the transient nature of fashion. However, the title itself evoked potent imagery of classic fairytales, slumbering royalty, and magical awakenings.
Many celebrities opted for floral motifs, ethereal fabrics, or archival pieces to align with the "garden of time" dress code. Yet, it was Elle Fanning who tapped into the immediate, widely understood cultural resonance of "Sleeping Beauties" by directly referencing her cinematic roots. As the actress who literally brought Princess Aurora to life on screen, her interpretation felt both personal and perfectly aligned, even if it playfully veered from the exhibit's academic focus on historical fragility. Her decision was a bold statement, celebrating the power of narrative and character to transcend mere costuming, and instead, craft an indelible fashion moment.
Balmain's Vision: Crafting Aurora's "Ice Sculpture" Splendor
For her captivating Met Gala appearance, Elle Fanning collaborated with French luxury fashion house Balmain, resulting in a custom creation that was both ethereal and strikingly modern. Designed by creative director Olivier Rousteing, the gown was a testament to innovative craftsmanship. While fellow attendee Tyla donned a Balmain dress sculpted from sand, Fanning's ensemble was likened to an "ice sculpture" – a perfect descriptor for its luminous, translucent quality.
The dress was fashioned from a clear, almost cellophane-like fabric, meticulously sculpted around Fanning's body to create a gathered, striped effect that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. It featured a fitted bodice that flowed into a straight skirt with an elegant high slit, offering a contemporary silhouette. The choice of an off-the-shoulder neckline was a subtle yet powerful nod to Princess Aurora's iconic dress, instantly recognizable to fans of Disney's classic animation and Fanning's portrayal in *Maleficent*. The fabric itself, with its structured yet delicate appearance, seemed to capture the essence of a dream, or perhaps, the crystallized beauty of a slumbering princess awaiting her awakening.
However, the undisputed highlight of the entire ensemble, and the element that truly sealed its fairytale magic, were the two exquisite crystal birds. These delicate, sparkling avian figures appeared to be lifting the dress from her shoulders, as if in mid-flight. This detail was a brilliant and poetic homage to the small, helpful creatures often depicted assisting Disney princesses, particularly Aurora in *Sleeping Beauty*. The birds not only added a touch of whimsical charm but also imbued the gown with a sense of enchantment and lightness, making it feel truly alive and dynamic. It was a detail that elevated the entire look from mere fashion to a wearable piece of art, steeped in narrative.
Subtle Storytelling: Elle Fanning's Iconic Role Beyond the Screen
What made Elle Fanning's Met Gala look particularly impactful was its nuanced approach to the theme. It wasn't an overt, brightly colored ballgown designed to mimic a cartoon character. There were no obvious pinks, baby blues, or seafoam greens. Instead, the magic was in the subtlety. The clear fabric, the modern silhouette, and the strategic off-the-shoulder cut provided a sophisticated framework for the true fairytale elements. The crystal birds were not just decorative; they were a clever, knowing wink, signaling to those in the know that this was Elle Fanning bringing her Maleficent character, Aurora, to life in a high-fashion context.
This wasn't Fanning's first foray into using fashion to deepen her character's narrative. Ahead of the Met Gala, she teased her look on social media, posting images of both the animated Aurora and her own character from *Maleficent*, clearly relishing the opportunity to revisit a role she's embraced so fully. Her history of integrating character into her press tours is well-documented; for the 2019 *Maleficent: Mistress of Evil* premiere, she famously wore a stunning Gucci gown adorned with crystal blood drops appearing to fall from her finger – a darkly whimsical nod to the film's edgy fairytale aesthetic. This consistent thread showcases Fanning's deep understanding of how fashion can be a powerful extension of storytelling, blurring the lines between actress and character, particularly when it comes to her cherished role as Aurora.
Beyond the garments, Fanning's personal energy contributes significantly to her ability to pull off such nuanced fashion statements. Described by *PORTER* magazine as "high-energy" and "even more animated in person than she is in her films," Fanning brings a vibrant authenticity to her roles. This effervescent personality allows her to inhabit ethereal characters like Aurora while injecting them with a knowing, playful quality, making her Met Gala interpretation feel less like cosplay and more like an artistic collaboration between her iconic character and cutting-edge couture. To delve deeper into how Fanning masterfully embodies her character, explore Elle Fanning: Bringing Aurora to Life On & Off the Screen.
Fanning completed her look with Chopard jewelry, a relaxed, cropped hairstyle that added a modern edge, and her boyfriend, Gus Wenner, on her arm. While fans might have wished for her on-screen counterpart, Angelina Jolie (Maleficent herself), to join her, Jolie has historically not attended the Met Gala, leaving Fanning to shine solo in her reawakened glory.
The Enduring Allure of a Modern Fairytale Icon
Elle Fanning's Maleficent-inspired Met Gala style transcended mere thematic dressing; it cemented her status as a modern fairytale icon, seamlessly blending her cinematic legacy with high fashion. The Balmain gown, with its unique "ice sculpture" aesthetic and the magical crystal birds, proved that the most impactful interpretations are often those that whisper rather than shout. It was a look that resonated deeply, not just with fashion critics but with audiences who cherish the timeless appeal of fairytales and the power of an actress to fully embody her roles, on and off the screen.
Her approach offers a valuable lesson in creative interpretation: sometimes, the most profound statements are made through subtle details and thoughtful execution, allowing an audience to discover the narrative rather than having it explicitly spelled out. Fanning didn't just attend the Met Gala; she curated an experience, inviting us all back into the enchanting world of Aurora, reimagined for the modern age.
Conclusion: Elle Fanning's 2024 Met Gala appearance was a masterstroke of fashion storytelling. By subtly yet unequivocally nodding to her role as Princess Aurora in *Maleficent* through her custom Balmain "ice sculpture" gown adorned with whimsical crystal birds, she captivated audiences and critics alike. It was a sophisticated, heartfelt, and ultimately iconic interpretation of the "Sleeping Beauties" theme, reaffirming Fanning's unique position as an actress who effortlessly bridges the gap between beloved cinematic characters and the avant-garde world of haute couture.