Sarah Jessica Parker Stuns at the Met Gala in Birdcage Dress and Golden Headpiece, Earning Mixed Reactions

Sarah Jessica Parker wowed the 2024 Met Gala crowd with her stunning birdcage-inspired outfit. However, sharp-eyed netizens, while admiring her style, couldn't resist adding some humor by noting that her ensemble seemed more suitable for a horse race.

Sarah Jessica Parker stole the spotlight at the Met Gala in a captivating birdcage-inspired ensemble. Her outfit not only dazzled in line with the theme "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" but also effortlessly embodied the event's official dress code, "Garden of Time."

Parker wore a cream-colored mid-length dress designed by British designer Richard Quinn. It had intricate details, with white lace adorned with crystals. She paired it with a hat accented by a gold piece on the side, a long pearl necklace, and crystal accessories.

Parker completed her look with nude heels wrapped in crystal-studded stockings and carried a purse. Netizens were quick to react to her striking look, with some sharing lighthearted commentary.

Some praised her for embodying the spirit of the event, proclaiming her the "Queen of the Met," while others marveled at her brilliance. "You are perfection," a fan said. Another was awestruck, commenting, "My god @sarahjessicaparker, you are stunning."

One fan captured the essence of her look perfectly, stating, "Nailed it! Understood the theme more than anyone." However, the internet wouldn't be complete without a little humor, and playful comments soon emerged.

Observers jokingly referenced her dress's whimsical nature, by writing, "Ma'am, the Kentucky Derby was yesterday." Another teased, "Off to the races," while a witty netizen pondered aloud, "I began to wonder: was I really dressing for the Met, or was I late to the Kentucky Derby? Love it."

Parker's look wasn't just a crowd-pleaser; it was also the product of a thoughtful collaboration with Quinn, pushing the "Garden of Time" dress code to its limits.

She got the idea to approach Quinn after "And Just Like That…" series costume designer Molly Rogers suggested involving the British designer in the show’s season three costumes.

Parker first drew inspiration from some artworks at the Sargent and Fashion exhibit at Tate Britain. But she felt that Quinn's collection captured the Met's theme perfectly. "His most recent collection coincidentally had pieces that, in many ways, communicated or inferred the Met theme as we understood it," she said.

According to Quinn, the wire frame was essential for the birdcage style, with hand-cut lace added to give it a floral feel. Crystals sparkling across the lace emphasized the idea of preservation and showed Quinn's love for timeless fashion.

“With this dress, we wanted to play on the idea of preservation; the dress appears so fragile as to be almost ephemeral, but with care and consideration it has been built to last," said Quinn.

This year's Met Gala marks Parker's 12th appearance since she first attended in 1995, wearing a thrifted black velvet dress. Over the years, she’s become known as one of the red carpet’s must-watch figures.

In 2013, she dazzled the crowd with her rebellious rock princess persona at the "PUNK: Chaos to Couture" exhibition, blending edgy attitude with high fashion flair.

Then in 2014, she enchanted the public in a sophisticated black and white gown, playfully incorporating checkered fabric at the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" gala.

In 2015, she wore a striking black dress with a red and silver headdress at the "China: Through The Looking Glass" Gala. Accompanying her was television show host Andy Cohen, looking dapper in a black suit and ribbon tie.

In 2018, Parker and Cohen mesmerized spectators once again. Cohen sported a white suit, black pants, and gold shoes, while Parker dazzled in an intricately designed golden gown with a matching crown.

In 2022, the veteran actress embraced vintage Americana charm with a ball gown that perfectly embodied the "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" Gala theme.

Despite her many successes, Parker wasn’t immune to criticism, which surfaced in 2016 during the "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology" event.

She wore a chic all-white ensemble with gold and brown accents and a vintage pendant necklace, topping off the look with blue heels. However, a netizen criticized her outfit for not fitting the theme.

Parker swiftly defended her choice. "Perhaps you weren't aware of the technology used in the details and embellishments of the design. Or perhaps you simply didn't like what I wore which is completely fine but you can't accuse me of not paying close attention and adhering to the theme," she wrote.

She emphasized her thorough research and dedication to each Met Gala theme, ensuring every outfit incorporates detailed craftsmanship. "I'm a stickler for the theme and pay close attention to what it means," she added.

In a 2022 Vogue video, Parker shared her thoughts on preparing for the Met Gala. She was surprised how others don’t spend seven to ten months perfecting their look.

Parker explained that the exhibit brings together academic, historical, and fashion elements, all of which require careful planning. "It's an assignment; you should interpret it," she added.

While it would be easy to wear a beautiful dress, Parker believed the real challenge lies in adhering to the theme, which can sometimes be elusive. She spoke about spending days deciphering abstract themes, likening it to singing a song. "Either you're an interpreter, or you're not," she said.

For Parker, creating a successful Met Gala look is hard work and challenging, demanding real dedication to understand and capture the theme.

Beyond her Met Gala style evolution, Sarah Jessica Parker has been open about aging gracefully in Hollywood. She has embraced her gray hair despite criticism and holds unique views on cosmetic surgery.

In a past conversation with television host Howard Stern, Parker discussed the prevalence of cosmetic surgery and societal pressure on aging in Hollywood.

When asked about her own views on procedures like facelifts and Botox, Parker admitted to considering them but had not undergone plastic surgery, opting instead for dermatological treatments like skin peels.

She reflected on the societal pressures surrounding beauty and aging, citing a viral photo with Cohen where critics focused on her appearance but ignored his gray hair. Despite criticism, Parker seems unfazed and holds a clear perspective on aging.

She expressed, "I just don't spend that much time [thinking about appearance]. It's not that I don't have an ego, that I don't have a decent, healthy amount of vanity, but I just don't want to spend that much time really deconstructing it all. I like to be graceful with myself. I'm not delusional. I know that age adds up..."

In the end, Parker emphasized the importance of embracing aging gracefully and staying true to one's personal style.