The Hidden Meaning Behind Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 Met Gala Look Was Perfectly On Theme, And Other Guests Should Take Note

According to his biography, Ystumllyn was abducted from his home in Africa to become a servant for an upper-class white family in Wales when he was about 8 years old. He was believed to be among the first Black men to live in Wales, and it was there that he embraced his natural abilities in horticulture, becoming the first Black gardener.

“Through adversity, he really triumphed, so that’s where the inspiration really came from,” he said, referring to Ystumllyn as he pointed out that the thorns incorporated into his look were to represent the “pain” caused by the slavery trade.

“I hope the sun pours light upon our skin. And we melt into each other, into everything. Maybe the trees will speak, as they sometimes do. Whispers from the shade — Run, run away,” the excerpt inside his jacket read.

“he's honoring the life of John Ystumllyn, the first black gardener in Wales, hence the flower earrings and details on the suit,” one user wrote in response to his interview with Vogue, amassing more than 58,000 likes. “not only it looks beautiful, its meaning is even more beautiful. he never misses.”

“Stories like this are part of what make the met gala so beautiful,” added someone else. “Being able to share history in a way that can be preserved. I think people forget that its a fundraiser and goes to preserving years of historical fashion. And gives moments for designers of all origins to shine.”

“one of the best look of the met imo, it IS in the theme and what makes it look even better is that there is a real story behind it, it’s meaningful like it’s not just a black suit with flowers,” echoed another user.

“It’s been an honor to be able to put this table together to celebrate and support Black creatives,” he said at the time. “It’s so important for me to be able to offer more opportunities for underrepresented people and I hope this will help spark conversation for more inclusion in the fashion industry.”

Lewis’s table included Kehlani, Miles Chamley-Watson, Alton Mason, Law Roach, and Sha’Carri Richardson, as well as designers Kenneth Nicholson, Edvin Thompson, and Jason Rembert.