Ben Simmons took the Met Gala’s “Garden of Time” theme quite literally.
The Brooklyn Nets point guard sported not one but two timepieces at fashion’s biggest night on Monday. The first was an iced-out Patek Philippe watch, while the second was a bonkers briefcase clock. The black attaché, which showcased a simple two-hand clock and gold hardware, gave the Australian hooper’s ensemble a Mad Hatter-esque feel that was in keeping with the fantastical dress code.
Named after a 1960s short story by English writer J.G. Ballard, the Garden of Time theme stems from the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” All manner of fashionistas, actors, models, athletes, and influencers reflected the theme with otherworldy eveningwear, striking jewelry, and spectacular wrist candy.
For his first Met Gala, Simmons was styled by Wesmore Perriott and wore a Thom Browne look comprising a custom boucle tweed suit and oversized coat. Parts of the impeccably tailored pieces were hand-painted black as a homage to Ballard’s haunting story. The overcoat was also embroidered with a single white bullion rose in another nod to the fable. In The Garden of Time, a wealthy count and countess turn to stone while clinging to one rose.
In addition to carrying the briefcase clock, Simmons strapped an Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” to his wrist. The technicolored chronograph (Ref. 7968/300R-001) features a 39.9 mm rose-gold case, a mother-of-pearl dial engraved with the signature Aquanaut pattern, and a red strap. The dazzling timepiece also features no less than 52 baguette-cut multicolored sapphires and 50 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel and dial.
The response to Simmons’s outfit was overwhelmingly positive—on Instagram, at least. One user wrote, “One of next year’s chairs. He’s earned it.” Another wrote, “LOVEEE!! the clock, and the subtle flower.” Others praised Thom Browne for nailing the brief, writing “The reference to the couple turning to stone, the clock 10/10. Thom Browne the man you are.”
Simmons wasn’t the only celebrity showing off a time-inspired accessory on the famous steps of the Met, though. For her first Met Gala, Singer Tyla wore a Balmain gown made of sculpted sand and carried an hourglass instead of a regular clutch. Considering the fashion world has embraced watch anklets and timepiece chokers, perhaps briefcase clocks and hourglass bags aren’t too far off.
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