By AFRO Staff
The 2024 Baltimore MET Gala returned for a third year on Sept. 14.
Creatives of every genre descended upon The HALL – LIVE! Casino and Hotel Maryland for the fashion and awards show, executive produced by LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase.
Attendees did their best to adhere to this year’s theme, “Adam and Eve: Enter the Garden,” by sporting sleek fabrics and vibrant floral numbers.
“We know the rich pool of talent is here in the city, and that’s through all genres, particularly the arts, fashion and culinary scenes,” said Chase, in a statement. “Drawing talent to the city to be part of the Baltimore Story, through this unique production, is a testament to the value we’ve created in the three short years of executing at a high level of excellence.”
The event featured entertainment by DJ Tanz and a culinary experience was curated by founder of the Black Owned Restaurant Tour (BORT), Azikiwe “Zik” DeVeaux, who pulled together offerings from several restaurants for ‘A Taste of the MET.’
The fashion show portion of the event was produced by Lana Rae. Models included in the fashion show came from as far as San Diego, Calif., St. Louis and other cities across the nation to wear the fashions of local designers. Roughly 150 models were selected from a pool of 500 by designers Jody Davis and Earle Bannister. The Baltimore MET Gala also featured an art exhibition, curated by Ernest Shaw, Ainsley Burrows and Laurielle Noel.
The event included several Community Impact Awards:
- P. David Bramble, Managing Partner/Co-Founder | MCB Real Estate
- Edward “Ed” Evans, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion | Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland
- Linzy Jackson, III, Director of External Partnerships | Office of the Mayo
- Susan J. Lee, Vice President of Diversity Partnerships | MOI
- Detra Neal, Sales Manager, Market, Mid-Atlantic | Kimball International
- Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, Founder and CEO | Black Girls Vote
- Shelonda Stokes, President | Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
A model walks the runway in a design by Afua Sam. 
travis winkey 
Tershea Rice, interim chief of operations for the Greater Baltimore Urban League, makes an appearance at the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala. 
Meagan Rivers, of WBAL, keeps the Baltimore MET Gala program moving along as mistress of ceremonies. 
Laurese Kelly interprets the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala theme of “Adam and Eve: Enter the Garden,” in a number reminiscent of the famed creation story from the Bible. 
Jody Davis 
Designer Andrew Nowell (right), enjoys the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala. 
Designer Sean Bellamy proudly participates in the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala. 
Earle Bannister 
DJ Tanz keeps the crowd moving. 
Designs by Jody Davis once again wow the crowd. 
A model brings the work of designer Sean Bellamy to life. 
A pair of models show off designs by Luqman Haskett. 
Fashions from Dermaine Johnson are taken in by the crowd. 
Luqman Haskett shows appreciation for the opportunity to show his designs at the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala. 
Afua Sam (center), one of the designers for the fashion show portion of the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala, takes to the stage. 
Designer Rania Youniss greets the crowd. 
Dermaine Johnson 
A model shows off designs by Andrew Nowell. 
A design by Rania Youniss makes its way down the runway. 
The designs of Earle Bannister are put on display. 
Shelonda Stokes, president of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, takes to the runway of the Baltimore MET Gala. Stokes was recognized with a community impact award at the event.