Every year, the Met Gala fuses fashion, art, and imagination into one spectacular event. The 2025 Met Gala theme, “The Garden of Shadows: Black Daffodils”, brought a hauntingly beautiful twist to traditional florals. It explored the dark, poetic side of blooms, asking guests to embrace a theme rooted in transformation, mystery, and the language of flowers that bloom in the shadows.

At Stem Design, we couldn’t help but be captivated by the concept of black daffodils. While true black daffodils don’t exist in nature, the idea symbolizes rarity, rebellion, and depth—qualities that reflect many of the fashion statements made on this year’s red carpet.

BLACK DAFFODILS: A SYMBOL OF BEAUTY IN DARKNESS

Black daffodils represented more than a flower—they became a symbol of subversion and timeless allure. Designers embraced deep, moody palettes with inky satins, velvet florals, and gothic garden-inspired silhouettes. Celebrities adorned themselves with floral embroidery, petal-shaped gowns, and botanical headpieces that reimagined the bloom in an entirely new light.

As florists, we’re often drawn to flowers for their symbolism, and the Met Gala’s choice of such an evocative bloom aligns with what we love to create at Stem Design—floral experiences that tell a story.

PREVIOUS MET GALA THEMES INSPIRED BY FLOWERS

While “Black Daffodils” may be the darkest take on a floral theme yet, it’s not the first time the Met Gala has drawn inspiration from the natural world. Here are some other memorable years when flowers took centre stage:

2020 – ABOUT TIME: FASHION AND DURATION

While not explicitly floral, this theme inspired timeless pieces with vintage floral motifs and Edwardian garden glamour. Many attendees arrived in dramatic rose-patterned gowns and embroidered floral lace, symbolizing the passage of time through nature’s cycles.

2016 – MANUS X MACHINA: FASHION IN AN AGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Again, while not strictly about flowers, this gala saw many attendees fusing futuristic elements with nature-inspired embellishments. Think silver roses, digitally printed petals, and 3D-printed orchids.

2013 – PUNK: CHAOS TO COUTURE

One of the more rebellious Met Galas, this year gave rise to edgy floral looks—black roses, thorned vines, and punk-inspired wildflower arrangements made it to the carpet. Nature was used as a tool of resistance and power.

BRINGING MET GALA GLAMOUR TO YOUR NEXT EVENT

At Stem Design, we love turning themes into breathtaking floral realities. Whether you’re inspired by the drama of the Met Gala or the quiet elegance of a hidden garden, we can create arrangements that transform any space. Imagine centrepieces built around the idea of “black daffodils” or bouquets that echo red carpet romance.

Our creative floral team thrives on bold concepts. If you’re planning an event in Brisbane or beyond, talk to us about how to infuse a little Met Gala magic into your occasion.

BLOOMS THAT TELL A STORY

The Met Gala always reminds us that fashion and floristry share a common language: expression. Flowers don’t just decorate a space—they create emotion, provoke thought, and tell stories. At Stem Design, that’s exactly what we aim to do with every arrangement.

From delicate peonies to mysterious dark blooms, your story deserves to be told in flowers. Contact Us Today!