The annual Met Gala, a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, celebrates the intersection of art and fashion. The event, held on the first Monday in May, precedes the opening of the institute’s spring exhibition, titled “Costume Art.” This year’s exhibition delves into the relationship between bodies and clothing, showcasing connections between garments and objects in the museum’s collection. The dress code, “Fashion is Art,” guided the evening’s red carpet attire, aligning with the exhibition’s theme.
Aside from raising substantial funds for the New York City museum, the star-studded Met Gala has evolved into a highly anticipated gathering of fashion insiders, A-list celebrities, and affluent individuals. The announcement that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, would be honorary chairs and key sponsors for this year’s event sparked criticism and calls for a boycott from certain groups.
Critics of the gala’s association with the billionaire couple cite ongoing concerns about the event’s emphasis on wealth and exclusivity. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of these aspects, opted out of attending the gala in order to focus on enhancing affordability in the city.
Despite the controversy, numerous prominent figures graced the event. Co-chairs for this year included Vogue global editorial director Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. The host committee members, which included Sabrina Carpenter, Zoë Kravitz, Doja Cat, and Teyana Taylor, were also in attendance alongside a diverse array of celebrities from the realms of fashion, film, television, music, and sports.
The gala’s red carpet showcased a range of striking, art-inspired outfits, featuring elaborate headpieces, statue-inspired ensembles, and unique masks. Noteworthy looks from the 2026 Met Gala included:
– Beyoncé’s embellished skeleton gown by Olivier Rousteing
– Sabrina Carpenter’s custom Dior halter dress made from film strips
– Connor Storrie’s polka-dot halter top and tailored trousers by Saint Laurent
– Serena Williams’ draped silver mini dress by Marc Jacobs
– Emma Chamberlain’s multicolored, hand-painted Mugler gown with fringed sleeves
– Ashley Graham’s serpent-skin-inspired mesh gown by Di Petsa
– Nicole Kidman’s red sequined Chanel gown with feathered trim
– Lisa’s veiled white ensemble by Robert Wun
– Tschabalala Self’s grey-and-silver bubble-hem dress by Brandon Blackwood
– Katy Perry’s deadstock cream gown with a sculptural silver face mask by Miodrag Guberinic
– Naomi Osaka’s dramatic feathered look by Robert Wun
– Rosé’s black strapless Saint Laurent gown with an oversized, embellished bird motif
– Janelle Monáe’s surreal gown made with electrical wires, cables, moss, succulents, and butterflies by Christian Siriano
– Patrick Schwarzenegger’s black corseted look with a cropped leather jacket by Public School
– Ephraim Sykes’ angelic caped suiting look by Who Decides War
– Yseult’s black and gold beaded gown by Harris Reed
– Sarah Paulson’s custom grey gown by Matières Fécales with a U.S. dollar bill mask
– Tate McRae’s golden off-the-shoulder gown by Ludovic de Saint Sernin
– Rihanna’s metallic Maison Margiela gown by Glenn Martens and A$AP Rocky’s pink wool robe with fine jewelry by Chanel
The 2026 Met Gala red carpet showcased a diverse and innovative range of fashion choices, reflecting the theme of the event and highlighting the creative intersection between art and clothing.
