The 2026 red carpet event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute embraced the theme of “Costume Art” and adopted a dress code titled “Fashion is Art.” Despite the event’s controversy linked to billionaire sponsors, the red carpet showcased a night of captivating fashion displays. Attendees drew inspiration from various art forms spanning 5,000 years, ranging from classical sculpture to iconic artworks.
Celebrities like Emma Chamberlain, Sabrina Carpenter, Blackpink’s Lisa, and others channeled artistic influences on the carpet, mirroring famous artworks and cultural references. For a closer look at the standout fashion moments from the red carpet, curated by our fashion expert Truc Nguyen, click here.
The event saw attendees embodying artistic themes through their outfits. Heidi Klum donned a full-body illusion inspired by Raffaelle Monti’s “The Veiled Vestal,” created with the expertise of prosthetic makeup artist Mike Marino. Beyoncé graced the occasion in a crystalline skeleton gown and a feathered opera coat designed by Olivier Rousteing.
Madonna made a statement in a custom Saint Laurent ensemble inspired by surrealist painter Leonora Carrington’s “The Temptation of St. Anthony, Fragment II.” Kendall Jenner stunned in Zac Posen, drawing inspiration from the second-century Greek statue “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” Hailey Bieber flaunted a custom Saint Laurent creation paying homage to the 1969 collaboration between Yves Saint Laurent and sculptor Claude Lalanne.
Bad Bunny opted for a transformative prosthetic look inspired by the theme of “The Aging Body,” featured in the Costume Institute exhibition. Chase Infiniti turned heads in a beaded trompe l’oeil dress by Thom Browne inspired by the iconic “Venus de Milo” sculpture.
Luke Evans rocked a Palomo Spain outfit reflecting the sensual illustrations of Tom of Finland. Audrey Nuna exuded elegance in Robert Wun, drawing inspiration from Jackson Pollock’s abstract expressionist piece “Number 26A, Black and White.” Angela Bassett made a notable appearance in a Prabal Gurung outfit inspired by Laura Wheeler Waring’s painting “Girl in a Pink Dress.”
Rachel Zegler captivated in a Prabal Gurung ensemble inspired by Paul Delaroche’s painting “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey.” Cardi B showcased a Marc Jacobs creation inspired by the surrealist doll works of Hans Bellmer. Hunter Schafer mesmerized in Prada attire inspired by Gustav Klimt’s “Mäda Primavesi” painting.
Anok Yai dazzled in Balenciaga by Pierpaolo Piccioli, drawing inspiration from the Black Madonna religious icon. These celebrities and their unique designs truly encapsulated the artistic essence of the night.
