The 2026 Met Gala took place with stars including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Nicole Kidman co-chairing the event, which served as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. This year’s theme, inspired by the museum’s upcoming exhibit “Costume Art,” called for the dress code “Fashion is Art,” resulting in dramatic and artfully crafted red carpet looks from attendees.
Notable Attendees and Designs
Beyoncé, her daughter Blue Ivy, and Jay-Z attended together, marking Blue Ivy’s first Met Gala appearance at age 14. Rihanna, a long-standing Met Gala icon, closed the night wearing a Maison Margiela piece while her partner A$AP Rocky selected Chanel. Kim Kardashian, attending for her 13th time, embodied the theme with a structured orange fiberglass top. Supermodel Kate Moss appeared in Saint Laurent alongside her daughter Lila Moss, who wore Conner Ives. Olympic athletes like Eileen Gu and Lindsey Vonn also caught attention with outfits by Iris van Herpen and Thom Browne, respectively.
First-time Met Gala attendees with recent fame included actor Sarah Pidgeon and singer Tate McRae, while tennis star Naomi Osaka and singer Katy Perry made notable fashion statements with dramatic red carpet reveals. Musical newcomer Sombr debuted in a custom metallic Valentino ensemble complete with a cape and lace top, utilizing bold eye makeup.
Models and artists embraced avant-garde styles: Irina Shayk wore a unique outfit composed entirely of jewelry—watches, rings, and necklaces—designed by Alexander Wang. Actress Tessa Thompson portrayed a paint splatter effect in a cobalt blue dress fitting the theme “Fashion is Art.” Notably absent was Zendaya, a frequent Met Gala standout, though her stylist attended the event in her stead.
Event Experience and Traditions
After the red carpet, guests enjoyed a catered dinner featuring burrata, rack of lamb, and multiple desserts from Olivier Cheng Catering and Events. Performances were scheduled to take place at the Temple of Dendur inside The Met, a tradition that has previously included artists such as Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. Attendees were given the chance to preview the “Costume Art” exhibit ahead of its public debut on May 10. Strict no-phone and no-social-media policies applied inside the museum to preserve the exclusivity of the event, although exceptions like Kylie Jenner sneaking a mirror selfie were known.
Why it matters
The Met Gala remains one of the most influential fashion events globally, spotlighting creative expression at the intersection of fashion and art. Supported by key figures like Beyoncé and Anna Wintour, it raises significant funds for the Costume Institute, helping preserve and showcase historical and contemporary costume design. This year’s “Costume Art” theme highlights the artistic craftsmanship behind clothing, reinforcing the Gala’s role in shaping fashion discourse.
Background
The Met Gala is the annual fundraiser for The Met’s Costume Institute, marking the debut of the institute’s new exhibition. Past themes have celebrated Black designers, tailoring, nature-inspired designs, and fashion legends like Karl Lagerfeld. Each year, the event draws a diverse crowd of celebrities, designers, models, athletes, and cultural icons, setting trends and reflecting the evolving conversation around fashion as a form of artistic and cultural expression.
Sources
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