The 2026 Met Gala embraced the theme of “Costume Art” curated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, with a red carpet dress code of “Fashion is Art.” Despite the controversy surrounding the event’s billionaire sponsorship, celebrities showcased a night of fashion drama. Attendees drew inspiration from various art forms spanning 5,000 years, incorporating classical sculpture, iconic artworks, and elements of visual culture into their looks.
Some notable highlights from the red carpet included Emma Chamberlain channeling Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch, Sabrina Carpenter’s dress featuring film strips from the 1954 movie “Sabrina,” and Blackpink’s Lisa donning a surreal ensemble inspired by traditional Thai dance. Heidi Klum transformed into “The Veiled Vestal” by Raffaelle Monti using intricate prosthetic makeup, while Beyoncé stunned in a crystalline skeleton gown by Olivier Rousteing.
Other standout interpretations included Madonna as “The Temptation of St. Anthony” by Leonora Carrington, Kendall Jenner as “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” and Hailey Bieber paying homage to the 1969 collaboration between Yves Saint Laurent and sculptor Claude Lalanne. Bad Bunny embodied “The Aging Body” with a transformative prosthetic look, while Chase Infiniti channeled the “Venus de Milo” in a beaded trompe l’oeil dress.
Luke Evans evoked the essence of Tom of Finland figures in a Palomo Spain creation, Audrey Nuna showcased abstract expressionism inspired by Jackson Pollock, and Angela Bassett captured the essence of “Girl in a Pink Dress” by Laura Wheeler Waring. Rachel Zegler paid tribute to “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey” by Paul Delaroche, Cardi B embraced surrealism with a Marc Jacobs creation inspired by Hans Bellmer, and Hunter Schafer embodied Gustav Klimt’s “Mäda Primavesi” in Prada.
Lastly, Anok Yai stunned as the Black Madonna in Balenciaga by Pierpaolo Piccioli, adding a religious icon-inspired touch to the artistic extravaganza of the night. These celebrities and their ensembles truly encapsulated the artistic themes of the event.