At the 2026 Met Gala, the red carpet embraced the theme of “Costume Art” from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, with a dress code highlighting “Fashion is Art.” Despite controversy over the event’s billionaire sponsors, the attendees showcased a night of fashion theater by drawing inspiration from various artistic influences spanning thousands of years.
Celebrities transformed the red carpet into a living gallery, channeling classical sculptures, iconic artworks, and traditional Thai dance. Emma Chamberlain paid homage to Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch, Sabrina Carpenter sported a dress featuring film strips from the 1954 Audrey Hepburn movie “Sabrina,” and Blackpink’s Lisa flaunted a surreal look inspired by Thai dance.
Heidi Klum stunned in a full-body illusion look resembling “The Veiled Vestal” by Raffaelle Monti, while Beyoncé graced the event in a crystalline skeleton gown and feathered opera coat. Madonna wowed the crowd in a Saint Laurent ensemble inspired by surrealist painter Leonora Carrington. Kendall Jenner channeled the Winged Victory of Samothrace in a Zac Posen creation.
Hailey Bieber paid tribute to the 1969 collaboration between Yves Saint Laurent and sculptor Claude Lalanne in a custom Saint Laurent outfit. Bad Bunny embraced “The Aging Body” theme with a transformative prosthetic look, and Chase Infiniti embodied the Venus de Milo in a beaded dress by Thom Browne.
Luke Evans rocked a Palomo Spain outfit inspired by illustrator Tom of Finland, while Audrey Nuna dazzled in Robert Wun attire reflecting Jackson Pollock’s abstract expressionist work. Angela Bassett exuded elegance in a Prabal Gurung ensemble reminiscent of Laura Wheeler Waring’s “Girl in a Pink Dress.”
Rachel Zegler captivated in a Prabal Gurung outfit inspired by Paul Delaroche’s “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey.” Cardi B flaunted a Marc Jacobs creation influenced by the surrealist doll works of Hans Bellmer. Hunter Schafer embodied Gustav Klimt’s “Mäda Primavesi” in a Prada gown, and Anok Yai stunned in a Balenciaga ensemble inspired by the Black Madonna.
These celebrities and their unique designs truly captured the artistic essence of the evening.