The 2026 Met Gala theme, 'Fashion is Art,' proved to be one of the most ambiguous dress codes yet, inspiring a mix of breathtaking and bizarre looks on the red carpet. Monday night’s annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute drew inspiration from the museum’s spring exhibition, 'Costume Art,' which explores depictions of the dressed body through themes like 'the naked body,' 'classic body,' 'pregnant body,' and 'ageing body.' Guests were tasked with celebrating 'the countless depictions of the dressed body throughout art history,' leading to a parade of naked dresses, sculptural silhouettes, and daring interpretations.
Co-Chairs and Theme Interpretations
Nicole Kidman, one of the evening’s co-chairs, arrived early in a stunning sequinned and feathered Chanel gown. While gorgeous, her look missed the mark on the dress code. Beyoncé, returning to the Met Gala for the first time in a decade, made a powerful statement as a co-chair. She dazzled in a custom diamante skeleton-style bustier dress by Olivier Rousteing, accompanied by her daughter Blue Ivy and husband Jay-Z. The sheer silver gown, adorned with a crystal skeleton and sweeping feathered train, was one of the most dramatic looks of the night.
Beyoncé: A Triumphant Return
Beyoncé’s long-awaited comeback after 10 years was a family affair. Her ensemble, a collaboration with longtime designer Olivier Rousteing, featured a crystal-encrusted skeleton that perfectly aligned with the anatomical aspects of the theme. The crystal headpiece and feathered train added to the spectacle, earning her top marks from fashion critics.
Rihanna: Fashionably Late and On Point
Rihanna, known for her iconic Met Gala moments, arrived with husband A$AP Rocky in custom Maison Margiela by Glenn Martens. Her sculptural metallic gown, inspired by medieval architecture, was complemented by diamond rings and bejewelled eye makeup. Unlike previous years, she arrived on time, making a grand entrance in a hand-sculpted draped column silhouette.
Doechii: Barefoot and Bold
Rapper Doechii made a sartorial splash for her sophomore Met Gala in a burgundy Marc Jacobs wrap dress that exposed her torso and back. She ditched shoes to commit to the bohemian vibe, arriving barefoot with fabric draped over her head before revealing her full outfit.
Madonna and Nicole Kidman: Mixed Results
Madonna channelled a spooky vibe in an Anthony Vaccarello Saint Laurent design, accessorized with a pirate-ship hat and brass circular trumpet. Nicole Kidman, meanwhile, looked sleek in a crimson red Chanel gown with fluffy Mongolian wool cuffs, but failed to capture the theme.
Standout Looks
Tennis star Naomi Osaka wore a magnificent custom two-piece set from Robert Wun, featured in the Met’s 'Costume Art' exhibit, with anatomical references in her hat. Internet personality Emma Chamberlain used her body as a canvas in a custom Mugler gown with a watercolor design. Connor Storrie stunned in a Saint Laurent black suit with an extra-long lavallière top, while Sabrina Carpenter channelled old Hollywood in a Dior dress made from film from the 1995 movie 'Sabrina.'
Naked Dresses and Sculptural Silhouettes
Gigi Hadid chose the naked dress route in a custom sheer Miu Miu dress with satin briefs underneath. Ashley Graham turned to Greek designer Dimitra Petsa for a showstopping second-skin nude dress that interpreted the 'nude body' section of the exhibit. Kim Kardashian accentuated the female form with tangerine orange body plates crafted in the 1960s, working with British artist Allen Jones.
Heidi Klum and Katy Perry: Bizarre and Bold
Heidi Klum, known for her imaginative costumes, literally turned to stone, transforming into a walking statue. Katy Perry channelled fencing chic in a futuristic headpiece covering her entire face and a matching white gown from Stella McCartney. Kylie Jenner played on the naked body aspect in a Schiaparelli gown with a nude corset top featuring visible nipples and a belly button, strikingly similar to sister Kim’s Skims nipple bra.
From Beyoncé’s skeleton dress to Heidi Klum’s statue, the 2026 Met Gala delivered a mix of artful and absurd interpretations of the theme, leaving fashion enthusiasts debating the best and worst dressed of the night.
