Met Gala fans have praised Bad Bunny for his daring interpretation of this year's theme, with the rapper transforming into an elderly man on the red carpet. The 2026 Met Gala, held on Monday 4 May, adopted the theme "Fashion is Art," inspired by the Costume Institute's latest exhibition, which explores depictions of the body through categories including the naked body, classic body, pregnant body, and ageing body.
Bad Bunny's Bold Transformation
The Puerto Rican star, aged 32, arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York wearing old-age makeup, white hair, and a black suit with a large pussybow. He also carried a matching cane, completing the look of an elderly gentleman. His real name is Benito Ocasio, and he is known as the "Nuevayol" singer.
Fans quickly took to social media to comment on his outfit. One user wrote on X: "Bad Bunny is clearly referencing 'THE AGING BODY', which is one of the body types represented inside the Costume Institute's exhibition this year, which is all about different body types in art. Which no one gets, because the Met sucks at making this clear lol." Another added: "So Bad Bunny arrived as an older version of himself. I approve of his performance art."
Behind the Look
Speaking to Vogue at the event, Ocasio joked that it took him "53 years exactly" to get ready for the gala. "It took a little bit but it was worth it. I hope it looks good," he said. "I always try to do something different and this day of the Met is the perfect day to explore and recreate and express yourself in a different way so that's what I'm doing tonight. I'm glad to be here with you and everyone here."
The prosthetics were created by makeup artist Mike Marino, known for his work on films such as Coming 2 America, The Batman, and A Different Man. The rapper designed his own suit in collaboration with Zara, while the pussybow references designer Charles James's 1947 gown "Bustle," which is part of the museum's permanent collection.
Context of the Exhibition
The Costume Institute's 2026 exhibition describes the ageing body theme as "reflecting our fear of having to face our own mortality," noting that the youth-oriented fashion industry has traditionally ignored the aged body. Bad Bunny's look directly engaged with this concept, making a statement about ageing in fashion.
Bad Bunny's Career Highlights
Ocasio has been enjoying one of the biggest years of his career. In April, he was crowned one of the most-streamed artists of all time on Spotify alongside Taylor Swift. In February, he made history by headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, shortly after becoming the first artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year with a record performed entirely in Spanish.
Other Met Gala Highlights
At the gala, Bad Bunny was joined by stars including Nicole Kidman, Beyoncé, and many others. However, the event also attracted controversy due to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, serving as honorary co-chairs and lead donors. Zendaya and other celebrities skipped the event, while activists protested outside, with one group leaving almost 300 bottles of fake urine at the venue.
