Celebrity stylists have shared their predictions for the Met Gala 2026, which takes place on May 4 under the theme 'Fashion is Art'. The dress code, inspired by the Costume Institute's spring exhibition 'Costume Art', explores depictions of the dressed body through categories including 'the naked body', 'classic body', 'pregnant body' and 'ageing body'. Guests are encouraged to view their bodies as a blank canvas.
Stylist KJ Moody, who is dressing VIPs for the event, expects a surge in 'naked dressing'—sheer, lace dresses that accentuate the female form. He cites Beyoncé's 2012 sheer black Givenchy gown with a feather train as a potential inspiration for homages. Alternatively, Moody predicts sculptural, oversized silhouettes inspired by John Galliano's 2003 Christian Dior couture show, which featured voluminous kimonos, hoopskirts and tent-like structures.
Some guests may interpret the theme literally, wearing dresses printed with famous artworks such as the Mona Lisa or a sequined jacket depicting Fragonard's 'The Swing'. 'We will see a lot of sculptures or interpretations of art on the wall,' Moody said, adding that looks from designers' favourite visual artists are likely to appear.
Stylist Mickey Freeman, who styled producer Cody Renard Richard for last year's Met Gala, predicts that archival pieces from designers like Thierry Mugler will finally make their debut. 'Mugler's rare archival pieces never see the light of day,' Freeman said. 'I think they could finally be getting their moment.' He also foresees anatomical fashion—garments mimicking organs and bones—citing Elsa Schiaparelli's 1938 Skeleton Dress and Alexander McQueen's 2023 'Anatomy' collection as precedents.
