Celebrity stylists have shared their predictions for the Met Gala 2026, which takes place on May 4 with 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, predicts a surge in 'naked dressing'—sheer, lace dresses that accentuate the female form. He cites Beyoncé's 2012 sheer black Givenchy look with a feathered train as a potential inspiration for homages. Moody also expects sculptural, oversized silhouettes, referencing John Galliano's 2003 Christian Dior couture show featuring voluminous kimonos and hoopskirts.
Literal interpretations of art are also anticipated, such as dresses printed with the Mona Lisa or jackets depicting classical paintings like Fragonard's 'The Swing.' Moody notes, 'We will see a lot of sculptures or interpretations of art on the wall, or work from designers' favourite visual artists.'
Stylist Mickey Freeman, who styled producer Cody Renard Richard for the 2025 Met Gala, believes archival pieces will be unearthed. He points to Thierry Mugler's theatrical 1980s and 1990s designs, saying, 'Mugler's rare archival pieces never see the light of day. I think they could finally be getting their moment.' Freeman also predicts anatomical fashion, referencing Elsa Schiaparelli's 1938 Skeleton Dress and Alexander McQueen's 2023 'Anatomy' collection.
