Celebrity stylists have shared their predictions for the 2026 Met Gala, which takes place on 4 May with the theme 'Fashion is Art'. The dress code is inspired by the Costume Institute's spring exhibition 'Costume Art', which 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 will dress VIPs for the event, predicts a surge in sheer and lace dresses, continuing the 'naked dressing' trend seen on celebrities such as Julia Fox and Chappell Roan. He expects homages to iconic red carpet moments, citing Beyoncé's 2012 sheer black Givenchy look with a blue and black feather train. Moody also foresees sculptural, oversized silhouettes inspired by John Galliano's 2003 Dior couture show, which featured voluminous kimonos, hoopskirts and tent-like dresses.
Literal interpretations of art are also anticipated, with guests potentially wearing dresses printed with the Mona Lisa or jackets depicting classical paintings such as Fragonard's 'The Swing'. Moody believes we will see sculptures or work from designers' favourite visual artists. Meanwhile, stylist Mickey Freeman predicts the revival of archival pieces, particularly from Thierry Mugler's 1980s and 1990s collections, known for theatrical and architectural designs.
Freeman also suggests that anatomical fashion may appear, with garments mimicking organs and bones. He references Elsa Schiaparelli's 1938 Skeleton Dress and Alexander McQueen's 2023 'Anatomy' collection as potential inspirations. 'There are so many ways you can look at it,' Freeman said. 'That's the beauty of the Met Gala: it's your interpretation.'
