The most talked-about looks at this year's Met Gala

May 5, 2026

The 2026 Met Gala, fashion's premier fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, featured a "costume art" theme that encouraged lavish and whimsical interpretations from attendees. Broadway performer Joshua Henry opened the evening with a musical performance on the museum's steps, which were transformed to resemble a lush garden setting. The star-studded guest list included co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, with many celebrities creating elaborate looks that referenced famous artists and artworks.

Who is affected

Celebrities and performers including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Blue Ivy, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Katy Perry, Heidi Klum, Naomi Osaka, Angela Bassett, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Nicole Kidman, Cher, Stevie Nicks, Doja Cat, Lisa and Rosé from Blackpink, Zoë Kravitz, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and numerous other attendees
Fashion designers and design houses including Olivier Rousteing, Chanel, Maison Margiela, Saint Laurent, Schiaparelli, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Prada, Robert Wun, and Manish Malhotra
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute (beneficiary of the fundraiser)
Aaron Philip, the first wheelchair user to attend the Met Gala
Artisan teams (such as the 50 artisans who worked 960 hours on Manish Malhotra's cape design)
Anna Wintour in her first Gala since stepping down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue
Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, breakout stars from Heated Rivalry

What action is being taken

The Met Gala is serving as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute
Joshua Henry is performing "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" with a band and dancers on the Met's steps
Celebrities are posing for cameras on the red carpet
The BBC is catching up with and interviewing attendees on the carpet
Teyana Taylor is dancing on the carpet in her fringed dress

Why it matters

The Met Gala represents a significant cultural moment that combines fashion, art, celebrity, and philanthropy, raising crucial funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. This year's event holds particular significance as it marks several historic milestones, including Aaron Philip becoming the first wheelchair user to attend, demonstrating progress in disability representation at elite cultural events. The gala serves as a platform where fashion becomes an accessible art form for the public, with designers and celebrities collaborating to create looks that reference and honor fine art, thereby bridging high fashion with museum collections. The event also reflects shifting cultural landscapes, featuring emerging stars from streaming platforms alongside established icons, and showcasing designers from diverse cultural backgrounds including Indian couture on the global stage.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC