Met Gala 2026, held on Monday in New York, brought together big names in fashion, music, sports, politics and entertainment, in an event considered the most important fundraiser in the fashion industry. The gala, held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, supports the Costume Institute and gathered around 450 guests in an edition that set a new financial record.
This year’s event managed to collect “no more, no less than $42 million”according to Women’s Wear Daily, surpassing previous editions and confirming its status as a global landmark in charity and fashion.
The chosen theme for 2026, “Costume Art”, encouraged guests to transform the green carpet into a stage of artistic expression with spectacular, theatrical and sometimes controversial outfits.
Jeff Bezos, between presence and protests
One of the guests who caught the attention of the public was Jeff Bezos. He attended the event, but arrived later and did not walk with his wife on the red carpet. His presence provoked strong reactions.
Following the announcement of his participation, there were calls for a boycott on social media and protests were organized in New York. The message appeared on the placards: “Bezos’ Met Gala: Made by Exploiting Workers”, in reference to older allegations related to working conditions at Amazon, according to 6ABC.
The opening of the evening and the atmosphere of the gala
The evening kicked off in spectacular fashion with Broadway star Joshua Henry performing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, accompanied by dancers and a live orchestra, on the transformed steps of the museum.
Among the hosts of the event were Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour. The green carpet was crossed by stars like Naomi Osaka, Angela Bassett, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter.
Outfits that caught all eyes
Rihanna wore a Maison Margiela dress with “115,000 crystal beads,” while A$AP Rocky opted for a Chanel creation with a flamingo pink coat.
Katy Perry surprised by a mysterious appearance, wearing “a dress, a metal mask and long gloves”, from Stella McCartney, initially being unrecognizable on the green carpet.
Heidi Klum continued her streak of spectacular appearances, choosing a latex and spandex prosthetic costume inspired by the sculpture “Veiled Vestal” by Raffaelle Monti.
Actress Sarah Paulson drew attention with a mask made from a $1 bill, explaining that it symbolized the “1%,” according to Vanity Fair.
Kim Kardashian proposed a 60s-inspired interpretation, created in collaboration with British artist Allen Jones, in an orange dress, described as an adaptation of an original concept intended for a mannequin.
Beyoncé wowed in a sheer diamond skeleton dress by Olivier Rousteing, accessorized with an oversized coat and statement jewellery. She joined Jay-Z and their daughter Blue Ivy in one of the most talked about appearances of the night.
Cardi B appeared at the MET Gala in a stunning dress, but also with a pair of pink, very high platforms, both by Marc Jacobs.
Nicole Kidman chose a long red Chanel dress with sleeves and beaded appliqués. She came to the gala with her daughter, Sunday Rose.
American tennis champion and five-time Wimbledon winner Venus Williams wore a shimmering black dress, complemented by a luxurious silver and jeweled neckpiece.
Her sister, Serena Williams, chose a silver Marc Jacobs creation that recalled the classic art on display in the museum.
Bad Bunny also took the costume theme too far. The 32-year-old singer wore make-up that made him look like an older man, but an extremely stylish one.
Angela Bassett wore a pink dress by Prabal Gurung, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance artist Laura Wheeler Waring’s painting “Girl in a Pink Dress”. The actress told the BBC that fashion plays a key role in how she gets into a character.
The Gala of the Metropolitan Museum (Met) in New York, between extravagant stars and arrested protesters
Influencer Emma Chamberlain chose a multicolored Mugler by Miguel Castro Freitas dress with a look reminiscent of a painting.
Model and activist Aariana Rose Philip marked a historic moment by being the first person in a wheelchair to attend the Met Gala, according to Vogue magazine.
“For a long time, people with disabilities were not represented anywhere,” she told Vogue. “The idea of being able to exist at such an event was not even considered. To get from there to here, to somehow find myself in that place, is something that I feel extremely blessed and honored for.”
Teyana Taylor brought her fringed dress to life by dancing on the green carpet, turning the appearance into a dynamic and energetic moment.
Bollywood director Karan Johar, for his part, wore a creation signed by his friend Manish Malhotra. The outfit included a vintage jacket and a hand-painted cape with detailed embroidery. Johar’s team described the cape paintings as characters inspired by Indian mythology.
The Ralph Lauren dress worn by Cara Delevingne seemed simple at first glance. But when the actress and model returned, the sheer details on the back created a spectacular effect on the Met steps.
Actress Chase Sui Wonders wore a dress in a delicate shade of lavender, complete with diamonds.
Lena Dunham, creator of the HBO series “Girls“, returned to the Met Gala in a red Valentino gown made of feathers and sequins. She told Vogue that the outfit was inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi’s Renaissance painting Judith Slaying Holofernes, specifically the blood gushing from the Assyrian general’s neck.
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Although there were several shades of green on the green carpet, Charli XCX avoided her signature color and opted for a sophisticated black Saint Laurent dress with a floral embellishment on the front.
Tennis champion Naomi Osaka arrived in a white and red Robert Wun creation. The athlete, in fact, had two appearances in one: she took off her white coat to reveal a second outfit, a deep cherry dress with a lace-up back.
Fashion as performance and art
The “Costume Art” theme was freely interpreted by the guests, resulting in varied appearances, from reinterpretations of classical sculptures and paintings, to theatrical or conceptual costumes.
Heidi Klum was inspired by 19th century art, Bad Bunny appeared dressed as an elderly but elegant character, and Angela Bassett wore a pink dress inspired by a Harlem Renaissance painting.
Model Aariana Rose Philip became the first person in a wheelchair to attend the Met Gala, a moment considered symbolic for inclusion.
Met Gala 2026 reconfirmed its status as an event where fashion becomes a global spectacle and the boundaries between art, controversy and entertainment are constantly pushed further.
