Published: May 5, 2026 Last Updated 2 hours ago by FPN
The 2026 Met Gala reaffirmed its status as fashion’s premier event.
With the “Fashion is Art” dress code, inspired by the Costume Institute’s “Costume Art” exhibition, celebrities turned the red carpet into a showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and bold self-expression.
The evening’s standout looks blended artistic inspiration with the human form, using sculptural silhouettes, painterly details, and symbolic references. These ensembles not only met the theme but elevated it. Below is our selection of the 17 best-dressed celebrities at the 2026 Met Gala.
Chase Infiniti in Thom Browne
Chase Infiniti presented an inventive interpretation in a sequined, painterly Thom Browne ensemble depicting the body.
The design combined artistic brushstroke motifs with precise tailoring, resulting in a standout wearable artwork.
Nicole Kidman in Chanel
Co-chair Nicole Kidman set the tone with her daughter, Sunday Rose, wearing a high-necked, red, sequined, and feathered Chanel gown that combined old Hollywood glamour with a modern edge.
Her signature bangs and blonde extensions completed the refined, timeless look.
Rihanna in Margiela Haute Couture
Rihanna concluded the evening in Maison Margiela haute couture, accompanied by A$AP Rocky.
Her ensemble showcased daring artistry, combining dramatic volume and intricate detail that embodied the “Fashion is Art” theme. This look will be discussed for seasons to come.
Beyoncé in Olivier Rousteing
Co-chair Beyoncé returned after a decade in an Olivier Rousteing gown, featuring diamond-encrusted skeletal elements that merged showgirl glamour with anatomical artistry.
Joined by Blue Ivy in Balenciaga and Jay-Z, the family created a memorable moment. Beyoncé’s styling enhanced the gown’s sculptural effect.
Cardi B in Marc Jacobs
Cardi B delivered drama in a Marc Jacobs gown, an artistic, lace-coated exaggeration of the body. Her use of bold proportions and intricate detailing made this a highlight of theatrical elegance.
Kendall Jenner in Custom Gap Studio (by Zac Posen)
Kendall Jenner chose a custom Gap Studio collaboration featuring structured elements and subtle breastplate detailing, demonstrating that accessible fashion can achieve high-concept impact.
Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent
Hailey Bieber wore a sleek, body-conscious Saint Laurent design with clean lines and modern sensuality, providing a refined contrast to more ornate ensembles.
Alexa Chung in Dior
Alexa Chung wore a chartreuse green Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson, featuring sculpted lily pads and Monet-inspired elements. This artistic reference to Impressionism was among the night’s most poetic interpretations.
Paloma Elsesser in Bureau of Imagination by Francesco Risso
Paloma Elsesser displayed confidence and creativity in an imaginative piece that embodied the theme’s celebration of diverse bodies as canvases for art.
Kylie Jenner in Schiaparelli Haute Couture
Kylie Jenner embraced the body-as-art theme in a custom Schiaparelli look with a sculpted corset.
Nude, body-like layers transitioned into white brocade, creating a surreal effect that referenced Surrealist traditions and highlighted craftsmanship.
Blue Ivy in Balenciaga
Blue Ivy debuted at the Met Gala in Balenciaga, wearing a white bubble dress with sunglasses. Her look brought youthful freshness and poise, complementing her mother’s statement gown.
Tyla in Valentino
South African artist Tyla attended the 2026 Met Gala in a bold, jewel-adorned ensemble that reflected the event’s “Costume Art” theme.
Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent
Anok Yai in Balenciaga
Emma Chamber in Mugler
Julianne Moore in Bottega Veneta.
Connor Storrie in Saint Laurent
Connor Storrie revealed a polka dot halter top beneath his jacket, celebrating the sculpted male form. His look contributed playful energy and confidence to the evening’s body-positive narrative.
Why These Looks Defined Met Gala 2026
The “Fashion is Art” theme inspired diverse interpretations, from pure artistry, such as Picasso birds and Monet references, to body celebration through sculpted corsets and anatomical motifs. Designers, including Schiaparelli, Margiela, and Thom Browne, transformed garments into commentary on the dressed and undressed form.
This year’s carpet highlighted evolving discussions on inclusivity, family legacy, and the democratization of high fashion through collaborations such as Gap Studio. Emerging trends included surreal body illusions, sculptural elements, and a renewed focus on color and texture as storytelling tools.
As the “Costume Art” exhibition opens to the public, these red carpet moments serve as powerful ambassadors, demonstrating that on nights like this, celebrities are not just wearing clothes; they are embodying living art. The conversation around the Met Gala 2026 best dressed is just beginning.
Photo: Getty Images
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Your number #1 fashion obsessed guy. Ubong Richmond is a fashion editor with Fashion Police NG - one who derive joy monitoring and spotting new trends. You will also find me stalking celebrity wardrobes and fashion brands that are about to blow-up.
