2026 Met Gala fashion was on full display Monday at the Costume Institute benefit, where the theme was Costume Art and the dress code read “Fashion is Art”.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art event in New York drew a global mix of pop stars, actors, and designers, each interpreting the theme with sculptural gowns, bespoke tailoring, and theatrical jewelry.
2026 Met Gala fashion: red carpet highlights
Several K pop stars arrived together, making the 2026 Met Gala fashion conversation center on both couture and cultural notes. Below are the evening’s most talked about looks.
BLACKPINK: Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, Rosé
Jennie wore a metal sequin Chanel gown designed by Matthieu Blazy that hugged the body and flared at the skirt like a mermaid tail. Her makeup featured fine brows and light freckling, a contrast to the gown’s reflective surface.
Jisoo made her Met Gala debut in a custom Dior embroidered sequin gown paired with vintage Cartier jewelry, a pairing that emphasized measured proportions and classic lines.
Lisa chose a white gown from Hong Kong designer Robert Wun, with sculpted sleeves tailored to her measurements and Bulgari jewelry that added high shine to the silhouette.
Rosé appeared in a black Saint Laurent gown accented with a statement necklace and ring from Tiffany and Co., a look that emphasized strong shoulders and a long column silhouette.
Aespa returns with KARINA and Ningning
KARINA attended in a custom Prada satin gown in white, paired with a black cape and details that referenced elements of traditional Korean hanbok construction.
Ningning, who serves as a Gucci ambassador, wore a custom black Gucci gown detailed with three dimensional floral appliques that created a textured, stage like effect across the skirt and bodice.
Hollywood and sports figures at the 2026 Met Gala fashion showcase
Actors and performers used the Costume Art theme to present literal and abstract takes on fashion as sculpture.
Anne Hathaway and Eileen Gu
Anne Hathaway arrived in a black and white silk gown by Michael Kors with a hand painted white dove perched on the front of the skirt as a motif for peace. She accessorized with Bulgari Vimini high jewelry, including a necklace, earrings, and rings.
Winter Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu wore a sculptural bubble gown by Iris Van Herpen created in collaboration with artist AA Murakami, with bubbles that slowly released from the skirt as she walked the red carpet, producing a dreamlike effect.
Pop icons and runway regulars
Katy Perry wore a white off shoulder satin gown by Stella McCartney and a mask that incorporated fencing motifs, an immediate red carpet focal point.
Madonna arrived in a custom Saint Laurent creation topped with a hat that evoked a ghost ship, presenting a surreal, witch like tableau against the museum steps.
Actors on the carpet
South Korean actor Ahn Hyo seop made his Met Gala debut in a sequin Valentino suit that played with light at every turn.
Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner were among other celebrities who used the red carpet to showcase collaborative projects between artists and fashion houses.
Designers and celebrities offered a mix of literal costume references and abstracted, art forward statements, underscoring why the Met Gala remains the season’s defining fashion moment.
Photographs and full credits for the looks will be available from the designers and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the coming days.
