Met Gala 2026 highlights: What the “Costume Art” night will be remembered for

The annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute brought together around 450 high-profile guests, reaffirming its status as one of the most closely watched events in global fashion. This year’s dress code, “Fashion Is Art,” encouraged attendees to treat clothing as a form of artistic expression, aligning with the museum’s new exhibition showcasing centuries of costume history.

The evening was co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams, alongside longtime organizer Anna Wintour, now serving as Condé Nast’s chief content officer. Additional figures, including Zoë Kravitz and Anthony Vaccarello, contributed to the host committee, highlighting the event’s blend of fashion, entertainment and cultural leadership.

Among the standout looks highlighted by the editorial team, Emma Chamberlain wore a hand-painted Mugler gown by Miguel Castro Freitas, drawing inspiration from archival designs, including a 1997 butterfly dress, and reinforcing the concept of fashion as wearable art. Rihanna appeared in a sculptural Maison Margiela creation influenced by medieval architecture, while A$AP Rocky complemented her look in a tailored pink Chanel ensemble, continuing their tradition of coordinated appearances.

Gwendoline Christie chose a custom Giles Deacon design created by her partner, inspired by portrait artists such as John Singer Sargent, Madame Yevonde and Ira Cohen. Isha Ambani opted for a draped, sari-inspired Gaurav Gupta silhouette paired with statement jewelry and a distinctive mango-shaped accessory, blending traditional influences with contemporary couture.

Lisa collaborated with Robert Wun on a conceptual piece featuring 3D-scanned arms arranged in poses inspired by traditional Thai dance, offering a sculptural interpretation of movement and form. Kylie Jenner appeared in an elaborate Schiaparelli couture gown that required thousands of hours of craftsmanship, incorporating pearls and hand-painted elements to create a richly textured finish.

Meanwhile, Kendall Jenner reinterpreted a classic white T-shirt silhouette in a custom GapStudio by Zac Posen design, using molded liquid jersey and hand-dyeing techniques to give the garment a refined yet understated look.

Madonna completed the editorial selection in a dramatic Saint Laurent ensemble featuring a signature veil, maintaining her reputation as one of the gala’s most recognizable and expressive figures.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported on the latest updates from the entertainment industry, including Harry Styles’ engagement.