The 2026 Met Gala red carpet showcased celebrities interpreting the theme “Costume Art” from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Despite controversies over the event’s billionaire support, attendees embraced the night’s “Fashion is Art” dress code, drawing inspiration from a variety of artistic influences spanning 5,000 years.
Celebrities like Emma Chamberlain, Sabrina Carpenter, Blackpink’s Lisa, and more, took cues from classical sculptures, iconic artworks, and traditional cultural elements to create mesmerizing fashion statements. From Heidi Klum’s full-body illusion inspired by Raffaelle Monti’s “The Veiled Vestal” to Beyoncé’s crystalline skeleton gown by Olivier Rousteing, each look encapsulated the artistic essence of the night.
Other standout interpretations included Madonna channeling surrealist painter Leonora Carrington’s “The Temptation of St. Anthony,” Kendall Jenner’s homage to the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” and Hailey Bieber’s nod to the 1969 Yves Saint Laurent and Claude Lalanne collaboration. Bad Bunny’s transformation into “The Aging Body,” Chase Infiniti’s beaded dress inspired by the “Venus de Milo,” and Luke Evans’ Palomo Spain ensemble paying tribute to Tom of Finland’s graphic figures also made a bold artistic statement.
Further, Audrey Nuna’s abstract expressionist attire inspired by Jackson Pollock, Angela Bassett’s Prabal Gurung look reflecting Laura Wheeler Waring’s “Girl in a Pink Dress,” and Rachel Zegler’s interpretation of Paul Delaroche’s “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey” added depth to the artistic narrative of the event. Cardi B’s Marc Jacobs outfit drawing from Polish artist Hans Bellmer’s surrealist doll works, Hunter Schafer’s Prada gown inspired by Gustav Klimt’s “Mäda Primavesi,” and Anok Yai’s Balenciaga ensemble reflecting the Black Madonna rounded out the night’s artistic showcase.
Each celebrity’s interpretation not only paid homage to various art forms but also showcased the deep connection between fashion and artistry, making the 2026 Met Gala red carpet a captivating display of creative expression.