From expression to spectacle: The 2026 Met Gala

The Met Gala, since its first fundraiser in 1948, has served to support the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Marked by the first Monday of May, the Gala has released different themes over the years, ranging from ‘Haute Couture’, to its most recent, ‘Costume Art’. These various themes invite celebrities to dress in the appropriate manner, but more often than not, results in controversial debates. Fans and fashion critics will often be found ranking appearances from best to worst, and the 2026 Gala was no exception. Let’s explore this year’s event! Navigating through how celebrities interpreted the theme, and whether they were styled accordingly or not.

First, let’s dissect this year’s theme – what is ‘Costume Art’? The art and fashion industry go hand in hand, where differing art forms are transferred into various fashion pieces. Curator for the Gala this year, Andrew Bolton, describes how the 2026 spring exhibition intends to draw emphasis to the body expressed in sculptures, paintings, and other objects, where depictions of the nude, pregnant, disabled, and aging body, in particular, are displayed. So, how has this theme been interpreted by over four hundred guests in attendance?

After her notable ten-year absence, Beyoncé bedazzled the carpet in Olivier Rousteing’s silver and crystal embellished dress and crown

Reactions to this year’s outfits have been divisive, with some interesting and creative ensembles that celebrities walked the carpet in. After her notable ten-year absence, Beyoncé bedazzled the carpet in Olivier Rousteing’s silver and crystal embellished dress and crown. The overall look illustrated a jaw-dropping skeletal overlay, paying homage to the exhibit itself. Madonna arrived in style, with a satin-and-lace dress, adorned with an enormous cape that required others to hold, followed by a shipwreck placed upon her head – a beautiful ode to Leonora Carrington’s ‘The Temptations of Saint Anthony Fragment II’. Sabrina Carpenter, one of my favourite looks, wore a dress made out of rhinestone film strips from Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Sabrina’. Emma Chamberlain, one of the first celebrities to walk the carpet, wore a hand-painted dress that imitated a beautiful watercolour canvas, setting a perfect example for the rest of the event. Props must also be given to Ben Platt, who adorned a custom hand-painted and embroidered suit, depicting Georges Seurat’s ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte’.

Moving onto the more questionable looks of the evening… I have never been so bored by men in black suits, and I still can’t comprehend the fact they get away with it every year! Cardi B walked the carpet in a Marc Jacobs dress that has been likened to various body parts, with the intestines being the tamest comparison I could find. I wish I could disagree, but her abstract outfit was certainly a sight for sore eyes: a black lace gown that had giant masses attached to her shoulders and the bottom of her dress. Kim Kardashian, unlike the Jenners, also failed to hit the mark, having paired together an orange breastplate, cape-like skirt, and nude shoes. Shock factor aside, some looks were simply too boring for such an extravagant event. Charli xcx wore a long black dress, with an iris flower woven into the bodice. Whilst it was a gorgeous, it also felt very underwhelming. Heidi Klum was another celeb whose appearance as a human statue has caused much debate, with people comparing her look to something one would wear at a Halloween party.

Fashion model Bhavitha Mandava also made her debut in jeans and a quarter-zip. I understand that she was paying tribute to how she was scouted, but it just didn’t fit the theme

Let’s also not forget those who made their debuts this year. Chase Infiniti’s dress, inspired by Alexandros of Antioch’s statue, ‘Venus de Milo’, was embroidered with over 1.5 million sequins and silk fringes in over 600 colours. She certainly understood the assignment for her first Gala. The Heated Rivalry stars also made their debut, with Hudson Williams sporting a matador-inspired look, accompanied with a flowing black train, whilst also referencing the Black Swan through his heavy and colourful eye-makeup. Connor Storrie, however, wore a draping polka-dot shirt and scarf combination, paired with high-rise trousers. If I am being entirely honest, I was anticipating more, and I am starting to believe the outfit was just an excuse to showcase his biceps – but I guess we’re not complaining! Fashion model Bhavitha Mandava also made her debut in jeans and a quarter-zip. I understand that she was paying tribute to how she was scouted, but it just didn’t fit the theme. Dwayne Johnson also walked the carpet for the first time, as well as Stevie Nicks, who performed ‘Landslide’ alongside Sabrina Carpenter in the Temple of Dendur.

The red-carpet prioritised spectacle this year, over telling a stories through fashion and artistic expression

So, another year, another Met Gala. While a handful of celebrities did embrace this year’s theme, many looks felt completely disconnected from the art it was meant to embody, or were simply too underwhelming for an event that is meant to spark creativity and innovation. As celebrities left the Metropolitan Museum, I couldn’t help but think the red carpet prioritised spectacle this year, over telling a stories through fashion and artistic expression.