From sculptural gowns to sheer illusions, the 2026 Met Gala delivered bold looks that made the body (and the BAWDY) the canvas.
The 2026 Met Gala is here, and so are the celebrity looks.
This year’s theme is “Fashion Is Art,” which reflects the Costume Institute’s new exhibit at the Met. The presentation explores the dressed body in multiple ways, pairing nearly 200 artworks with around 200 garments and accessories. The show is organized into three categories: bodies omnipresent in art, like the nude form; bodies often overlooked, including pregnant, aging, or disabled bodies; and universal bodies, such as anatomical representations.
And just as diverse and eye-catching as the new museum exhibit are the outfits we’re seeing at this year’s gala.
The 2026 Met Gala is already delivering on its “Fashion Is Art” promise. The looks are doing exactly what the theme asked: turning the body into a canvas through texture, construction, and sexy silhouettes.
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Every year, we love to see how celebrities interpret the theme. Some take it on quite literally, while others allude to it and add their own twist.
No matter what, Met Gala fashion always gives us something to gag over, talk about, screenshot, and share in the group chat. This year’s Met Gala has had even more buzz thanks to the queen herself, Beyoncé, who serves as an official co-chair alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. Beyoncé has not been to the Met Gala in nearly 10 years, and this is Venus’ first time serving in the co-chair role. The host committee is just as fabulous, including Teyana Taylor, Zoë Kravitz, A’ja Wilson, and Misty Copeland.
La La Anthony was one of the first celebs caught on the carpet. She serves as the official Met Gala arrivals host for Vogue this year.
The actress and stunning beauty arrived on the steps in a deep chocolate brown gown rich with texture and detail. The fitted silhouette featured heavy embroidery, beadwork, and layered appliqué that created a raised, almost sculptural surface.
The corset-style bodice added structure, while the train extended the drama. Styled with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and Jimmy Choo heels, the look balanced craftsmanship with classic red carpet glam. Zerina Akers styled her look.
No notes are needed for Naomi Osaka’s look. The tennis champion delivered a quite literal interpretation of the theme, and we are obsessed.
Naomi graced the carpet in a structured white gown with a dramatic, oversized sculptural hat, accented with red details that looked almost like petals or fragments floating across the fabric. The design played with deconstruction and anatomy, revealing layers beneath the surface.
The craftsmanship behind it is just as major. The full look reportedly involved thousands of hours of handwork and intricate detailing.
And as if the coat and hat were not enough, Naomi later shed her white coat while walking into the gala, revealing a stunning red, intricately beaded gown and a sleek updo. The swirling designs of the gown traced her body, giving us pure art.
With nearly 450 guests invited to the event, the celebrity looks keep coming, and we are loving them. Swipe to see more celebrity looks we caught making fashion art.
Angela Bassett brought hot pink glamour to the carpet in custom Prabal Gurung. The gown referenced Black artist Laura Wheeler Waring’s 1927 painting Girl in a Pink Dress. With ruching, floral appliqué, beaded fringe, and a thigh-high slit, Angela delivered color, sparkle, and presence.
Venus Williams arrived in custom Swarovski, serving sleek glamour with a crystal statement neckline. The black gown shimmered under the lights, while the draped embellishment across her shoulders gave the look a regal, sculptural finish.
Serena Williams delivered a major metallic moment in Marc Jacobs. The draped silver gown featured an asymmetrical neckline, sculpted silhouette, and flowing fabric that added movement. Her gold strappy heels finished the look, and her nails dripping in gold took the glam even further.
SZA brought color, fantasy, and nature to the carpet in custom Bode. Her bright yellow look featured a fitted bodice, a tiered dress, and a dramatic headpiece with florals and sculptural details. Crafted from eBay-sourced vintage fabrics, tapestry, curtains, and beaded appliqués, the look was inspired by her love for moths, butterflies, and the natural world.
Janelle Monáe turned the carpet into a living art piece in custom Christian Siriano and Rainbow K jewelry. Cascading wires, mossy textures, and sculptural hardware layered over a sleek black base gave fashion, nature, and technology all in one look.
Gabrielle Union stepped out in a shimmering bronze Prada gown that hugged every curve. The halter silhouette, subtle cutouts, and crystal embellishments gave the look a sculpted, second-skin feel, finished with a bold diamond necklace.
Skepta brought graphic storytelling to the carpet in Thom Browne. His white suit was covered in bold black illustrations, text, and sketch-like motifs, turning the entire look into a walking canvas. Finished with dark shades and sharp tailoring, Skepta leaned fully into the theme.
Angel Reese stepped out in custom Altuzarra, serving soft drama in a blush off-the-shoulder gown. The voluminous sleeves and cinched waist gave the look shape, while the thigh-high slit added a sleek, confident edge.
Zoë Kravitz stepped out in a sheer black lace Saint Laurent gown that leaned fully into illusion dressing. The fitted silhouette and delicate detailing gave the look a soft, sultry finish.
Jon Batiste delivered a sculptural moment in custom ERL. His ivory look layered a ruffled shirt under a voluminous puffer coat, creating a dramatic silhouette that felt like wearable art.
Doja Cat gave high-shine drama in a nude latex-style gown. The draped neckline created a liquid effect, while the fitted silhouette and thigh-high slit kept the look sleek and sculpted.
Red Carpet Rundown: Top Celebrity Met Gala Looks That Oozed ‘Fashion Is Art’ was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
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