May 05, 2026 1:20pm IST
Met Gala 2026: The Most-Iconic looks from the night
The 2026 Met Gala proved that the boundary between couture and fine art has completely vanished. This year’s red carpet saw a spectacular mix of legends and modern icons, with Beyoncé making a triumphant return alongside fellow heavyweights like Rihanna, Madonna, and Margot Robbie. High-concept designs took centre stage, from Lisa and Bad Bunny’s transformative silhouettes to the artistic tributes displayed by Anne Hathaway, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter. Whether it was the bold cultural nods of Dwayne Johnson, Jaafar Jackson, and Hailey Bieber, or the sheer elegance of Gigi Hadid, Zoë Kravitz, and Doja Cat, the night was a masterclass in creative expression.
Beyoncé
After a ten-year absence, Beyoncé made a spectacular return to the Met Gala in a diamond-encrusted "naked" gown by Olivier Rousteing. The 44-year-old wore a crystal-covered skeleton motif that extended to her hands, paired with a dramatic blue and white feathered cape. She finished the look with a matching headpiece and long, flowing curls, instantly becoming the most talked-about star of the night.
Rihanna
Keeping with tradition, Rihanna was the final star to arrive at the "Fashion Is Art" themed Met Gala, appearing after 9 p.m. She wore a stunning metallic gown from Glenn Martens’ 2025 artisanal collection for Maison Margiela. The superstar finished her look with a gold headpiece, statement ear cuffs, and a selection of vintage rings, including a rare 1930s diamond piece.
Madonna
Madonna made a dramatic Gothic statement at the 2026 Met Gala in a black Saint Laurent gown by Anthony Vaccarello. Her look featured a unique hat shaped like a ship, which was attached to a massive cornflower-blue chiffon veil that flowed down the steps. This enormous train was carried by seven women dressed in colourful lace slips and white eye veils. To finish the bold ensemble, she held a French horn and wore platform boots, opera gloves, and a pendant necklace.
Anne Hathaway
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” star Anne Hathaway donned a hand-painted Michael Kors gown that perfectly matched the "Fashion Is Art" theme. Accompanied by the designer himself, she wore a dress featuring a deep V-neckline decorated with artwork by Peter McGough, including images of a bird and the Greek goddess Irene. She completed the look, which was inspired by a Grecian urn, with a pair of Roger Vivier platform sandals.
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid looked incredible in a sheer Miu Miu gown covered in detailed crystal flames and flowers. The sleek, body-skimming design featured a simple scoop neckline that balanced its bold, artistic look. By layering the sheer fabric over a minimal base, she managed to look both dramatic and elegant without overdoing it.
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Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber looked radiant in a Saint Laurent ensemble inspired by ancient Greece. She paired a striking, strapless gold bodice that resembled armour with a sleek cobalt blue skirt. To finish the look, she wore chunky gold earrings and a sheer, dupatta-style wrap around her neck, perfectly capturing the vibe of a modern-day goddess.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter brought old Hollywood glamour to the event in a custom Dior gown designed by Jonathan Anderson. The tulle dress featured a high slit and was wrapped in rhinestone film strips, serving as a direct tribute to Audrey Hepburn’s 1954 classic, "Sabrina". It was a perfect nod to the film that shares her name, blending classic cinema with modern sparkle.
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz stole the show in a sheer black Saint Laurent gown, featuring a scalloped bodice and a wide, Victorian-style skirt. She cleverly used the dress's front pockets to keep her hands hidden from photographers as she walked the red carpet. This strategic move made it impossible to see if she was wearing an engagement ring, further sparking rumours about her relationship with Harry Styles.
Lisa
Lisa was a standout at the 2026 Met Gala, serving as a member of the host committee in a breathtaking white gown by Robert Wun. The 29-year-old singer wore a "tented" dress covered in nearly 67,000 Swarovski crystals, which took over 2,800 hours to make. The most talked-about feature was her sculptural headpiece, which used 3D-printed moulds of her own arms to hold up a sheer veil. These arms were set in traditional Thai dance poses, serving as a beautiful tribute to her cultural heritage.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat fully embraced the "Fashion Is Art" dress code as a member of this year's host committee. She left her hotel wearing a striking, semi-sheer latex cloak by Saint Laurent, complete with a matching scarf. Her bold, artistic makeup finished the look, making it one of the most creative and talked-about outfits of the night.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX made a stunning appearance at the 2026 Met Gala in a sheer black Saint Laurent gown by Anthony Vaccarello. The dress featured a striking silver iris made of resin blossoming across the bodice, a tribute to Yves Saint Laurent’s 1988 collection inspired by Vincent van Gogh.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie made a highly anticipated return to the Met Gala after a three-year break, staying loyal to Chanel in a stunning gold lamé gown. The strapless dress featured a dramatic train decorated with a gradient of delicate flower petals. It was a true work of art, taking the Chanel atelier 761 hours to create and featuring nearly 1,100 individual embroidered elements.
Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley made a striking appearance at the 2026 Met Gala in a daring Stella McCartney minidress. The unique outfit was made entirely of draped silver chains that wrapped around her body to create a metallic, sculptural effect.
Jaafar Jackson
Jaafar Jackson channelled his uncle's legendary style at the 2026 Met Gala, wearing a black velvet Ralph Lauren suit with gold trim. He teamed the look with a black bow tie, bold red socks, and sleek ballet-style shoes. The outfit was a clear tribute to Michael Jackson’s iconic fashion sense.
Sam Smith
Sam Smith and their partner, designer Christian Cowan, made a joint appearance at the 2026 Met Gala wearing matching black couture. Designed by Cowan, the outfits were inspired by the 1920s illustrator Erté, a pioneer known for blending art with high fashion. Smith’s coat was a true masterpiece, featuring over 230,000 hand-placed crystals and beads that took 45 people 800 hours to complete. The look was topped off with a bespoke Stephen Jones headpiece and elegant Cartier jewellery.
Dwanye Johnson
Dwayne Johnson made a bold appearance in a black mohair tailcoat and bow tie paired with a matching pleated skirt. Designed by Thom Browne, the outfit was a nod to Polynesian culture and the traditional lavalava. Johnson explained that the look celebrates masculinity in a different way, noting that in his heritage, the most masculine men often wear skirts. Add to that, he was also seen wearing a $3.3 million Jacob & Co. Billionaire III watch.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny looked completely unrecognisable at the 2026 Met Gala, using hyper-realistic prosthetics to age himself by 53 years. Makeup artist Mike Marino transformed the 32-year-old with wrinkles, sunspots, and white facial hair, even extending the effect to his hands. He wore a sharp black Zara tuxedo featuring a large satin bow, which he paired with a cane and a vintage 1995 Cartier watch. The simple tailoring ensured his dramatic, elderly appearance remained the main focus of the evening.
Read More About: 2026 met gala, 2026 met gala best dressed, Anne Hathaway, beyonce, fashion at met gala 2026, madonna, Met Gala, rihanna
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