The 2026 red carpet event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute showcased the theme of “Costume Art” and adopted a dress code of “Fashion is Art.” Despite controversies surrounding the event’s billionaire sponsorship, celebrities embraced the night as an opportunity to explore the connection between clothing and art over 5,000 years.
Celebrities transformed the red carpet into a visual gallery, drawing inspiration from classical sculptures, iconic artworks, and cultural references. Notable looks included Emma Chamberlain channeling Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch, Sabrina Carpenter donning a dress crafted from film strips of the 1954 movie “Sabrina,” and Blackpink’s Lisa in a surreal ensemble inspired by traditional Thai dance.
Heidi Klum wowed in a full-body illusion look reminiscent of Raffaelle Monti’s “The Veiled Vestal,” while Beyoncé stunned in a crystalline skeleton gown by Olivier Rousteing. Madonna paid homage to surrealist painter Leonora Carrington with a custom Saint Laurent outfit, and Kendall Jenner embodied the Winged Victory of Samothrace in Zac Posen attire.
Other standout appearances included Hailey Bieber in a 1969 YSL-inspired ensemble, Bad Bunny in a transformative prosthetic look symbolizing “The Aging Body,” Chase Infiniti in a beaded dress inspired by the Venus de Milo, and Luke Evans in Palomo Spain attire influenced by the work of illustrator Tom of Finland.
Audrey Nuna channeled abstract expressionism in a Robert Wun outfit inspired by Jackson Pollock’s work, Angela Bassett paid tribute to Laura Wheeler Waring’s “Girl in a Pink Dress” painting, and Rachel Zegler embodied the painting “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey” by Paul Delaroche. Cardi B embraced the surrealist doll works of Hans Bellmer in a Marc Jacobs creation, while Hunter Schafer dazzled in a Prada ensemble inspired by Gustav Klimt’s “Mäda Primavesi.”
Anok Yai closed the night in a Balenciaga creation by Pierpaolo Piccioli, drawing inspiration from the Black Madonna religious icon. These fashion statements truly embodied the artistic themes of the gala.