From feathered capes to crystal-covered gowns, here are the standout looks from the 2026 Met Gala.
The Met Gala once again turned New York into fashion’s most-watched runway, as celebrities arrived in elaborate interpretations of this year’s theme, costume art.
Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, the event encouraged guests to treat clothing as performance, resulting in some of the most detailed and theatrical designs in recent years.
Below is a look at what the most talked-about stars wore.
Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, the event encouraged guests to treat clothing as performance, resulting in some of the most detailed and theatrical designs in recent years.
Below is a look at what the most talked-about stars wore.
Beyoncé returns in skeletal couture and feathers
Beyoncé made her long-awaited return to the Met Gala in a custom design by Olivier Rousteing. The gown featured an embellished skeletal pattern across a fitted silhouette, combining metallic detailing with structured tailoring.
The look was completed with a large feathered cape that extended into a dramatic train. She arrived with Jay-Z and Blue Ivy, marking a rare family appearance on the red carpet.
Rihanna closes the carpet in jewel-covered Maison Margiela
Rihanna arrived later in the evening, as is often expected, wearing a custom Maison Margiela by Glenn Martens gown. The dress was densely covered in crystals and beadwork, creating a shimmering, sculptural effect under the lights.
The gown featured a structured bodice and a flowing skirt, with minimal accessories to keep focus on the intricate surface detailing. A$AP Rocky accompanied her in a Chanel outfit featuring a pink coat with black satin lapels.
Heidi Klum embraces full costume transformation
Heidi Klum arrived in one of the most theatrical looks of the night. Her outfit featured exaggerated shapes and costume-like construction, designed with a strong focus on transformation rather than traditional tailoring.
The result was a highly stylised appearance that stood out for its scale and dramatic silhouette.
Bad Bunny mixes tailoring with artistic detail
Bad Bunny wore a tailored suit that incorporated artistic and decorative elements. While the base structure remained formal, the detailing introduced a more conceptual interpretation of the theme, blending traditional menswear with experimental design.
Katy Perry goes bold with sculptural styling
Katy Perry appeared in a highly stylised gown featuring bold structure and decorative detailing. The outfit leaned into theatrical design, with exaggerated elements that aligned closely with the evening’s costume art theme.
This year’s Met Gala was defined less by simplicity and more by detail, construction and concept. From crystal-heavy gowns to sculptural silhouettes, celebrities used fashion as a form of storytelling—turning the red carpet into a space where clothing functioned as art.
