Grab your green juice, silence your notifications and get ready to play fashion police—the First Monday in May has officially arrived. If you aren’t currently refreshing your feed every five seconds, consider this your formal wake-up call. The 2026 Met Gala is taking over New York City tonight, May 4th, and the energy is, quite frankly, electric.
For the uninitiated (where have you been?), the Met Gala is the ultimate fashion playground. It’s the annual fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute, and it’s the most gate-kept event in the world. We’re talking $100,000 for a single seat and $350,000 for a table. It’s expensive, it’s elite, and it’s where every It-Girl on the planet wants to be seen.
This year, the theme is taking things to a whole new level of extra. The exhibition is titled “Costume Art,” and the dress code—Fashion Is Art—is basically a green light for guests to get as weird, wild, and wonderful as possible. We’re expecting looks that belong in the Louvre, not just a closet. Think 200 years of fashion history meeting 200 years of fine art. It’s going to be a total visual fever dream.
And can we talk about the Co-Chairs? The internet is already in a full-blown meltdown because Beyoncé is officially back. After a nearly ten-year hiatus, the Queen is reclaiming her throne on those famous steps. She’s joined by the iconic Nicole Kidman and the legendary Venus Williams. Plus, with a host committee that includes everyone from Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat to Blackpink’s Lisa and Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello, the main character energy is off the charts.
Buckle up, fashion lovers. From the breathtaking hits to the “what were they thinking?” misses, these are the looks we’re going to be talking about for the rest of the year.
Our Favourite Looks
Tyla
Oooouuuu, Tyla! Consider the show officially stolen. Our favorite Grammy winner took the naked dress trend to a whole new level in custom Valentino, and we are still recovering. Inspired by the majestic peacock, this gown was the perfect mix of nasty and classy—bold, sheer, and completely breathtaking. What. A. Woman. Tyla, you will forever be famous!
Anok Yai
In a Balenciaga silhouette that can only be described as a Black Madonna come to life, the Sudanese-American supermodel was the evening’s most hauntingly beautiful canvas. Every detail—from the flawless bronze glow of her skin to the literal crystal tears tracing her cheeks—felt like a sacred offering to the altar of high fashion. A divine 10/10.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway is giving us a literal ‘Goddess on the Steps’ moment. The Devil Wears Prada icon took the theme to heart in a custom Mikado ball gown hand-painted by artist Peter McGough. Inspired by the romantic poem ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn,’ the look is pure, unadulterated art. She looks exactly like the kind of princess a poet would write secret diary entries about—and honestly? We’re writing them too.
Teyana
One thing about Teyana Taylor? She’s going to raise the standard every single time—and look like she’s having the best time doing it! Sporting a custom silver-fringed look by Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford, Teyana gave us the high-fashion drama we crave. It was bold, it was edgy, and it was 100% that girl. A whole mood!
Emma Chamberlain
Who is this ethereal diva in custom Mugler? Emma gave us a look so iconic it belongs behind velvet ropes. Seriously, tell the Louvre to update their inventory, because the Mona Lisa has some serious competition.
Beyonce
If the theme is ‘Fashion Is Art,’ then Beyoncé is the curator, the muse, and the masterpiece all at once. Making her highly anticipated return after a ten-year hiatus, the Co-Chair didn’t just walk the steps, she sanctified them. Her custom sequinned, gem-encrusted skeleton dress, designed by Olivier Rousteing was a masterclass in presence. While this isn’t our favourite Queen B look, she still looked stunning.
Kylie Jenner
In a custom Schiaparelli gown by Daniel Roseberry, Kylie delivered a look that was equal parts surrealism and spectacle. The nude corset, complete with sculpted, almost uncanny nipple detailing, felt deliberately provocative—blurring the line between body and art in a way that’s very Schiaparelli-coded. Loved it all the way through.
Kendall Jenner
Proving that the classics never go out of style, Kendall Jenner opted for architectural elegance in custom GapStudio. Designed by Zac Posen, the gown drew inspiration from one of the Louvre’s most iconic treasures: the Winged Victory of Samothrace. While the silhouette was deceptively simple, the artistry was in the draping. It was a serene, ‘Fashion Is Art’ triumph that felt both timeless and fresh. Simple? Yes. Gorgeous? Absolutely.
Chase Infiniti
Talk about making a Met Gala debut! Chase Infiniti officially won the night in a custom Thom Browne look that we still can’t believe is actual fabric. Inspired by the Venus de Milo statue, the dress featured a mind-blowing 1.5 million sequins and silk fringe in 600+ different colors to create a painted effect. It’s the literal definition of ‘Fashion Is Art,’ and we are obsessed with every single brushstroke. A major It-Girl is born!
SZA
SZA just gave ‘upcycled’ a whole new meaning. The star hit the steps in a stunning golden-yellow Bode gown. Inspired by the butterfly, the dress was made from 100 yards of fabric and vintage sari remnants found on eBay (yes, really!). It’s sustainable, it’s artistic, and it’s giving us major Earth Goddess energy.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter ate this up.Her film-strip dress for the Met Gala was a clever (it featured film rolls from the iconic 1945 movie Sabrina) , literal take on “Fashion is Art,” and honestly? It worked. The old Hollywood homage felt fresh, not gimmicky, and the collaboration with Jonathan Anderson for Dior paid off. It was camp, it was cinematic, and most importantly—it was fun. Exactly what the Met should be.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka avant-garde ‘anatomy’ gown used a striking crimson palette and intricate Swarovski crystal-work to highlight the beauty of the human silhouette. It was a sophisticated, high-fashion take on biological art, proving that Naomi isn’t afraid to take risks on the world’s biggest stage. A dazzling, crystal-encrusted masterpiece that was easily one of the night’s most talked-about looks.
Yseult
If you’re looking for the definition of a showstopper, look no further than Yseult. She officially showed up and showed out in a custom Harris Reed look that has us completely obsessed. Between the expert tailoring and the 400 hours of glass beadwork, Yseult and stylist KJ Moody proved they are the ultimate dream team. A high-fashion takeover. One of the best-dressed of the night? Without a doubt.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe continues her streak as the Met Gala’s most consistent visionary. Her custom Christian Siriano gown was a daring fusion of nature and technology, featuring a sculpture-esque silhouette built from real green moss and repurposed circuit boards. The look was brought to life by 3D moving butterflies that danced across the metallic cables, perfectly capturing the ‘Fashion Is Art’ mandate. Monáe remains a master of the Met, turning the red carpet into a gallery space for the avant-garde.
Nature is healing: Blake Lively is back at the Met Gala! Looking like a total princess, Blake owned the red carpet in archival Atelier Versace. This Spring 2006 throwback featured the dreamiest pastel palette and a literal 13-foot train that required its own zip code. It’s giving royalty, it’s giving icon, and it’s giving us everything we’ve been missing.
Lisa
Stop everything, because Lisa just descended from heaven to show us all how it’s done. Looking like a literal goddess who should be worshipped, the Blackpink star shut down the carpet in a custom Robert Wun sheer gown. The concept? ‘The Bride lifting up her own Veil.’ Between the head-to-toe crystals and that ethereal ivory veil, Lisa gave us the ultimate main-character moment. It was sparkling, it was sheer, and it was 100% iconic. If you aren’t obsessed, you aren’t paying attention.
Doechii
It’s giving Nubian Princess. It’s giving the finest winery. If there was an award for ‘Most Iconic Move of the Night,’ it’s going to Doechii. The star hit the Met steps in custom Marc Jacobs. But the real tea? She skipped the heels entirely! Doechii tip-toed her way down the carpet to show off the gorgeous henna on her feet—proving that you don’t need six-inch heels to stand tall. I mean, why wear shoes when your skin is the masterpiece? We are bowing down.
Ciara
Ciara stepped out looking gorgeously golden in Celia Kritharioti
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum did not come to play—she came as the art. Her statue-inspired Met Gala look leaned fully into the “Fashion is Art” theme, turning herself into a literal sculpture. It was dramatic, borderline theatrical, and exactly the kind of over-the-top commitment the carpet rewards.
Blake Lively
Blake might not be on theme, but she’s giving 100% princess fairy vibes in this archival Versace so her wish is our command.
Least Favourite Looks
Rihanna
Listen, it hurts our hearts to say this, but Rihanna’s 2026 look though on theme, was a no for us. We always count on Rih to bring the color, the glow, and the drama, but this Maison Margiela look felt way too dark and moody for the occasion. The sculptural shapes were a bit too out-there, making the overall silhouette feel more confusing than flattering. We wanted a masterpiece, but we got a shadow. We still love her, but this one is going in the ‘didn’t love’ folder.
Kim Kardashian
Kim K always looks like an absolute ten, but this Met Gala look felt a little… safe? Despite the cool Allen Jones collab and that bold tangerine-orange breastplate, it honestly felt like something she’d wear to a high-end dinner or a Skims launch. The ‘Fashion Is Art’ theme was the perfect excuse for Kim to really shock us, but instead, she leaned into her signature molded silhouette. She looks incredible (that body! that hair!), but we were bored. We wanted art, but we just got more Kim.
Cardi B
We usually live for a Cardi B Met Gala moment, but this custom Marc Jacobs look had us wanting to hit the snooze button. The vibe was giving less ‘Art Gallery’ and more ‘Living Room.’ Between the overwhelming volume and that specific puffy texture, Cardi looked a little too much like a cushion from back home. We love a risk-taker, but this felt more like a home-furnishing accident than a red-carpet win. We’re ready for our Queen of the Bronx to get back to her usual high-fashion slay!
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer Prada look was… boring. The beige shredded dress and floral lining felt a bit like something you’d find at the bottom of a vintage trunk and not in a cool way. It was giving ‘grandma’s curtains’ instead of ‘Fashion Is Art.’ We love you, Hunter, but this dated moment just didn’t have the spark we were waiting for.
Maya Hawke
We love a Prada moment as much as the next girl, but Maya Hawke’s 2026 turn was the literal definition of ‘go on, girl, give us nothing.’ Taking inspiration from Fragonard’s paintings, the dress was cute and the floral embroidery was sweet, but for the Met? It was a total snooze-fest. It felt a bit too ‘Sunday Mass’ and not enough ‘Sartorial Superstar.’ It was a safe, structured choice that lacked the daring edge we expect from the Stranger Things star. A look that was easily forgotten before she even reached the top of the stairs.
Anna Weyant
Respectfully, what is going on?
Lena Dunham
We’re all for taking a risk, but Lena Dunham’s look was, in a word, a mess.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat, girl, we have questions. For her 2026 Met moment, the ‘Paint the Town Red’ singer showed up in… well, we’re still trying to figure it out. Was it masking tape? Was it ‘condom-core’? It was weird, it was wild, and it was 100% camp. While we aren’t exactly rushing to recreate this look for our next night out, we have to respect the hustle. Doja didn’t come to look pretty; she came to make us talk. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. We’re still confused, but hey, that’s art, right?
Serena Williams
Our tennis GOAT. I’m so sorry but this isn’t a serve.
And just like that, the First Monday in May is a wrap. Our feeds are full, our group chats are exhausted, and our Best Dressed list is officially etched in stone. Whether you were obsessed with Tyla’s peacock plumes or still trying to figure out what was happening with Cardi B’s “cushion” couture, one thing is for sure: the 2026 Met Gala lived up to every bit of the hype.
“Fashion Is Art” wasn’t only a dress code, it was a challenge to every celebrity and designer to stop playing it safe. We saw literal masterpieces, a few “what were they thinking?” misses, and enough 24-karat gold to sink a ship. As the stars head to the after-parties and trade their 13-foot trains for something they can actually dance in, we’ll be right here—refreshing the photos and re-watching the walks. Because at the end of the day, we don’t just watch the Met Gala for the clothes, we watch it for the drama. Until next year, fashion lovers—keep it artful.
