The 2026 Met Gala red carpet showcased celebrities interpreting the Costume Institute’s “Costume Art” theme and embracing the “Fashion is Art” dress code. Despite controversy surrounding the event’s billionaire sponsorship, attendees transformed the red carpet into a visual gallery, drawing inspiration from various art forms and historical periods.
Celebrities like Emma Chamberlain, Sabrina Carpenter, and Blackpink’s Lisa took on artistic personas with their outfits, referencing iconic artworks and cultural influences. From Heidi Klum’s interpretation of Raffaelle Monti’s “The Veiled Vestal” to Beyoncé’s crystalline skeleton gown inspired by anatomical studies, each look embodied the night’s artistic themes.
Other standout interpretations included Madonna’s Saint Laurent ensemble inspired by Leonora Carrington’s “The Temptation of St. Anthony,” Kendall Jenner channeling the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” Hailey Bieber’s homage to Yves Saint Laurent and Claude Lalanne, and Bad Bunny’s transformative prosthetic look reflecting the “Aging Body.”
Additionally, Chase Infiniti’s beaded dress inspired by the “Venus de Milo,” Luke Evans’ Palomo Spain attire inspired by Tom of Finland, and Audrey Nuna’s Robert Wun gown paying tribute to Jackson Pollock’s abstract expressionism were among the creative interpretations seen on the red carpet.
Angela Bassett’s Prabal Gurung gown inspired by Laura Wheeler Waring’s “Girl in a Pink Dress,” Rachel Zegler’s Prabal Gurung look inspired by Paul Delaroche’s “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey,” and Cardi B’s Marc Jacobs outfit inspired by Hans Bellmer’s surrealist doll works were also notable. Hunter Schafer’s Prada attire inspired by Gustav Klimt’s “Mäda Primavesi” and Anok Yai’s Balenciaga ensemble inspired by the Black Madonna rounded out the evening’s artistic interpretations.
