Anticipation is building for the 2026 Met Gala, which promises to showcase some of the most daring ensembles in its history.
This year’s theme, ‘Fashion Is Art,’ invites top-tier celebrities to reimagine the human form as a creative canvas, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion.
Not one to disappoint, the star-studded lineup delivered in spectacular fashion.
Among the luminaries embracing this avant-garde concept were Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and Cara Delevingne, each presenting bold and revealing interpretations that nearly redefined the term ‘barely-there.’
Irina Shayk, at 40, made a memorable entrance on the renowned staircase, donning a bespoke Alexander Wang ensemble that highlighted her toned physique, adorned with a bra crafted from costume jewels.
Meanwhile, Gigi Hadid, 31, turned heads in a completely sheer black Miu Miu gown, cleverly adorned with embellishments placed to maintain just a hint of modesty while boldly showcasing her underwear.
Irina Shayk and Gigi Hadid were among the Met Gala guests daring to bare on the iconic staircase
Kylie Jenner turned heads with a dress that offered the illusion of nudity
Cara Delevingne wore a deceptively sexy gown that revealed her toned back
Jenner, 28, stepped out in an intricate Schiaparelli gown, with a nude, curve-hugging corset top and a half-tied, cream colored, bejeweled satin skirt.
The back of the dress featured an undone look, and she paired it with a dramatic hairstyle, leaving just one strand around her eyes, and chunky pearl earrings and matching necklace.
Cara, 33, walked the red carpet in a deceptively sexy gown by Ralph Lauren – from the front, she was a vision of glamour in a black turtleneck gown that cascaded to the floor.
But she dropped jaws once she turned around, with her completely backless gown that showed off plenty of skin.
Singer Tyla was also a notable attendee whose dress pushed the envelope.
The singer opted for a glamorous dress that featured a bust made entirely of jewelry.
Lena Mahfouf also did not shy away from showing some major skin.
The French influencer, 28, worked the iconic staircase with a molding of two hands covering her breasts – and a baby blue dress hugging her waist with delicate straps.
The theme of this year’s event – widely considered the Super Bowl of celebrity red carpets – is ‘Costume Art’, while the dress code is ‘Fashion Is Art.’
But the outfits on display failed to impress several netizens, with one posting: ‘Hate met gala looks that look cheap, like bffr.’
‘the met gala is giving cheap boring prom attire this year,’ another tweeted.
‘Is she naked or is that the new trend?’ one asked of Jenner’s look.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, also known as the Met Gala, falls on the first Monday in May every year.
Leading the charge is a powerhouse trio of co-chairs, with Beyonce, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams joining forces with Vogue’s global editorial director Anna Wintour to oversee fashion’s biggest night.
The seemingly modest dress was completely backless
Cara worked the legendary staircase in a Ralph Lauren dress
A bra made of costume jewelry covered Shayk’s cleavage
Shayk’s sculpted abs threatened to steal the show
The dress code of this year’s event, ‘Fashion Is Art’, calls on the A-list attendees to explore how designers use the human body as a blank canvas
Gigi’s dress featured strategically-placed designs to protect her modesty
Singer Tyla headed to the Met Gala in a bold dress that covered her cleavage in glamorous fashion
Gabrielle Union also worked the event in a delicate sheer dress that showed off her figure
Joey King turned up the heat in a sexy, sparkling number
It’s the first time tennis superstar Williams has co-chaired the gala. Kidman previously co-chaired the star-studded event in 2003 as well as 2005, and Beyonce was an honorary chair in 2013.
The New York City museum will pair historical and contemporary garments from the Costume Institute for the exhibition, which will be loosely divided into three categories, including the classical and the nude body, aging and pregnant bodies, and the anatomical body.
The exhibit – set to unveil the Met’s sprawling new Conde M. Nast Galleries – has been made possible by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez, who are the lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs.
The title “Costume Art” refers to the history of the costume institute,’ Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s curator, said at a press conference.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti put her gym-honed abs front and center at the Met Gala
Lena Mahfouf also did not shy away from showing some major skin
The French influencer, 28, worked the iconic staircase with a molding of two hands covering her breasts – and a baby blue dress hugging her waist with delicate straps
Bolton, who selects the theme, said fashion has ‘the status of art because of, and not in spite of, its relation to the body.’
French luxury fashion house Yves Saint Laurent is also sponsoring the exhibit.
The 2026 Met Gala will also have a host committee that includes committee co-chairs Anthony Vaccarello and Zoe Kravitz, along with members Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Angela Bassett, Gwendoline Christie, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor and more.
Costume Art will run from May 10, 2026 through January 10, 2027, following the Met Gala on May 4.
