On Monday, May 4, the annual Met Gala was hosted in New York City by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, featuring the theme “Costume Art.” The Met Gala is a fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Originally established in 1948, the event was exclusively for high-society New Yorkers. However, over the years, the occasion has evolved into a globally recognized event and is now considered New York’s biggest fundraiser, generating millions of dollars each year.
Every year, the event celebrates the opening of the museum’s new spring exhibition, inviting elite stars from around the world. In 2026, the Met Gala recognized the Costume Institute with the correlating “Fashion is Art” dress code, in which guests dressed according to the theme. The theme was meant to celebrate fashion in an artistic way.
The Met Gala red carpet is livestreamed across digital platforms for fans at home to tune in and enjoy their favorite celebrities’ looks, featuring a variety of people such as Nicole Kidman, Bad Bunny, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Cher, Venus Williams and many more. Each depicted the theme in their own expressive way.
Some notable interpretations included one of the event’s co-chairs, singer Beyoncé, who featured a crystallized skeleton bodysuit that honored her Black and Creole pride.
Also included was model Kendall Jenner, who channeled Winged Victory of Samothrace, a second-century marble statue.
Actress Heidi Klum also went down the sculpture route by depicting a look inspired by “The Veiled Virgin,” a 19th-century realistic statue.
Another notable look was seen on influencer Emma Chamberlain, who wore a hand-painted gown inspired by Mugler archives.
The Met Gala is a night where creative expression is brought together and appreciated by the fashion community. However, it does not stop at the red carpet. Attendees also enjoy dinner and musical performances. This year, singers Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna performed.
Overall, the Met Gala is an important night for pop culture and the fashion community, as it is considered the biggest night in fashion.
