Celebrities arrived at the 2026 Met Gala on Monday with their own interpretations of this year’s theme, “Costume Art,” as organisers encouraged guests to embrace a lavish and whimsical dress code.
The annual event, held as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, once again served as a major showcase for celebrities, designers and fashion houses to deliver high-drama spectacle.
Broadway star Joshua Henry opened the carpet with a theatrical performance of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” joined by a band and dancers on the Met’s iconic steps, which had been transformed to resemble moss-covered bricks in a lush garden setting.
This year’s guest list was especially star-studded. The event’s co-chairs included Beyoncé, actress Nicole Kidman, tennis star Venus Williams and Vogue’s Global Editorial Director Anna Wintour.
A long list of high-profile names, including Naomi Osaka, Angela Bassett, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter, as well as Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, posed for photographers on the carpet.
Other guests, including Bad Bunny, Heidi Klum and Katy Perry, were almost unrecognisable after fully committing to the costume-inspired theme.
Beyoncé made her first Met Gala appearance in 10 years and marked her return with a dramatic look designed by French fashion designer Olivier Rousteing.
Her gown featured an embellished skeleton design, in keeping with the evening’s theme, and was paired with a giant feathered cape.
When asked how it felt to return to the Met Gala, Beyoncé said it felt great to be there with her daughter and husband.
The singer walked the carpet with her husband, rapper Jay-Z, and their daughter, Blue Ivy. At 14, Blue Ivy was one of the youngest attendees, as the Gala typically only admits guests aged 18 and older.
As is tradition, Beyoncé and Jay-Z arrived after most of the evening’s guests had already made their way inside.
Rihanna also drew attention in a custom Maison Margiela look by Glenn Martens, while her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, who co-chaired last year’s Gala, arrived in a long pink coat.
Anna Wintour, Vogue’s Global Editorial Director and the longtime force behind the event, wore a feathered custom Chanel design.
Actress and co-chair Nicole Kidman attended in a red, long-sleeved beaded column gown by Chanel. She was joined by her daughter, Sunday Rose.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter appeared in a dress made from celluloid film strips.
Asked what film was featured on the dress, the Grammy-winning singer simply shouted, “Sabrina,” possibly referring to the 1954 classic starring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.
The Met Gala remains one of fashion’s most closely watched nights, bringing together celebrity, couture and performance in support of the Costume Institute.
