Inside the Met Gala 2026: The most talked-about celebrity outfits
By BBC, May 5, 2026Beyoncé returned to the Met Gala carpet for the first time in a decade, and she did not hold back. The global icon arrived in a striking gown featuring an embellished skeleton design, paired with a dramatic feathered cape by French designer Olivier Rousteing.
She was joined by her husband, Jay-Z, and their daughter Blue Ivy, who at 14 became one of the youngest attendees at the event. Speaking on the carpet, Beyoncé said it felt good to be back, especially alongside her family.
Rihanna once again closed the carpet in signature fashion, arriving late with A$AP Rocky. She wore a jewel-encrusted Maison Margiela creation, while Rocky complemented her look in a custom Chanel outfit with a soft pink coat.
Fashion takes centre stage
Fashion remained the night’s biggest statement, with celebrities embracing bold, artistic interpretations of the theme.
Anna Wintour appeared in a feather-inspired Chanel look, marking her first gala since stepping down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue.
Nicole Kidman went for a deep red beaded gown, while Venus Williams turned heads with a sparkling black dress highlighted by a bold silver neckpiece.
Serena Williams opted for a sleek silver ensemble, echoing classical art influences seen throughout the exhibition.
Art meets style
Several attendees leaned into art-inspired fashion. Lauren Sánchez Bezos channelled the iconic “Madame X” portrait in a structured Schiaparelli gown, while Emma Chamberlain wore a dress resembling a painted canvas.
Angela Bassett’s pink gown drew inspiration from a Harlem Renaissance artwork, while Lena Dunham referenced a dramatic Renaissance painting through her bold red Valentino look.
Designer Manish Malhotra showcased craftsmanship with a heavily embroidered cape created by dozens of artisans, while filmmaker Karan Johar wore a hand-painted piece rooted in Indian mythology.
Bold and theatrical looks
Some stars took a more theatrical route. Heidi Klum appeared dressed as a marble statue, while Bad Bunny transformed himself with ageing makeup.
Doja Cat experimented with a Grecian silhouette made from silicone, while Katy Perry concealed her face behind a mirrored mask in one of the night’s most unusual looks.
Broadway star Joshua Henry added performance to the fashion, opening the evening with a live rendition of a Whitney Houston classic.
Model and activist Aariana Rose Philip made history as the first wheelchair user to attend the Met Gala, marking a significant moment for representation.
Naomi Osaka also stood out with a two-look reveal, arriving in a coat dress before unveiling a second, deeper-toned outfit underneath.
From high fashion to personal expression, the 2026 Met Gala delivered a mix of glamour, artistry, and statement-making looks that kept the carpet alive from start to finish.