The 2026 red carpet event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute showcased a fusion of fashion and art, aligning with the theme of “Costume Art” and the evening’s dress code of “Fashion is Art.” Despite some controversy surrounding the event’s billionaire sponsorship, celebrities embraced the exhibition’s exploration of the connection between clothing and art spanning 5,000 years.
Attendees transformed the red carpet into a living gallery, drawing inspiration from classical sculptures, iconic artworks, and cultural references. Notable looks included Emma Chamberlain channeling Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch, Sabrina Carpenter wearing a dress incorporating film strips from the 1954 Audrey Hepburn movie “Sabrina,” Blackpink’s Lisa in a surreal ensemble inspired by traditional Thai dance, and many more captivating fashion statements that embodied the artistic essence of the night.
Heidi Klum donned a full-body illusion inspired by Raffaelle Monti’s “The Veiled Vestal,” Beyoncé stunned in a crystalline skeleton gown and feathered opera coat, Madonna rocked a custom Saint Laurent look inspired by Leonora Carrington’s “The Temptation of St. Anthony,” Kendall Jenner channeled the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Hailey Bieber paid homage to a 1969 YSL collaboration, Bad Bunny showcased a transformative prosthetic look representing “The Aging Body,” Chase Infiniti dazzled in a beaded dress inspired by the Venus de Milo, Luke Evans embodied a Tom of Finland figure, Audrey Nuna channeled abstract expressionism, Angela Bassett was inspired by the painting “Girl in a Pink Dress,” Rachel Zegler paid tribute to “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey,” Cardi B took cues from surrealist doll works, Hunter Schafer emulated Gustav Klimt’s “Mäda Primavesi,” and Anok Yai honored the Black Madonna with a Balenciaga creation.
The event was a true celebration of fashion as an art form, showcasing the creativity and innovation of designers and celebrities alike.
