The biggest fashion event of the year, often called “fashion’s biggest night,” took place on May 4, 2026. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Gala explores celebrities’ and rising artists’ interpretations of high fashion. This year, the MET celebrated the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Costume Art.”
Every Spring, an exhibition theme is chosen by the Costume Institute’s Head Curator, Andrew Bolton. Bolton selects themes that reflect rising social or political trends that change the global culture from year to year. Every year, a dress code for the event is curated to complement the institute’s spring exhibition.
The Gala’s main purpose is to fundraise for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, but it also draws attention to new artists’ fashion creations.
This year’s Gala dress code was “Fashion is Art,” which coincides with the exhibition theme. This year’s dress code was intended to capture the artistic connection between art and body and how the body contributes to fashion.
“I know the theme this year was intended to be somewhat political,” sophomore Claire Campbell said. “I thought it was interesting how the theme tied in the rise of social media and beauty standards.”
Every year, as celebrities show off their fashion on the red carpet, there is always criticism and praise. And it is not just critics online; big fashion corporations like Vogue also release their rankings. With their rankings, Vogue also allows users to vote for their favorite looks.
Known originally for her presence on social media and YouTube, Emma Chamberlain returned as a Red Carpet Correspondent with her own personal Mugler look designed custom by Miguel Castro Freitas. Chamberlain made a tribute to her father, a painter whom she also took inspiration from. Her look also served as a modern nod to Mugler’s 1997 butterfly dress. Chamberlain’s outfit was highly praised by viewers for its unique shape and flow of color.
Actress Rachel Zegler made an appearance that sparked some controversy. Zegler wore a theatrical outfit inspired by the 1833 painting “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey” by artist Paul Delaroche. The painting depicted Lady Jane Grey, who reigned as the Queen of England for nine days in 1553 before being beheaded by her cousin Queen Mary I. Designed by Atelier Prabal Gurung, some thought the look was “disrespectful” to the late queen, while others took offense and mocked Zegler’s unusual facial expressions. On TikTok, users ridiculed her for “jawing”, an internet term for models sticking out their jaws too much while being photographed.
Another change that struck audiences at this year’s Met Gala is that many believed that the men at the Met Gala stepped it up with this year’s theme.
“I feel that in past years, the guys would just show up in plain black tuxedos and the girls would show up in extravagant ball gowns. This year, I didn’t really see that trend,” senior Cailin Dorefice said.
Bad Bunny shocked viewers by showing up as an aged version of himself. The look was thought-provoking, providing commentary on how today’s beauty standards fear the concept of aging.
“I really liked his look and the message behind it,” Campbell said.
The Met Gala may appear to be an average red carpet fashion show for big-name celebs, but it gives people the chance to be creative and express themselves.
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