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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DESK

The Met Gala 2026 unfolded in full spectacle mode, with the red carpet transforming into a high-energy showcase of bold fashion, headline-making moments, and viral-worthy arrivals. As always, the night blurred the line between entertainment and style, bringing out some of the biggest names in the industry.

With this year’s theme Costume Art and dress code Fashion Is Art, celebrities embraced dramatic, statement looks that felt straight out of an exhibition. From sculptural silhouettes to theatrical detailing, the message was clear—go big or go home.

A-list stars including Beyoncé, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Bad Bunny, Heidi Klum, and Katy Perry turned up in standout ensembles.

Beyoncé’s return after a decade was one of the night’s biggest highlights. The co-chair arrived late but commanded attention in a dramatic bejeweled skeleton gown, layered with a feathered coat and a striking headpiece.

Nicole Kidman opted for timeless elegance in a red Chanel column dress with feathered cuffs, while Serena Williams stood out in a black crystal Swarovski gown with a bold, sculptural neckline.

Bad Bunny took a theatrical, time-bending approach, arriving as an aged version of himself. With a walking cane, white hair, and hyper-realistic prosthetic makeup, his transformation became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The look aligned closely with the Costume Art theme, reflecting the exhibition’s focus on aging and evolving physical identity.

Doja Cat, part of the host committee, also grabbed attention in a draped latex gown by Saint Laurent. The design balanced a modest neckline with a daring thigh-high slit that extended to the waist.

On the Bollywood front, Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra made appearances, while regulars like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone were notably absent this year. Johar, however, made a strong impression with his debut look.

Titled Framed in Eternity , Karan Johar’s outfit featured a structured, power-shouldered vintage jacket paired with a sweeping, hand-painted cape stretching nearly six feet. He completed the look with multi-gemstone jewellery from his label Tyaani.

Johar revealed that his look was inspired by legendary Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma, calling the reference deeply personal. He noted that Varma’s ability to capture emotion through art mirrors his own approach to storytelling in cinema.

Beyond the glamour, the Met Gala remains a major fundraiser for the Costume Institute. This year, it raised a record $42 million, up from $31 million in 2025, according to the museum’s CEO Max Hollein.

The accompanying exhibition further reinforces the theme by placing high fashion alongside iconic artworks. Pieces like a Saint Laurent design are displayed next to Irises by Vincent van Gogh, while a John Galliano gown for Maison Margiela is paired with an antique sculpture—highlighting the seamless dialogue between fashion and art.