Behold, fashion’s biggest night has arrived: the Met Gala 2026. This year’s dress code theme ‘Fashion is Art’ is an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute spring exhibition theme ‘Costume Art’—an ode to the dressed body and interpretations of the human form.
And who knows the body better than the maker? For the physique is but a blank canvas, and fabric is the medium that is sewn, moulded and manipulated around the frame to create a beautiful sartorial thing. As art takes centrestage this Met Gala, it’s only fitting that the industry’s most brilliant designers are seeking inspiration in the expansive world of art—before transposing them onto beautiful pieces meant for the carpet.
With such a strong focus on the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating clothes—and a prod at the age-old question of “Is fashion art?”—it seems that the folks of the 2026 Met Gala were keenly aware of the designer’s role, this year more so than ever. Understandably, many guests arrived accompanied with the makers of their garb. Anne Hathaway was seen with Michael Kors, his design a nod to Greco-Roman art and hand-painted by Peter McGough. Meanwhile, Zoë Kravitz stunned in a black lace number from Saint Laurent, courtesy of long-time collaborator Anthony Vaccarello who looked chic by her side. Pierpaolo Piccioli understood the brief to a tee, with Anok Yai’s invigorating ‘walking statue’ number, one they collaborated on—and delivered with aplomb.
Below, a look at the designers who attended the Met Gala 2026 alongside their muses.
1 / 8
Anok Yai and Pierpaolo Piccioli in Balenciaga
2 / 8
Anne Hathaway and Michael Kors
3 / 8
Cardi B and Marc Jacobs with Char Defrancesco
4 / 8
Kendall Jenner and Zac Posen in Gap
5 / 8
Zoë Kravitz and Anthony Vaccarello in Saint Laurent
6 / 8
Teyana Taylor and Haider Ackermann in Tom Ford
7 / 8
Rachel Sennott and Marc Jacobs
8 / 8
