2026 Met Gala "Costume Art" theme yields Klimt, Van Gogh and Margiela tributes

New York, May 4. The Met Gala 2026 was held on Monday, May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This year's theme was "Costume Art" and the dress code "Fashion is Art".

Emma Chamberlain's Van Gogh

YouTuber-influencer Emma Chamberlain wore a Mugler dress inspired by Van Gogh's "Garden at Arles". Artist Anna Deller Yee spent 40 hours hand-painting the fringe sleeves with sunflowers and irises.

Gracie Abrams' Klimt

Singer Gracie Abrams wore a Chanel gown inspired by a Gustav Klimt painting. Gold leaf and intricate patterns gave the look a direct nod to the "Vienna Secession".

Rihanna's metal artistry

Rihanna donned a hand-sculpted gunmetal Maison Margiela gown with silver embellishments. It came amid speculation about her third pregnancy, though she did not comment. Rihanna's look was called the "most daring" of this year's Met Gala.

Kim Kardashian's pop art

Kim Kardashian appeared in a sculpted bodysuit designed by pop artist Allen Jones — a direct reference to Jones's 1970s "Chair" sculptures.

Deepika Padukone's spotlight

Indian actress Deepika Padukone walked in a Sabyasachi Mukherjee design that drew from Madhubani art. It was her third Met Gala. Her look received 12 million Instagram likes.

Anna Wintour's record tenure

Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour hosted her 38th Met Gala. She had hinted in 2025 about stepping down the following year but remained the event's principal organiser this time.