COSTUME DRAMA | THE MET GALA 2026

by John Russel Jones May 05, 2026

As an MR editor, I always feel more conflicted about writing about The Met Gala (the annual fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s Costume Institute) than some of the other red carpet events like the Oscars or the Grammys: Sure, some of the evening’s trends might influence a retailer’s planning down the road, but because of the capricious nature of the Gala’s annual themes (reflecting the Institute’s latest exhibition), the outfits often might just as well be plucked from a Halloween parade or Carnevale celebration.

Colman Domingo’s Valentino ensemble certainly aced the assignment…but would you wear it? (Photo by TheStewartofNY/Getty Images)

This year was even tougher. Calls to boycott the Gala over the appointment of its honorary chairs, Jeff and Lauren Sanchez Bezos, arose as early as February as a statement against the ultra-wealthy. An “anti-billionaire group projected video interviews with Amazon workers onto the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Bezoses’ penthouse…,” according to The New York Times. [As someone concerned about our current K-shaped economy, I was tempted to ignore the event myself, but as a regular Amazon shopper, that intent felt a bit hollow.]

British fencing champion Miles Chamley-Watson wore a KidSuper tribute to Cubism. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Then there was the theme itself, “Costume Art,” which seemed to leave everyone grasping at straws for how to interpret the theme. The official dress code was “Fashion Is Art,” inviting attendees to treat their bodies as canvases. But isn’t that what we all do, every day, with varying layers of intention? As our web editor, Brett Edward Stout, put it, “I don’t think I’ve seen a single thing that wouldn’t just be an ordinary cool dress somebody might wear to the Golden Globes.”

Jaafar Jackson, star of the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” is certainly elegant in this Ralph Lauren velvet nautical/military look (a discreet reference to the deceased pop star’s style). It was underwhelming for the Gala, but I, for one, wouldn’t mind seeing men wearing variations on this theme to any number of events for Holiday. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Finally, and this is my usual complaint, the men attending the event just didn’t try hard enough. Of all the parties on the calendar, this is definitely the one where stepping back and allowing the women to shine in the spotlight just shouldn’t matter. You’ve been handed a theme. Have some fun with it! Billionaires, spend all those ill-gotten gains on some couture, some stylists, some hair and makeup…let’s see that trickle-down in action! Sponsor some celebrities and influencers if you’re not feeling runway-ready.

Dao-Yi Chow, Wisdom Kaye, and Maxwell Osborne: So refreshing to see Chow and Osborne of the brand Public School taking a severe, fashion-forward stance on the red carpet. Those awesome, turned-up cap-toe boots, mimicking the shoulders on their expanded suit silhouettes, are bespoke from Timberland! (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

With all of that, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was juggling Vogue’s feed on my iPad around 4:30 p.m. before running to watch the big show on YouTube once things got rolling, all the while texting with friends about favorite or scorned looks. Here are a few of my picks for looks that were fun, interesting, on-theme, and maybe—just maybe—might have some impact on your OTB this coming season. If you have the time, scroll through the more than 250 images on Vogue’s website. It’s sometimes inspiring, often frightening, always interesting.