Everyone’s favorite Monday breached this past week, and the people (the internet) had much to say, myself included. The Met Gala occurs on the first Monday of May every year — and if you have no idea what I am going on about — it is an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. The gala is deemed fashion’s biggest night.

Individual tickets alone have skyrocketed to $100k per person, and it has become one of the most exclusive fashion events to date. Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief from 1988–2025, holds nearly all of the power regarding the event, from the guest list to final approval of the highly strict dress code and seating arrangements. If you find yourself on the bad side of Wintour, anticipate never finding yourself at the $350,000 table-for-ten.

The 2026 theme was announced as “Costume Art,” with the dress code following “Fashion is Art.” Much room for interpretation, much room for utter disappointment.

I’m rolling out my top five looks from the fashion Super Bowl.

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#5 - Madonna

Madonna theatrically swept the floor in a look designed by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent. The six-person entourage replicated The Temptation of St. Anthony, by artist Leonora Carrington, a hauntingly beautiful ode to the evening’s artistic theme.

*Leonora Carrington, The Temptation of St. Anthony, 1945, oil on canvas.© 2026 Estate of Leonora Carrington / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: Bridgeman Images*

#4 - Kendall Jenner

This year, Kendall Jenner was dressed by Zac Posen, the creative director of Gap Inc., wearing a custom GapStudio creation. The wings were not featured on the carpet, but presented as an attachment more intimately. The look was inspired by Winged Victory of Samothrace (c. 190 BC).

This is the second year in a row where GapStudio has had one of the best looks of the night. That is precisely why the GAP stock will keep increasing (but you didn’t hear it from me).

#3 - Sabine Getty

Sabine Getty, in custom Ashi Studio, transformed herself into a stunning walking oil painting. The surreal illusion gown drew inspiration from classical nude portraiture and the body-as-art motif dominating the evening.

#2 - Anok Tai

Anok Yai arrived on the Met steps, covered in bronze and framed by prosthetic hair. Inspired by the Black Madonna and religious Renaissance iconography, the custom Balenciaga look featured tear detailing, inspired by the Virgin of Sorrows.

#1 - Emma Chamberlain

My top look of the night, without hesitation, goes to Emma Chamberlain, who also happened to be the very first to step onto the carpet. Dressed in custom Mugler, Chamberlain referenced Thierry Mugler’s iconic FW97 couture collection, home to the “La Chimère” gown, a piece often regarded as one of the most expensive and elaborate couture creations in fashion history.

In a night dedicated to fashion as art, Chamberlain understood the theme, dress code, and essence more than anyone.

*Photo Courtesy of HauteCoutureGlobal on Instagram*

Honorable mentions include: Rihanna, Gracie Abrams, and Rachel Zegler.

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Another year, another Met. Many celebrities and their stylists seemed to understand this year’s theme far better than in previous years. Here’s to continuing to evolve, push boundaries, and perhaps, leave Jeff Bezos off the guest list.

LET’S TALK: MET GALA 2026

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