At the 2026 Met Gala, two of the biggest celebrities stunned attendees by becoming almost unrecognizable through their elaborate interpretations of the evening's theme. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Costume Institute Benefit, commonly known as the Met Gala, has been a prestigious fundraiser since 1948. Tickets are not available for purchase; guests must receive invitations, and this year's event was estimated to cost $100,000 (£73,000) per ticket.
Heidi Klum as a Living Statue
Supermodel Heidi Klum, 52, fully embraced the 2026 dress code, Fashion is Art, by transforming into a living statue. Her outfit paid homage to the 1847 Veiled Vestal statue by Raffaele Monti, a representation of a Vestal Virgin, priestesses of the Ancient Roman goddess Vesta. The statue was moved to Chatsworth House in 1999 and appeared in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice. Klum's costume featured grey material molded to her body, creating the illusion of marble drapery. She even painted her face, hands, and teeth to complete the effect and posed as a piece of art.
Social media erupted with praise for Klum's commitment. User MizzAndee posted on X, 'I knew who it was IMMEDIATELY. No one does these things like Heidi.' Carolinagky declared, 'She understood the assignment completely!!!' Lyric shared, 'I genuinely adore how much she commits to these type of things.' RaquelVivienne wrote, 'Never disappoints. She's that girl.' Isha added, 'Heidi never fails me. Celebs, gather around! Take notes and be better next time.' This look was a stark contrast to her previous year's simple black gown by Vetements creative director Guram Gvasalia.
Bad Bunny as an Aged Version of Himself
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, 32, also turned heads by appearing as an aged version of himself. He arrived in a black suit with a timepiece and cane, enhanced by prosthetics from make-up artist Mike Marino, who has also worked on Klum's Halloween looks. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, collaborated with Marino to envision his future appearance, complete with wrinkles, sags, and sun spots. His suit was a personal design with Zara, and the pussy bow referenced designer Charles James' 1947 gown Bustle, part of the Met's permanent collection. He also wore a white wig, bushy eyebrows, and facial hair.
Speaking to Vogue, Bad Bunny joked that it took him '53 years exactly' to get ready. 'It took a little bit, but it was worth it. I hope it looks good. I always try to do something different, and this day of the Met is the perfect day to explore and recreate and express yourself in a different way so that's what I'm doing tonight.' Reactions on social media were enthusiastic, with one user calling it 'genius at another level.' Melsolillo added, 'This is understanding the Met Gala. I adore the idea, how he pulls it off.' Since his first Met Gala in 2022, Bad Bunny has consistently embraced tailoring and cultural references, such as last year's Prada suit with embellished gloves and a custom Puerto Rican pava hat.
Event Details and Co-Chairs
The 2026 Met Gala was co-chaired by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, with Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos serving as honorary chairs. The evening celebrated the intersection of fashion and art, with many attendees drawing inspiration from paintings and sculptures.
