The Met Gala 2026, fashion's most anticipated event, has begun at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Chloe Mac Donnell from the Guardian's fashion desk is live-blogging the red carpet arrivals, bringing the best looks, the questionable choices, and the hot topics of the evening.
What is the Met Gala?
For the fashion industry, the Met Gala is equivalent to the Oscars or the Super Bowl. Held annually on the first Monday in May, it marks the opening of the Costume Institute's latest exhibition. Vogue's Anna Wintour has transformed it into the biggest party in fashion and a lucrative fundraiser for the institute. This year, the event is even more significant as it celebrates the opening of the Costume Institute's new 12,000-square-foot home, the Condé Nast Galleries.
This Year's Theme and Dress Code
The exhibition theme is "Costume Art," exploring depictions of the dressed body across the Met's collection. The gala's dress code is "Fashion is Art," encouraging guests to express their relationship with fashion as an embodied art form. Expect daring interpretations, from naked dressing to direct homages to artworks. Past Met Gala moments include Jared Leto as a cat (2023), Katy Perry as a chandelier (2019), and Rihanna as a pope (2018).
Co-Chairs and Controversy
This year's co-chairs include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, who provided majority funding, are honorary chairs, sparking outrage from activist groups. Anti-Bezos posters have appeared near the museum, and protests are expected outside the event.
The Tech Gala and Ticket Prices
With individual tickets at around $100,000 (up from $75,000 last year) and tables exceeding $300,000, the event is increasingly dominated by tech companies. Meta, Snapchat, OpenAI, ShopMy, and Amazon have all purchased tables. Last year raised a record $31 million, and this year could surpass that. However, Wintour personally approves all guests, even those on purchased tables.
Expected Attendees and Notable Absences
The host committee includes Anthony Vaccarello, Zoe Kravitz, Doja Cat, Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Teyana Taylor, A'ja Wilson, Chase Sui Wonders, and Sam Smith. Kardashians and Jenners are likely to appear. Notably, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not attend, citing a focus on affordability, a move that avoids the backlash faced by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2021 for her "Tax the Rich" dress.
Inside the Gala
Guests will tour the exhibition, followed by drinks, dinner, and a surprise performance. Rumored performers include Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo, and Beyoncé. The first arrivals are trickling in, with Wintour's strict punctuality setting the tone.
