The Met Gala 2026 returned this year with one of its most interpretive themes yet: “Costume Art” paired with the dress code “Fashion Is Art.” Celebrities were challenged to treat fashion like a living canvas, turning the red carpet into a surreal mix of sculpture, performance, and storytelling. Some stars fully embraced the assignment with bold, theatrical looks that felt museum-worthy, while others completely missed the mark with outfits that left social media confused rather than impressed. From unforgettable couture moments to fashion disasters already becoming memes, here are the best and worst dressed stars of the night.
Selected By Kevondre Hield – Editor in Chief
Emma Chamberlain stole the night in a gown that felt like a living painting, bringing the theme to life with elegance while Mugler perfectly balanced every accent against her skin tone. Doja Cat’s interpretation was conceptually interesting, the overall execution felt lackluster compared to the stronger and more visually striking looks on the carpet.
Selected By Keva Lockhart – Culinary & Culture Editor
Yu-Chi Lyra Kuo wearing a custom Jean Paul Gaultier gown inspired by the sculpture “Winged Victory of Samothrace” absolutely ate down. The white gown was simple, clean, expressive, and perfectly aligned with the “Fashion Is Art” theme, while Serena Williams’ Marc Jacobs look unfortunately came across as cheap and tacky, the gold shoes paired with the silver foil mini dress gave less Greek goddess and more leftovers in the fridge.
Selected By Rouen Robinson – Associate Writer, Cinema
Sabrina Carpenter captures the idea of Costume art in a way that expresses the tool of the artform as art itself. The use of filmstrips as clothing straddles the visual arts of photography and cinematography with flawless ease. Léna Mahfouf aka Léna Situations falls short of the theme Costume Art by not going far enough with the idea of the dress molding the one who wears it. The molding hands were a popular concept for the dress code of Fashion is Art at the Met Gala this year and sadly this piece version of it is underwhelming.
Selected By Jazmyn Pickstock – Associate Writer, Music
Gwendoline Christie, I love the color, the face mask, the makeup, and the hair. Other than Emma Chamberlain, who is obviously best dressed, this was one of my favorite looks of the night because it felt very avant-garde and theatrical in the best way. Worst dressed goes to Rachel Sennott. I liked the idea behind the look, but the execution just did not land, the toenails on the socks completely threw it off, and while it could have been really good, it ultimately just didn’t hit.
Selected By Jinnel Marrie – Associate Writer, Wellness
Anok Yai is one of my best dressed of the night. Her look had an emotional language.The “Mater Dolorosa” inspiration brought sorrow, devotion, and sacred drama to the red carpet. sculpted hair, glass-like tears,it felt like a living artwork executed well. I wouldn’t call Cardi B one of the worst dressed, because the look itself wasn’t bad. I just expected more storytelling and stronger theme interpretation from her, especially because she and her team have delivered some truly artistic, conceptual fashion moments in the past.
Selected By Kera Edgecombe – Executive Editor
Ciara is my best dressed because she took a bold concept and executed it tastefully. She truly looked like the Egyptian goddess she was inspired by, Nefertiti. The gold detailing beautifully reflected ancient Egyptian art and sculptures, while Cardi B’s look unfortunately resembled a pile of sandbags, with the colors, lace, and overall material making the dress feel cheap rather than couture.
Selected By Antonio Fowler – Brand Experience Representative
Janelle Monáe’s look was one of the strongest of the night because the details, concept, and meaning behind it all came together perfectly it felt like an introspective art piece brought to life. Worst dressed goes to Rihanna; it simply did not give the level of impact or excitement expected for the Met Gala.
Best Dressed at the 2026 Met Gala
The Met Gala 2026 returned this year with one of its most interpretive themes yet: “Costume Art” paired with the dress code “Fashion Is Art.” Celebrities were challenged to treat fashion like a living canvas, turning the red carpet into a surreal mix of sculpture, performance, and storytelling. Some stars fully embraced the assignment with bold, theatrical looks that felt museum-worthy, while others completely missed the mark with outfits that left social media confused rather than impressed. From unforgettable couture moments to fashion disasters already becoming memes, here are the best and worst dressed stars of the night.
Emma Chamberlain stole the night in a gown that felt like a living painting, bringing the theme to life with elegance while Mugler perfectly balanced every accent against her skin tone. Doja Cat’s interpretation was conceptually interesting, the overall execution felt lackluster compared to the stronger and more visually striking looks on the carpet.
Yu-Chi Lyra Kuo wearing a custom Jean Paul Gaultier gown inspired by the sculpture “Winged Victory of Samothrace” absolutely ate down. The white gown was simple, clean, expressive, and perfectly aligned with the “Fashion Is Art” theme, while Serena Williams’ Marc Jacobs look unfortunately came across as cheap and tacky, the gold shoes paired with the silver foil mini dress gave less Greek goddess and more leftovers in the fridge.
Sabrina Carpenter captures the idea of Costume art in a way that expresses the tool of the artform as art itself. The use of filmstrips as clothing straddles the visual arts of photography and cinematography with flawless ease. Léna Mahfouf aka Léna Situations falls short of the theme Costume Art by not going far enough with the idea of the dress molding the one who wears it. The molding hands were a popular concept for the dress code of Fashion is Art at the Met Gala this year and sadly this piece version of it is underwhelming.
Gwendoline Christie, I love the color, the face mask, the makeup, and the hair. Other than Emma Chamberlain, who is obviously best dressed, this was one of my favorite looks of the night because it felt very avant-garde and theatrical in the best way. Worst dressed goes to Rachel Sennott. I liked the idea behind the look, but the execution just did not land, the toenails on the socks completely threw it off, and while it could have been really good, it ultimately just didn’t hit.
Anok Yai is one of my best dressed of the night. Her look had an emotional language.The “Mater Dolorosa” inspiration brought sorrow, devotion, and sacred drama to the red carpet. sculpted hair, glass-like tears,it felt like a living artwork executed well. I wouldn’t call Cardi B one of the worst dressed, because the look itself wasn’t bad. I just expected more storytelling and stronger theme interpretation from her, especially because she and her team have delivered some truly artistic, conceptual fashion moments in the past.
Ciara is my best dressed because she took a bold concept and executed it tastefully. She truly looked like the Egyptian goddess she was inspired by, Nefertiti. The gold detailing beautifully reflected ancient Egyptian art and sculptures, while Cardi B’s look unfortunately resembled a pile of sandbags, with the colors, lace, and overall material making the dress feel cheap rather than couture.
Janelle Monáe’s look was one of the strongest of the night because the details, concept, and meaning behind it all came together perfectly it felt like an introspective art piece brought to life. Worst dressed goes to Rihanna; it simply did not give the level of impact or excitement expected for the Met Gala.
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