The countdown to fashion’s biggest night has officially begun.
The Met Gala has unveiled the theme for its 2026 edition, setting the tone for what promises to be another unforgettable night of style and spectacle.
Scheduled for May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute will once again be overseen by longtime chair Anna Wintour.
According to Vogue, this year’s dress code is “Fashion Is Art,” aligning with the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition theme, “Costume Art.” As always, the red carpet directive mirrors the museum’s showcase, and this year’s concept leaves plenty of room for imagination.
The exhibition will explore the “centrality of the dressed body,” featuring more than 400 objects, from archival garments in the Costume Institute’s collection to paintings and other artistic works. In other words, attendees are expected to blur the lines between fashion and fine art, turning the red carpet into a living gallery.
While the official guest list remains tightly under wraps, a few headline names are already confirmed. After a decade-long absence, Beyoncé will return to the Met Gala, this time as a co-chair. Joining her are actress Nicole Kidman, tennis icon Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour herself. Billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos will serve as honorary co-chairs.
Members of the Gala Host Committee expected to attend include Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, LISA, Sam Smith, and Teyana Taylor, all of whom graced last year’s carpet.
Though not yet confirmed, there’s buzz around potential appearances from some familiar Met Gala favorites. Since her 2018 debut, Cardi B has become a red carpet regular, consistently landing on best-dressed lists. Rihanna, another fashion darling of the event, memorably revealed her third pregnancy at last year’s gala.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny, whose Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour happens to pause around the event date, is also being tipped for a return after several standout appearances in recent years.
With a theme as expansive as “Fashion Is Art” and a guest list already sparkling with star power, the 2026 Met Gala is shaping up to be less of a party and more of a masterpiece in motion.
View this post on Instagram