“Fashion is Art”: The 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet

The first Monday in May has arrived, and the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are officially “erupting” with creative energy. The 2026 Met Gala theme, “Costume Art,” has challenged the world’s biggest icons to interpret the dress code: “Fashion is Art.” This year’s event, co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, is proving to be a futuristic milestone for the Costume Institute.   

The red carpet, which kicked off at 5:30 p.m. ET today, has already “blown minds” with sculptural designs that blur the line between clothing and fine art. India is making a massive statement this year, with Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh making a high-energy appearance alongside rumored debutant Karan Johar, who is expected to wear a custom, museum-worthy Manish Malhotra piece. This positive shift toward global representation highlights how the Met Gala has evolved into a truly international stage for “embodied art.” Whether it’s a feathered avant-garde gown or a hand-embroidered saree, tonight is a beautiful reminder that fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about the stories we tell.