The world’s biggest stars descended on New York for the 2026 Met Gala on Monday night, with Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Hailey Bieber leading the glamour on fashion’s most iconic red carpet.
A Met Gala veteran at this stage, Kardashian marked her 13th appearance at the annual fundraiser in signature headline-making style.
The 45-year-old wore a futuristic liquid-gold nude body dress created in collaboration with British pop artist Allen Jones and design duo Whitaker Malem.
The daring ensemble, inspired by Jones’ provocative 1975 Maitresse poster, clung to her figure and quickly became one of the most talked-about looks of the night.
She was joined by her mum Kris Jenner, who opted for a kimono-inspired outfit, while sister Kylie Jenner raised eyebrows with a controversial ‘fake nipple’ dress.
One of the standout moments came from Beyoncé, who made a triumphant return to the Met steps after a decade-long absence.
The 44-year-old superstar, who also served as one of the evening’s co-chairs, stunned in a custom sequin skeleton gown by Olivier Rousteing.
She completed the regal look with a towering silver crown, firmly cementing her status as queen of the carpet.
Beyoncé was joined by husband Jay-Z and their daughter Blue Ivy Carter, who made her Met Gala debut in Balenciaga.
Hollywood elegance came courtesy of Nicole Kidman, who commanded attention in a breathtaking Chanel gown featuring intricate sequins and feather detailing at the waist and sleeves.
The Oscar-winning actress, also a co-chair this year, was accompanied by her daughter Sunday Rose Kidman Urban.
Hailey Bieber delivered one of the night’s most fashion-forward looks in a striking Yves Saint Laurent ensemble, pairing a sculpted gold breastplate with a flowing blue chiffon skirt.
Notably absent was her husband Justin Bieber.
The 2026 theme, Costume Art, encouraged guests to explore fashion as a form of artistic expression, with the dress code ‘Fashion Is Art’ inspiring bold and theatrical interpretations.
The accompanying exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will examine the human body as a canvas, spanning classical, anatomical and evolving representations in design.
Among the other standout attendees, Anne Hathaway turned heads in a hand-painted Michael Kors gown depicting the Goddess of Peace, while Rihanna arrived in her usual show-stopping fashion, wearing a sculptural silver Maison Margiela design alongside partner A$AP Rocky.
Blake Lively made a dramatic return to the Met Gala carpet in an archival Atelier Versace gown, appearing unfazed just hours after settling her widely publicised legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
There was no shortage of standout fashion moments elsewhere. Kendall Jenner looked ethereal in a deconstructed cream gown, Doja Cat pushed boundaries in a daring silicone Saint Laurent dress, and tennis icon Serena Williams showed off her athletic physique in a metallic Marc Jacobs mini.
Supermodels Cara Delevingne and Ashley Graham were among the early arrivals, while fashion legend Kate Moss attended alongside her daughter Lila Moss.
Music stars including Ciara and Gracie Abrams also brought glamour to the evening.
However, the night wasn’t without controversy.
Reports suggested that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez donated a staggering $10 million to the Costume Institute in exchange for honorary co-chair titles, sparking debate around the influence of ultra-wealthy sponsors on the event.
The gala, overseen once again by Anna Wintour, remains the Costume Institute’s primary source of funding and one of the most anticipated nights in the entertainment calendar.
This year’s edition also marked a significant moment, coming after Wintour stepped back from her long-held role as editor-in-chief of Vogue, signalling a new era for the iconic event she helped transform into a global spectacle.
