Fashion’s most prestigious event has finally arrived. The Met Gala is once again held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
For the 2026’s event, the theme was “Costume Art,” exploring the centrality of dress, with a dress code that can also be dubbed “fashion is art,” quoted from Vogue Magazine. As expected, a slew of A-list stars from all over the world ascended the steps and posed for the much-awaited photographs, serving a multitude of looks, silhouettes, and distinct styles that align with this year’s theme.
From big names such as Sabrina Carpenter to Indian film mogul Karan Johar, many have secured their places as the best-dressed guests of the year. Here at MAYFEYR, we present our four favorite looks, along with the designer brands you can shop to recreate them.
Sabrina Carpenter
The “Espresso” singer-songwriter got all dolled up in a glam, vintage-inspired look, strutting the red carpet in a custom Dior slit two-piece dress by Jonathan Anderson. She paid homage to Audrey Hepburn’s 1994 film Sabrina, accentuated by a full-body wrap of rhinestone film strips, with a stunning custom jewelled headpiece tying the cinematic theme together.
To recreate Carpenter’s vintage-inspired look, it’s wise to go for statement dresses from Balmain, The Attico, or Jean Paul Gaultier for a night out. If you’re leaning into full glamour, complete the look with a jewelled headpiece or crystal-embellished hair accessory to capture that same old-Hollywood allure.
Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain turned heads in a striking yellow piece of art, wearing an iconic custom Mugler creation by Miguel Castro Freitas. The hand-painted gown was completely sheer, featuring a skin-toned base that acted like a second skin organza, layered with bold hues of yellow, green, and deep blue for a dramatic finish.
The look was further elevated by a ruffled train of nine-metred circumference, with 880 lines of ruffles, and took about 958 hours of work. The result was an explosion of a painter’s palette in a kaleidoscope of colour.
Of course, this one-of-a-kind gown isn’t accessible to everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the special look. For this turn to bold, statement pieces from legendary fashion houses like Maison Margiela, Marc Jacobs, or Versace, and shop their vibrant, two-tone dresses to channel the same high-impact aesthetic.
Karan Johar
The Indian film mogul made many jaws drop as he showed how to look like a million bucks in a signature, heritage-rich costume.
At the Met Gala, Johar’s debut look was inspired by Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings that took over 5,600 hours to create, resulting in a final look that was stunning beyond words.
For an event that celebrates costume art, Johar clearly understood the assignment. Designed by renowned Indian designer Manish Malhotra, he donned a power-shouldered vintage jacket layered over a hand-painted cape measuring approximately six feet in length. The jacket featured intricate, hand-painted imagery across the ensemble, with embroidery treated using acrylic and oil finishes to achieve the luminous effect of an actual painting.
Of course, this highly intricate look is a challenge to recreate, but if you’re looking for art-inspired, vibrant embroidered pieces, consider pieces from Etro, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana that will give you the same artsy glamour.
Nicole Kidman
Last but not least, Hollywood royalty and 2026 Met Gala co-chair Nicole Kidman stunned in every sense at this year’s event.
Not a newbie to the game, Kidman has always understood the assignment, and this year she channelled fiery mood in a Chanel sequin gown, custom-designed by Matthieu Blazy. The gown featured feather detailing around the hips and a cuff, all in a deep, bold red colour. And of course, everyone couldn’t get enough of Kidman’s new hairstyle, with ultra-long extensions and soft, wispy bangs.
While some critics online were quick to suggest she didn't follow the theme, sometimes all you need is a classic gown. And a red sequin piece can be a work of art in its own right. To channel Nicole Kidman’s striking look, pick ethereal gowns and dresses from Solace London, Valentino, or Alaïa.
Shop your MET Gala inspired looks only at MAYFEYR.
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