Sabrina Carpenter commands attention at the 2026 Met Gala, themed “Costume Art,” held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 4, 2026.
Gilbert Flores/Variety
The pinnacle of the fashion calendar has arrived for 2026. On Monday, May 4, the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art played host to a dazzling array of stars, including Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Beyoncé, all interpreting this year’s ambitious avant-garde theme. But among such stiff competition, which ensemble truly resonated with you?
This year’s exhibition, titled “Costume Art,” prompted attendees to explore the intersection of fashion and fine art. The dress code, “Fashion Is Art,” gave designers and celebrities alike a expansive canvas for creativity. Sabrina Carpenter embraced the theme with cinematic flair, donning a gown fashioned from actual 1954 film strips of the Audrey Hepburn classic Sabrina. She later captivated audiences with an intimate performance inside the gala, including a poignant duet of “Landslide” alongside Stevie Nicks. Meanwhile, Benito made a striking, transformative appearance, utilizing meticulous special-effects makeup to age himself decades for the occasion.
Queen Bey, serving as a co-chair alongside Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, exuded ethereal grace in a structural silver gown, walking the carpet with Jay-Z and Blue Ivy. Elsewhere, Madonna turned heads with a dramatic pirate-inspired ensemble featuring sweeping, voluminous fabric sails, while SZA brought a fresh, unconventional perspective to the carpet with a curated look sourced entirely from eBay. The evening was a kaleidoscope of singular vision, with notable appearances from LISA of BLACKPINK, Sam Smith, Janelle Monáe, Doechii, and Gracie Abrams, each delivering unforgettable sartorial statements.
While Billboard has already curated a list of our favorite musician looks from this year’s festivities, the definitive verdict rests with you. Cast your vote in the poll below to crown the ultimate fashion icon of the 2026 Met Gala.
