The Met Gala has officially revealed its theme for 2026. The fashion world’s biggest night will center on "Costume Art." The event is set for May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Vogue announced the theme on November 17. The gala will include a complementary exhibition alongside its main event.
Museum curator Andrew Bolton commented on the theme. He told Vogue this represents a "momentous" occasion for the Costume Institute.
Bolton, 59, elaborated on the theme’s broader impact. He believes it "will be transformative for our department" and "transformative for fashion in general."
The curator highlighted the significance of "an art museum like the Met… giving fashion center stage." This statement underscores a shift in how fashion is perceived within the institution.
Bolton explained the exhibition addresses "the centrality of the clothed body in the museum’s vast collection." He noted that fashion, or the clothed body, connects all museum galleries.
"It’s the common thread of the entire museum," Bolton stated. "The clothed body is central to every gallery you visit." He added that even the nude is "always imbued with cultural values and ideas."
The exhibition’s focus is the "indivisible connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear." This suggests that "naked dresses" or similar revealing styles might be prominent next year.
Bolton emphasized the goal: "The idea was to re-insert the body back into conversations about art and fashion." He aims to embrace the body, not eliminate it, to elevate fashion as an art form.
Details regarding the official dress code remain unannounced by Vogue. The co-chairs for the evening and the full guest list are also yet to be revealed.
The 2025 Met Gala celebrated "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." Its dress code was "Tailored for You."
That exhibition explored the influence of African American dandyism. Anna Wintour co-chaired with Pharrell Williams, ASAP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and honorary chair LeBron James.
Anna Wintour, 76, left her Vogue editor role in June but remains Global Editorial Director for the brand. She also continues as Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast. She has chaired the Met Gala since 1995.
Celebrities like Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Hailey Bieber attended the May 2025 event.
Kim Kardashian, 45, wore a Chrome Hearts ensemble. It featured a crocodile-print leather bustier and a floor-length skirt with a glamorous train.
Zendaya, 29, showcased a white Pharrell Williams design. Her outfit included a tailored blazer, fitted vest, flared trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat.