Emily Blunt made a striking impression on the red carpet at the 2026 Met Gala, held on May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The actress, best known for her role in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, embraced this year’s theme, “Fashion Is Art,” with an exquisite $500,000 body necklace crafted by renowned jeweller Mikimoto.
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This unique piece showcases thousands of Akoya pearls, expertly fashioned into a striking structured design that draws the eye. At the centre of the necklace is a stunning 21.85-carat pear-shaped morganite, surrounded by nearly 46 carats of sparkling diamonds. Blunt chose this lavish adornment as the focal point of her ensemble, demonstrating an innovative approach to the theme.
In a statement reflecting on her choice, Blunt mentioned that collaborating with celebrity stylist Jessica Pastor was an enjoyable experience, as they aimed to reimagine the theme in a fresh way. “When we saw this extraordinary creation from Mikimoto, we knew it was perfect. It feels like wearable art and captures the idea of jewellery becoming part of the garment,” she stated.
Pastor further explained the concept behind Blunt’s look, stating, “Typically for the Met Gala, the clothing fully embodies the theme while the jewellery plays more of a supporting role. Here, we reversed that. The body necklace became the garment; it defines the silhouette and directly expresses the relationship between the body and what adorns it.” This reinterpretation not only made Blunt stand out but also prompted attendees to rethink the relationship between clothing and accessories.
In addition to the eye-catching body necklace, Blunt enhanced her look with several other Mikimoto pieces. She wore Bows Akoya Pearl Earrings, featuring 40.7 carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold, along with a Mikimoto Pearl Ring surrounded by 2.8 carats of diamonds and a Bows Akoya Ring set in platinum, adorned with 1.54 carats of diamonds. These accessories worked harmoniously together, creating a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic.
Blunt complemented the necklace with a dramatic black lace bodice adorned with tassels, paired with sleek black trousers. The combination of textures and styles showcased her fashion-forward sensibility and ability to command attention on the carpet. She was joined at the event by her sister, Felicity Blunt, and fellow actor Stanley Tucci, Felicity’s husband, who added to the glamour of the evening.
The overarching theme for the 2026 Met Gala, “Fashion Is Art,” reflects the forthcoming spring exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, titled “Costume Art.” This exhibition aims to explore how the dressed body features prominently in the museum’s vast collection. Andrew Bolton, the curator behind the exhibit, has stated it will connect various art forms spanning 5,000 years with historical and contemporary garments from the Costume Institute.
The anticipation for this year’s event was heightened following the announcement of its celebrity co-chairs, including iconic figures such as Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, who have been instrumental in shaping the fashion landscape.
Emily Blunt is no stranger to making bold fashion statements. At the 2023 Met Gala, she donned a large black bow with a flower appliqué for the theme “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” showcasing her flair for accessorising. Her previous looks include a golden mermaid gown with intricate floral details, which was embellished with over 500,000 sequins and 1,344 gold crystals during the 2019 event.
As the 2026 Met Gala unfolded, Blunt’s choice of the Mikimoto body necklace offered a fresh perspective on the interplay of jewellery and clothing, inviting conversations about the evolving nature of fashion and art. The red carpet buzz surrounding her look serves as a testament to the creativity and enthusiasm that the Met Gala continues to inspire in the world of fashion.