See the 2026 Met Gala Outfits Side-by-Side with the Famous Art That Inspired Them

The 2026 Met Gala, a highlight on the fashion calendar, took place on May 4th in New York City, with the theme “Fashion Is Art” closely tying into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibition, “Costume Art.” This year’s gala invited attendees to draw from prominent masterpieces as inspiration for their outfits, prompting several celebrities to take a creative approach that reflected renowned artistic works.

Among the notable figures gracing the red carpet was Madonna, who wowed onlookers in an extravagant ensemble that echoed Leonora Carrington’s iconic painting, “The Temptation of St. Anthony. Fragment II.” The pop icon, accompanied by seven assistants, sported a remarkable Saint Laurent slip dress and cape, which were embellished with a ship-shaped hat and a horn to mirror the surreal elements of Carrington’s work. This isn’t Madonna’s first engagement with Carrington’s artistry, as her 1995 music video “Bedtime Story” also paid homage to the painter’s extraordinary style.

Another standout guest was Anne Hathaway, who captured attention with a bespoke dress from Michael Kors Collection. Her gown drew influence from John Keats’ celebrated poem “Ode to a Grecian Urn,” intricately displaying Eirene, the goddess symbolic of peace and serenity. Hathaway’s choice resonated with the gala’s artistic theme, reflecting the timeless elegance that the exhibition sought to celebrate.

Heidi Klum, the renowned supermodel, also made headlines at this year’s gala. Working with designer Mike Marino, Klum’s look was inspired by the sculpture “Veiled Vestal,” crafted by the Italian artist Raffaele Monti. Klum’s exquisite outfit emulated the appearance of carved marble using latex and spandex, showcasing her ability to blend fashion and artistry seamlessly.

Rachel Zegler made a poignant statement through her outfit, which was designed by Prabal Gurung and paid tribute to Paul Delaroche’s “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey.” In an Instagram post, Zegler reflected on the tragic fate of Lady Jane Grey, who reigned for just nine days, highlighting the fleeting nature of power and the price of ambition.

Hunter Schafer’s entrance did not go unnoticed either, as she donned a custom Prada gown inspired by Gustav Klimt’s 1912 painting “Mäda Primavesi.” Schafer’s look, which featured a cleverly brushed blue hue in her hair, mimicked the dreamlike quality of Klimt’s artwork, further blurring the line between fashion and fine art.

In a similar vein, Gracie Abrams embraced Klimt’s aesthetic by wearing a striking bejeweled Chanel gown, channeling the elegance of Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Blochbauer I.” At the gala, she expressed her admiration for the artistic process involved in both the painting and her gown, underscoring the interconnectedness of creativity across mediums.

Kylie Jenner opted for a more provocative interpretation, crafting her look around the classical “Venus de Milo” sculpture. Her unique Schiaparelli Haute Couture ensemble featured a deconstructed approach to capture the essence of the goddess of love, demonstrating a modern twist on timeless beauty.

Kendall Jenner, too, left a lasting impression with her homage to the “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” Enlisting the creative guidance of Zac Posen, her outfit was derived from a simple white Gap tee that Posen adapted into a stunning interpretation of the iconic Greek statue, highlighting the influence of classical art on contemporary fashion.

Ben Platt made an artistic statement by incorporating the spirit of Georges Seurat’s 1884 painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” into his custom Tanner Fletcher suit. The garb, a striking creation featuring scenes directly from the painting, involved over 120 hours of meticulous hand-painting and embroidering, proving that attention to detail can yield remarkable results.

Lastly, Kim Kardashian turned heads with her choice of attire, donning a striking orange metallic breastplate inspired by British pop artist Allen Jones’ “Body Armour.” The piece, crafted from existing molds in an auto body shop, was a testament to Kardashian’s admiration for innovative and avant-garde art.

The 2026 Met Gala not only celebrated fashion but also served as a grand platform for artistic interpretation, uniting celebrities, artists, and fashion designers in a collective homage to the world of fine art. The event’s ability to blur the lines between these creative fields reaffirmed the central theme of this year’s gala: that fashion, much like art, has the power to inspire, move, and provoke thought. As the “Costume Art” exhibition opens to the public on May 10, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artistic dialogue initiated at this year’s star-studded affair, which runs until January 10, 2027.