From hand-painted couture to sculptural glamour, celebrities transformed the Met Gala carpet into a museum-worthy spectacle
Words | Rohini Wahul
The 2026 Met Gala pushed fashion into deeply artistic territory, with this year’s dress code, ‘Fashion Is Art,’ inspiring celebrities to embrace couture as storytelling. Hand-painted fabrics, sculptural silhouettes, archival references, and painstaking craftsmanship defined the evening, transforming the Metropolitan Museum steps into a living gallery. StyleSpeak curates the standout looks that brought artistry, glamour, and imagination together.
Anne Hathaway Brings Grecian Grandeur to the Met
Anne Hathaway embodied classical elegance in a hand-painted Michael Kors Collection gown featuring artwork by Peter McGough. The deep-V neckline balanced the dramatic painted motifs, including birds and Irene, the Greek goddess of peace. Styled with Roger Vivier platform sandals, Hathaway’s look felt both regal and modern, continuing her tradition of paying homage to fashion history at the Met Gala. Her flawless smoky eye and soft pink lip paired seamlessly with a sculptural updo to complete the evening’s classic aesthetic.
Gracie Abrams Glows in Klimt-Inspired Gold
Gracie Abrams arrived looking like a Gustav Klimt painting brought to life. Designed by Chanel and Matthieu Blazy, her shimmering gold gown referenced The Kiss through geometric metallic textures and mosaic-inspired detailing. The off-shoulder silhouette paired beautifully with Chanel High Jewelry and gold Manolo Blahnik heels, creating one of the evening’s most romantic fashion moments. The minimalist aesthetic for the eyes remained a focal point along with a sophisticated brick-red lip, luminous skin, and delicate flushed cheeks.
Emma Chamberlain Turns Couture into Canvas
Emma delivered one of the night’s most artistic interpretations in a custom Mugler gown hand-painted by artist Anna Deller-Yee. Made entirely with traditional fine-art materials, the dress required over 40 hours of painting and four days of drying. The result blurred the boundaries between fashion and fine art, making Chamberlain appear less like a celebrity guest and more like a walking exhibition piece. Makeup was inspired by the gown, echoing its mauve, purple, and soft yellow iridescent colors. Chamberlain decided to keep her platinum blond hair for the evening.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Command the Carpet
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky once again proved why they remain fashion’s most influential duo. Rihanna chose Maison Margiela couture, wearing a jewel-encrusted silver-and-gold ensemble framed by a dramatic sculptural fabric structure. Alongside her, Rocky contrasted the look in a sharp pink Chanel outfit with black lapels and flowing layers. Together, the pair brought theatrical glamour and individuality to the red carpet with effortless confidence.
Karan Johar Celebrates Indian Artistry
Karan Johar made a memorable Met Gala debut in a Manish Malhotra ensemble inspired by Raja Ravi Varma. Styled by Eka Lakhani, the look featured hand-painted motifs, zardozi embroidery, sculptural lotuses, swans, and intricate detailing that took over 5,600 artisan hours to complete. Rich in craftsmanship and storytelling, Johar’s appearance became one of the evening’s strongest representations of Indian artistry on a global stage.
Beyoncé Returns with Maximum Drama
Beyoncé marked her Met Gala return in spectacular fashion with two sparkling couture looks. One standout Olivier Rousteing creation featured a crystal skeleton motif layered over sheer mesh, paired with an enormous feathered opera coat. Ethereal textured waves completed the glamorous appearance, reinforcing Beyoncé’s ability to combine futuristic drama with timeless star power. With golden curls and delicate flushed, pink cheeks and a high-shine glossy lip and sparkly eyes. Ethereal loose waves completed her glamorous appearance.
