Met Gala 2026 - Worst Dressed
By Louis Lorgis Leech
The 2026 Met Gala’s “Fashion is Art” theme unfortunately saw several participants trade conceptual innovation for uninspired minimalism. From Heidi Klum’s halloween-esque statue look to Lauren Sánchez Besos’ generic satin Schiaparelli, the carpet was marred by a lack of structural substance and cohesive artistic statements. Ultimately, many ensembles felt disjointed rather than bringing the red carpet the boundary-pushing couture the theme demanded.
Bad Bunny in Zara
What about this is art? All black? The bow? Now, while I understand that the aged look is in line with this year costume institute “costume art” celebrating the beauty of bodies at different stages of life - for me it just seems a distraction from the fact that there has not been much effort put into the actual clothing itself, other than a bow because, you know, who could’ve thought of that?
Charli XCX in Saint Laurent
The lack of sculptural innovation with a randomly placed iris on this resin sheer dress, while yes, is inspired by Van Gogh, the lack of vibrancy doesn’t do Van Gogh justice.
Bhativa Mandava in Chanel (left)
Jeans at the Met Gala? Have I missed something here? Owar Odhiang on the right, also in Chanel, in contrast is wearing a sleeveless neck dress with a highly textured fringe multicoloured surface (done well). Some claim that Chanel did Mandava “dirty”, I agree.
Troye Sivan in Prada
Jeans again? While the juxtaposition of distressed denim with elevated fur (real or not unconfirmed) attempts to lean into a “fashion as art” rebellion, the outfit ultimately feels more like disjointed street-style rather than a cohesive artistic statement
Emily Blunt in Ashi Studio and Mikimoto
Oh Emily, how I had higher hopes for you… The DWP should have taught you one thing or two? But no. The heavy pearl embellishments feel more like cluttered accessorising competing with the high neckline and the fringed shoulders. Too much going on.
Felicity Bunt and Stanley Tucci in Etro
Not ugly but not interesting. One word: simple. Could be worn anywhere.
Heidi Klum in Mike Marino
Now, we all know that Heidi Klum is renowned for her jaw-dropping intricate halloween looks at her very own annual halloween party in collaboration with Mike Marino. However, the theme was fashion as art not fashion as halloween. Literally turning up as, what looks like a statue with gaunt eyes missed the memo.
Katy Perry in Stella McCartney
I’ll admit, I had high hopes for Katy. I mean in 2019 she turned up as a chandelier! The rigid, square-cut bodice feels overly architectural and stiff, creating a jarring disconnect from the fluid drape of the skirt. I feel as if the chrome mask only works if the celebrities features aside from the face are instantly recognisable. For example, Kim Kardashian at the 2021 Met Gala in a black faceless dress by Balenciaga was instantly recognisable due to her long ponytail, or at least for me it was that. Personally, I didn't know that it was Katy until she briefly took of the mask.
Liline Jacquemus and Simon Porte Jacquemus in Jacquemus
While the white palette is striking, the overall look feels too safe for the theme. There is no conceptual risk, unlike his own brand! Was the aim to look like a blank canvas on purpose and have the viewers imagine designs they would incorporate into the garments? Probably not, but, I like to hope for the best.
Luke Evans in Palomo Spain
This ensemble draws inspiration from the bold, graphic sensuality of Tom of Finland however the leather subculture portrayed is far too literal relying on studded embellishments to do all the talking rather than integrating them into wider artistry.
Anja Rubik in Saint Laurent and Boucheron
The heavy disco-inspired chainmail culminates in a clumsy, puddle-like hem that leaves a single foot awkwardly exposed. It reminds me of something you would see on the 80s dance floor (in a bad way).
Lena Dunham in Valentino
The overwhelming explosion of red feathers and sequins swallows Dunham’s silhouette entirely, resulting in a chaotic texture that feels more like a costume for a high-school theatrical production over a met gala look.
Loli Bahia in Saint Laurent
I mean, what is there to say about this? It’s just a suit… The ornate gothic silver and deep red eardrops don’t stand out, not adding much to the already ‘nothing’ look. Yawn. Next.
Lauren Sánchez-Bezos in Schiaparelli
Despite this dress being Schiaparelli, the generic satin finish and lack of tailoring makes this look more like a budget-friendly Amazon find than a piece of couture art. I was especially surprised since Schiaparelli under Roseberry is mainly known for its creative, maximalist pieces! Even if it was inspired by the famous Madame X portrait, it's dull.
Ultimately, The 2026 Met Gala ultimately felt like a missed opportunity, where the "Fashion is Art" mandate was often buried under lack of creative, ubiquitous outfits. While houses like Saint Laurent contributed to a heavy presence of safe, somber black silhouettes, the night’s downfall was a widespread lack of structural innovation across the board. Whether lost in a sea of feathers or trapped in disjointed denim, many of these looks failed to transcend simple formalwear into the world of a true artistic statement.
By Louis Lorgis-Leech