--- title: "Fashion is spectacle at the 2026 Met Gala" description: "At the 2026 Met Gala, guests interpreted “Costume Art” through highly theatrical, elaborate looks and performances. The night raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and remains a central event in fashion." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "IN PICTURES" author: "Daily Maverick Photo Team" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/photo-team/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-05-05-fashion-is-spectacle-at-the-2026-met-gala/" published: "2026-05-05T08:29:13" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 1801 --- # Fashion is spectacle at the 2026 Met Gala > At the 2026 Met Gala, guests interpreted “Costume Art” through highly theatrical, elaborate looks and performances. The night raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and remains a central event in fashion. By Daily Maverick Photo Team · Published 5 May 2026, 10:29 SAST ## Content ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/a4xIqy265YSkfz__1dV0BVungX4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274519203_660529.jpg) *Lauren Sánchez Bezos attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/bDKjUux9wqvpA5J26BMIB4wj58U=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274517819_278829.jpg) *Anna Wintour attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Red Carpet](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/XdZB72I7qkBjNCRzE0NIayCTpyA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274519026_240921.jpg) *Nicole Kidman attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![Connor Storrie attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ZJgBCwPM0Ejy_Z2FJKeVFpmXV64=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274530466_753517.jpg) *Connor Storrie attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Us_73Jjgv2PWMMq2HO1i6J24d7g=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274529911_628010.jpg) *Jordan Roth attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/W1-fHcAb8WMjGGQ9kKL2GsASsPg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274527436_860693.jpg) *Naomi Osaka attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)* ![Anna Weyant attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/oHQNSa6DXj9LtR2TuNRL5WM93OQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274527168_106694.jpg) *Anna Weyant attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/M0IcDyCPSUib_D8d6DQ1Scam0Xk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274527132_914878.jpg) *Zoë Kravitz attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/42qRu6mBBPaxmJtCPMfpzpuX274=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274525773_863645.jpg) *Lena Dunham attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Graflex Camera Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/yUF8Lsy_Zqq8vI3f-gOPyPL6Cd4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274522989_625034.jpg) *Lauren Wasser attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/WXrjzCOI0qIaV-wSkfYLJksoWJo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274525458_745398.jpg) *Sam Smith attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Julian Hamilton/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Red Carpet](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/PYe0jrPvCzaIAiIEurrlrxzTJxw=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274520115_780647.jpg) *Cara Delevingne attends The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![(L-R) Blue Ivy Carter, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/177AxJUCYf-sG7HLOs16l9a72J8=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274547394_657055.jpg) *(L-R) Blue Ivy Carter, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Graflex Camera Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_9z52iZ-8J6PP3tr7afCYnlJfTY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274546505_836926.jpg) *(L-R) Irina Shayk and John Imah attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/O-8s7dBUqN3emHYB1aLrFLxshus=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274540888_553067.jpg) *Anok Yai attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/frp-L75RYlaCQQZUZxbtpN95ImY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274540670_603661.jpg) *Doechii attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/obluRJqhRDJXVW0tAwkwfs9Lr0o=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274540634_681285.jpg) *Kendall Jenner attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)* ![Hudson Williams attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/38x2hPbpJrKt5S2EVxp26jPM0DA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274539719_293871.jpg) *Hudson Williams attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/75zuwjlXWWprYqO1FCckVqYXHWY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274539479_722404.jpg) *Adut Akech attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/pAO0wlMoS1qiFvtAqKg43vJd6nI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274539351_411811.jpg) *Misty Copeland attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/fgYtmbuuKRoQ8a-Qr61afif2Tpk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274539355_751271.jpg) *Margot Robbie attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KJt3hYdE0WHWoWVduXFvuYRK6_k=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274538635_182939.jpg) *Suki Waterhouse attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/JIJLey2avksMcScbUpl5GYZG-ls=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274537880_739722.jpg) *Sabrina Carpenter attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/GG8490dsqi72Z75_Jul6ySxJioc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274537610_798701.jpg) *Serena Williams attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Wwjp9WrELl76p-4kh2WZZgb5byg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274537556_951646.jpg) *Anne Hathaway attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/sil_YSAUZ9Dv3lz4U0k8fvxfz0k=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274536994_916803.jpg) *Hailey Bieber attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/vr_Eo9Soa2miFSirQ_0x52_QhV4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274536903_645588.jpg) *Hunter Schafer attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![Kylie Jenner attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/1oLf2vMTbEqyE--cHqfpbLOTkHA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274536435_637828.jpg) *Kylie Jenner attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/CBFy7PTjbpUS4O09x6z6ZRPHYAQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274535455_699261.jpg) *Emily Blunt attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/nkBepG5Z23_N_JruH-_1AyMqEIU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274534811_240379.jpg) *Heidi Klum attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Vr9YTKcXhYkh2ozXPnf1Kc-KRks=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274533438_762188.jpg) *Janelle Monáe attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_1scy31I-t1_7RE92qjQTJJRLao=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274532697_951773.jpg) *Gigi Hadid attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/hcQa6lM0wNSvWQ0SgutKvUw04zo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274583069_130315.jpg) *Blake Lively attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/7V5ipc8QP-CYAB3jo9jIwRcrqC4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274582810_839981.jpg) *Bad Bunny attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/3Z8JHZwzYUBrO2ZXzWd-fei9fWo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274582737_626845.jpg) *Kim Kardashian attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mX48Omtq35G3WIjtHVGwXzei6_4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274580871_160347.jpg) *Beyoncé attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/YwcV5dmBO7kkutM8ixjINrqhbSk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274581235_797448.jpg) *Akeem Morris, Madonna, and Anthony Vaccarello attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/5jeytN_LL0FaTYe1OtYhMrMvM24=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274578077_616015.jpg) *Teyana Taylor and Haider Ackermann attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ftWlPkXBvUiQXx_qMix2ATE_HcU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274572576_721202.jpg) *Miles Chamley-Watson attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/7y9pe5JDuCmGfCySBfYAyvOWin0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274570617_940483.jpg) *Louisa Jacobson attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![Jeremy Pope attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/S9CgbkgsW-P-XxgNAkBmChWTECM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274569926_678167.jpg) *Jeremy Pope attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/i64sX2y8IZBVTaIkDFL9s1VpRYk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274569598_512258.jpg) *Grace Ling attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/9hnaP1ToN32dPNBygNcPU3vhjbA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274567033_939120.jpg) *Cardi B attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Wcvb8Wj234eKwNKdpzGN5BhqT7s=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274566131_897582.jpg) *Imaan Hammam attends the 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/C2TCDkbr3P_iTF5qT-5KkDByfwM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274566093_669300.jpg) *Tessa Thompson attends the 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Graflex Camera Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ct0HMDF9bLjZBE4fYT_MbK4c6jI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274563760_385357.jpg) *Tyla attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Graflex Camera Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/IGCm1IXqA-knPq7MZAVnF0SJxcU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274561561_995303.jpg) *Rachel Zegler attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-L8onY6kCdA_W03ilqQjCHZ2sq4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274563319_422744.jpg) *Rachel Sennott attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/sd8PoLifas41fvIFVgszNsXuWXc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274561314_398478.jpg) *Kate Moss attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/BRDKyaESAnWJLp2C0QGcEedc9Qo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274561301_637529.jpg) *Gwendoline Christie attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/rY5eb7XMwld8V_izObkKoQD6sho=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274560874_230148.jpg) *Sarah Paulson attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Graflex Camera Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/CXqVYFi3Ifwx8RQNVxXeCV9fonQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274556011_594686.jpg) *Katy Perry attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Graflex Camera Arrivals](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ZlkMHUr_gg0T99mgRWM55w633jA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274552782_102483.jpg) *(L-R) Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" - Inside](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8hJHlnTBrF8HsagSem7_BxrszIk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274569384_722766.jpg) *(L-R) Lauren Sánchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos attend the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG26/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)* ![Protesters Demonstrate Outside The Met Gala In New York City](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/JUFg1YVfnin3sKCWU8nKmi5fQsI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274531710_574535.jpg) *Protesters gather blocks away from where the Met Gala is being held in Manhattan on May 04, 2026 in New York City. One of the biggest fashion and social events of the year, this year’s Met Gala is attracting increased attention as Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, is hosting the evening event with his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Scrutiny and anger at the ultra-wealthy have grown nationwide as prices for everything from fuel to food have surged in recent months, while many wealthy Americans have largely been protected from price increases. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)* ![Protesters Demonstrate Outside The Met Gala In New York City](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jii-nVgKah_Ph1ajDco71kCJkQ4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274531708_598098.jpg) *Protesters gather blocks away from where the Met Gala is being held in Manhattan on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)* ![Protesters Demonstrate Outside The Met Gala In New York City](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ek-pdTEvBwiHhSuoOdginKvdlRk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2991/GettyImages-2274531681_419285.jpg) *Protesters gather blocks away from where the Met Gala is being held in Manhattan on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)*