Fashion’s biggest night has unfolded in New York City as stars turned out for the annual Met Gala, wowing onlookers and generating billions of social media impressions worldwide.

The fundraiser at the Metropolitan Museum of Art marked the opening of the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, Costume Art.

This year’s theme “Fashion is Art” encouraged attendees to treat their bodies as canvases, presenting their looks as works of art.

The question of ‘is fashion art?’ sat at the centre of this year’s event, with designers blurring the line between garment and artwork. While the idea is not new, the scale of the Met Gala puts it in a unique position. 

Unlike traditional art forms confined to galleries, fashion is worn and performed. It’s experienced in real time, making it both accessible and immediate.

Many took the theme literally, with famous paintings, sculptures and various artworks appearing on the backs of celebrities. 

Beyoncé returns 

The night also marked the return of Beyoncé to the Met Gala for the first time in nearly a decade. Accompanied by her daughter Blue Ivy, she appeared not only as a guest but as a co-chair alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.

 

Designer Olivier Rousteing created her look, which featured a crystallised skeletal dress, a crown and a sweeping train. The dress had some pundits comparing it to various sketches of anatomical studies. 

 

Katy Perry no longer AI 

In recent years, AI-generated images of Katy Perry falsely attending the Met Gala have circulated widely online, often convincing enough people it was real. 

But, this year, Perry returned in person, incorporating a six-fingered glove into her outfit, a subtle reference to one of the most recognisable flaws in AI-generated imagery.

 

Paulson facing backlash

Not all attendees escaped criticism, with Sarah Paulson sparking mixed reactions across social media, as audiences both praised and critiqued her choice of outfit. 

Wearing Matières Fécales FW26 ‘The One Percent’, Paulson paired it with a dollar bill mask over her eyes titled ‘Blinded by Money’.

However, the message was not received well by everyone. While some viewers commended the look for its bold statement, others questioned its authenticity, with critics online labelling the choice “hypocritical” as the actress herself has a net worth of about $12 million.

Many pointed to the contradiction of presenting an anti-wealth message within the context of the Met Gala, an event often associated with exclusivity and privilege.

Organisers launched the Met Gala in 1948 to support the museum’s Costume Institute, and the event has since grown into one of fashion’s most influential nights. Under the direction of Anna Wintour, the gala now acts as a venue where fashion and cultural commentary come together. 

The Met Gala is no longer just about what is worn, but what is said. And this year, fashion had plenty to say.

Main image by Benjamin Ashton/Unsplash