Black celebrities delivered showstopping looks at the 2026 Met Gala, drawing on artistic inspiration at one of the industry’s biggest nights.
The theme of the exhibition, “Costume Art,” focuses on the relationship between clothing and the human form. The dress code, “Fashion is Art,” encouraged attendees to celebrate the “dressed body” in all its forms.
This year’s Met Gala follows 2025’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit, which paid tribute to the history and influence of the Black dandy. Like last year, attendees built on the theme in their own unique ways.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé wore a glittering Olivier Rousteing gown with intricate details that formed the shape of a skeleton. She paired the look with a matching crown, detailed gloves, and a dramatic, feathered coat with a train that flowed down the carpet. For her, the look was about “celebrating whatever God gave you,” she told Met Gala interviewer LaLa Anthony.
Venus Williams
Met Gala co-chair Venus Williams wore a Swarovski look inspired by her National Portrait Gallery portrait by artist Robert Pruitt. The dazzling design featured symbols of her West African heritage, references to the Watts Towers of Southern California, and a nod to the Wimbledon women’s singles trophy.
“There’s symbolism in every part of this, from my culture to where I’m from,” Williams said. “It just felt right for this moment.”
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett wore a Prabal Gurung look inspired by a 1927 Harlem Renaissance painting by Laura Wheeler Waring. “This was inspired by a young girl in a pink dress, but I wanted to bring it into a more mature feeling,” Bassett said in her interview with Vogue.
SZA
SZA wore an ethereal look composed of more than 100 yards of vintage fabric sourced from eBay and designed in collaboration with designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla. Adorned with real crystals, citrine, rose quartz, and natural flowers, the ensemble was inspired by the Wiener Werkstätte, a 20th-century design collective.
“I wanted this to feel like my ethereal body, something that represents divine feminine energy and joy,” the singer said.
Skepta
Skepta sported a custom white Thom Browne outfit featuring personalized details like London’s Tower Bridge and the Union Jack. The suit featured a quote from his song “Back 2 Back” with Fred Again: “You see two decks and a mixer but I see the bigger picture.”
Doechii
Doechii wore a custom burgundy Marc Jacobs look that blended sculptural design with references to hip-hop and Black music history. The draped ensemble was paired with a towering headpiece and nail details that mimicked unpolished gems.
“I wanted to go with something that just felt very human and vulnerable and grounding,” Doechii told interviewers.
Law Roach
Law Roach arrived in a custom Ami suit featuring the work of Gabonese artist Naïla Opiangah. The look incorporated visual elements that reflect Opiangah’s exploration of the female form.
“I’ve loved her work for years, and getting to wear it like this felt like celebrating something bigger than fashion,” Roach said.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe wore a custom Christian Siriano gown that explored the intersection of nature and technology. The look was built with live moss, succulents, a motherboard, ethernet cables, 230 electrical wires, 5,000 black crystals, and featured animatronic butterflies.
Read More
5 Black Designers to Watch Out For at the 2026 Met Gala
Black designers helped shape one of fashion’s biggest nights last year, but will their creations get the same red carpet treatment again? …