The theme is titled “Costume Art”. This marks a shift from previous themes that often focused on historical or cultural references. The accompanying exhibition will open on May 10, 2026, and it will explore the interplay between the body and clothing over a century.

Key facts:

• The dress code for the Met Gala is “Fashion is Art”.
• Co-chairs for the event include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour.
• The exhibition will include garments by designers such as Rei Kawakubo and Riccardo Tisci.
• It will feature custom mannequins to represent diverse body types.

Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, stated that “Costume Art” is a celebration of the body in all its strengths and weaknesses. He added that the focus is on bodies marginalized in fashion and those that haven’t been valorized in either fashion or Western culture. This approach aims to broaden representation on the red carpet.

The Met Gala is not just a fashion event; it serves as a charity event for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. In 2025, the gala raised $31 million, marking the highest amount in its history. This financial success underscores its significant cultural impact.

The exhibition will also include thematic chapters such as “The Naked Body” and “The Pregnant Body”. These themes aim to challenge traditional notions of beauty and representation within the fashion industry.

This progressive direction reflects an evolving conversation around inclusivity in fashion. The new gallery for the Costume Institute is named after Condé Montrose Nast, further emphasizing its historical significance.

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