The Met Gala 2026 is officially upon us. Taking place this very evening on Monday 4 May, the annual spectacle is honouring the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring exhibition, Costume Art.
Featuring approximately 400 objects from The Met’s vast collection, the Costume Art exhibition will serve as a melting pot of artefacts, from ancient Greek vases to archival punk Vivienne Westwood pieces, sculptural Henry Moore designs and avant-garde Comme Des Garçons ensembles – all seeking to ask the viewer whether they think art and fashion are one and the same.
While fashion remains at the very heart of the bonanza, with the theme dissecting the concept of the “dressed body” according to curator Andrew Bolton, we were stopped in our tracks by the epic beauty concoctions debuted on the red carpet by the Hollywood elite.
Granted, last year is hard to top (think Teyana Taylor’s razor-sharp contour, Doechii’s Louis Vuitton monogram motif imprinted on her cheek and Emma Chamberlain’s now-signature blonde pixie cut), the stars are doing their damnedest to do just that.
Wintour-inspired bangs at the ready because without further ado, we present the most dazzling beauty looks from the Met Gala 2026 below.
Best beauty looks from the Met Gala 2026:
© WWD via Getty ImagesEmma Chamberlain
Youtuber turned Gen Z style muse Emma Chamberlain debuted her iconic platinum blonde pixie cut, which was elevated by a rich black smokey eye, bleach brows and a crimson lip that contrasted the vibrancy of her painterly Mugler gown.
© AFP via Getty ImagesCara Delevingne
It-Brit supermodel Cara Delevingne took to the floor showcasing a beautifully coiffed finger wave updo with a slick side parting. The perfect flapper girl ‘do to contrast her beaded, backless gown.
© Getty Images for The Met Museum/Nicole Kidman
Hollywood heavyweight Nicole Kidman opted for some serious length – attending the annual gala with a hip-skimming look featuring a deep honied blonde tone and 70s-inspired curtain bangs to frame her face.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAshley Graham
Model Ashley Graham leaned into natural elegance, opting for a flawlessly dewy complexion, a rose-pink lip, a dotting of freckles and a wet-look hairdo. A set of futuristic silver nails completed her Venus-inspired aesthetic.
© FilmMagicLena Mahfouf
French social media personality Lena Mahfouf taped into surrealist style, slipping into a draped, ice blue skirt with daring cut outs to match her frosted eyeshadow blend.
© Getty Images for The Met Museum/Hamish Bowles
Legendary journalist Hamish Bowles dazzled on the red carpet, sporting an embellished, tapestried suit complete with red crystals meticulously curated across his face in a wave-like motion.
© Variety via Getty ImagesVenus Williams
Tennis champion Venus Williams glowed under the Met lights courtesy of a dewy complexion, thick arched brows, a glossy nude lip and a slick updo dotted with twinkling crystals.