The most talked-about looks at this year's Met Gala

It's described as the biggest night in fashion.

Celebrities arrived at the 2026 Met Gala with their take on this year's theme - costume art - where organisers asked attendees to experiment with the lavish and whimsical dress code.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, and serves as chance for celebrities and design houses to go all-out on spectacle.

Full coverage: Met Gala 2026 red carpet
The golden-voiced Broadway star Joshua Henry, took the drama up a notch by opening the carpet with a rendition of I Wanna Dance With Somebody with a band and dancers on the Met's iconic steps, which were outfitted to look like mossy bricks in a lush garden.

The guest list was especially starry this year, with the event's co-chairs including singer Beyoncé, actress Nicole Kidman, tennis star Venus Williams, and global editorial director of Vogue Anna Wintour.

A parade of celebrities, including Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Naomi Osaka and Angela Bassett posed for the cameras.

Some famous faces - Bad Bunny, Heidi Klum, and Katy Perry - were nearly unrecognisable thanks to their commitment to the theme, with several stars directly referencing famous artists or artworks with their outfits.
Here's a look at some of the highlights and most talked-about looks, with additional reporting by Nada Tawfik on the red carpet.

Beyoncé takes over the carpet with her famous family

Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Beyoncé made her first Met Gala appearance in 10 years, and to make up for lost time she sported a monumental look.

The creation, by French designer Olivier Rousteing, took on the Gala's theme with a gown with an embellished skeleton design, and added a giant feathered cape.
 
The BBC caught up with Beyonce on the carpet. Asked how it felt to be back, the star said, "It feels great to be here with my daughter and husband".

The star took to the carpet with husband, rapper Jay-Z, and her daughter, Blue Ivy, who at 14 years old was one of the youngest guests. The Gala typically only allows guests who are 18 or older.

Getty Images
Rihanna arrives fashionably late, A$AP Rocky in tow
AFP via Getty Images
Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
As has become almost tradition, the musical and fashionable power couple closed down the Met Gala carpet, arriving virtually after everyone.

Rihanna donned a custom Maison Margiela by Glenn Martens gown encrusted with thousands of jewels and beads. A$AP Rocky, who co-chaired last year's Gala, arrived in custom Chanel. He donned a pink coat with black satin lapels.