Among the evening’s biggest highlights was Beyoncé’s long-awaited return after a decade away from the event. Accompanied by Jay-Z and their daughter Blue Ivy Carter, the singer captivated attendees in an Olivier Rousteing design featuring a striking embellished skeleton motif and a flowing feathered cape. Speaking briefly on the carpet, Beyoncé shared that she was happy to attend with her family.

As expected, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky made one of the night’s most talked-about entrances by arriving last. Rihanna dazzled in a custom Maison Margiela couture outfit by Glenn Martens, covered in shimmering jewels and beads, while Rocky complemented her look in a sharp custom Chanel ensemble with a pink coat and black satin details.

Nicole Kidman, serving as one of the gala’s co-chairs, embraced timeless glamour in a red beaded Chanel gown with elegant long sleeves and a sleek silhouette. She attended alongside her daughter, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban. Fellow co-chair Venus Williams also impressed in a sparkling black gown paired with a bold silver neckpiece, expressing her excitement about the role by saying she was “dancing inside.”

Angela Bassett brought storytelling into fashion with a soft pink Prabal Gurung gown inspired by Laura Wheeler Waring’s painting Girl in a Pink Dress. She explained that fashion plays an important role in helping her connect with character and performance.

Jeremy Pope turned heads in an archival Vivienne Westwood corseted jacket from Fall 1996, intricately decorated with pearls, sequins, and glass beads by famed corset maker Mr. Pearl. Chase Infiniti also delivered one of the evening’s standout artistic looks in a Thom Browne design inspired by the Venus de Milo statue, featuring over 1.5 million sequins and hundreds of shades of silk fringe.

SZA embraced sustainable creativity in a custom Bode outfit crafted entirely from vintage materials sourced through eBay, including antique beadwork, tapestries, and curtains. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter fused fashion with film in a Dior tulle slit dress made using strips from the movie Sabrina.

Rebecca Hall and Morgan Spector proved understated elegance could still stand out, arriving in coordinated Tom Ford looks defined by refined tailoring and minimalism.

Overall, the 2026 Met Gala blended nostalgia, innovation, couture craftsmanship, and deeply personal fashion moments. From Beyoncé’s family-centered return to Rihanna’s dramatic entrance, the night once again confirmed the Met Gala’s place as fashion’s most captivating stage.