The 2026 Met Gala has announced its official dress code: “Fashion Is Art.” This aligns with the Costume Institute’s exhibition theme, “Costume Art,” which curator Andrew Bolton describes as focusing on “the importance of the dressed body in the museum’s vast collection.” While the exhibition centers on the physical form, the dress code allows guests wide creative freedom. Fortunately, there is no shortage of inspiration, as designers have a long history of turning art into wearable creations.
Many attendees will likely look to specific art movements for ideas. Following in the footsteps of designers like Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, and Christian Lacroix, historical periods such as Rococo, Baroque, and Renaissance are sure to be popular starting points. More modern interpretations are also expected: Yves Saint Laurent drew from Piet Mondrian in 1965 (and again in 2002), while Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez referenced Ellsworth Kelly in their Loewe debut last year. And, of course, brands like Moschino, Prada, and Versace have long embraced Pop Art.
Famous paintings could also serve as direct inspiration. Portrait of Madame X or Flaming June would be elegant choices, and a foray into Cubism—perhaps through Picasso’s Portrait of Dora Maar—would be thrilling to see.
Guests may also interpret the “Costume Art” theme literally or conceptually. A standout example is Yves Saint Laurent’s 1979 tribute to Picasso’s costumes for the ballet Parade. Interpretations of the human form are also likely, whether through trompe l’oeil, sheer dressing, breastplates, or exaggerated silhouettes.
Fashion itself has provided many artistic moments that could be referenced. The Met Gala steps are the perfect stage for dramatic performance art—think of Shalom Harlow’s iconic finale for Alexander McQueen’s spring 1999 show, where her dress was spray-painted live, or Bella Hadid’s spray-on Coperni dress in 2023.
Below, we’ve gathered 56 past runway looks that could fit the 2026 Met Gala’s “Fashion Is Art” dress code.
If You’re a Rococo Romantic
Vivienne Westwood fall 1995
If You’re Going for Baroque
Christian Lacroix spring 2008 couture
If You’re in Favor of a Renaissance Renaissance
If You’re a Modernista
If You Keep It Surreal
If You Want to Make a Good First Impression(ist)
Jean Paul Gaultier spring 2003 couture
If You’re Top of the Pops
If You’re Taking the “Costume Art” Theme to Heart
Yves Saint Laurent fall 1979 couture
If You’re Taking the “Body” Theme to Heart
If You’re Going Literal
If You’re in Your Cubist Period
If You’re in Your Blue Period 🙁
If You’re in Your Rose Period 🙂
If You Loved the John Singer Sargent Exhibit
A Madame X-inspired dress from Givenchy fall 1995 couture
If You Want to Channel Flaming June
If One Kiss Is All It Takes
If You’re a Dior Ambassador
Dior spring 2007 couture
If Performance Art Is Art, Thank You Very Much
If You’re a Blank Canvas
If You’re a Blank Canvas…And You Want to Wear Yohji
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the hypothetical 2026 Met Gala theme Fashion Is Art inspired by 56 runway looks that could nail the concept
Understanding the Theme
Q What does the theme Fashion Is Art actually mean
A It means treating clothing as a canvas for artistic expression where concepts craftsmanship and storytelling are prioritized over just being wearable or trendy It blurs the line between a garment and a gallery piece
Q Isnt all high fashion already art What makes this theme different
A While high fashion is artistic this theme explicitly asks attendees to embody a specific art movement a famous artwork or the essence of an artist Its less about a beautiful dress and more about a wearable thesis on art history or contemporary art
Q What are some examples of art movements I could reference
A Think Surrealism Renaissance paintings Cubism Abstract Expressionism Pop Art or even DigitalAlgorithmic Art
Interpreting the Looks Style
Q What are the key elements of a look that nails this theme
A Concept Craftsmanship and Cohesion The look should have a clear artistic reference show incredible technique and feel like a complete headtotoe vision
Q Can you give me a beginnerfriendly example of a runway look that fits
A A gown printed with a blownup distorted detail from a famous painting like Van Goghs Starry Night or Monets Water Lilies is a direct and effective approach
Q Whats a more advanced or avantgarde example
A A sculptural architectural garment made of unconventional materials that mimics a modern sculpture or a Frank Gehry building Its about becoming a moving art installation
Q Is it just about gowns and dramatic outfits
A Not at all A sharp suit could be a masterpiece of tailoring or feature fabric woven to look like a Piet Mondrian painting Accessories makeup and hair are crucial parts of the artistic statement