On Feb. 23, 2026, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the Met Gala theme for this upcoming May, “Fashion is Art”, in reference to their exhibit titled “Costume Art”. The theme is the gateway for guests’ stylists and designers to find a personal connection within fashion by wearing a design or piece that connects directly to them.
(Diego Mqz)
This annual event, in which guests come together and celebrate fashion on the red carpet, is intended to raise money for the museum. The attendance of celebrities brings both traction in viewership and visitors to the museum. The past few years have been extremely successful in bringing big names like Pedro Pascal, Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, and Harry Styles.
The hosts, who curate both the theme and the event, include stars like Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, who will also co-chair. These chairs curate the guest list and promote the theme. Anna Wintour, former Editor-in-Chief of VOUGE, is the permanent chair and oversees the entire event.
This year proves to be extra special as it includes the unveiling of the new 12,000 square foot gallery that will house the Costume Institute’s annual spring collection and several other collections that showcase the “intersection” of fashion and art.
COMPASS 11th grader, Liz Luna, and also Millikan Theater Costume Designer, states, “Costume design is really bringing pieces together… It’s making it your own and creating your own pieces… It’s talking about personal interest in fashion and personality.”
This theme proves to be pioneering in its first generalizing self-expression and creativity for the Met Gala theme.
