There were plenty of looks at the Met Gala that fell flat. I would go as far as to say this was my least favourite set since I began covering the event in 2009. So, here is a roundup of the looks that caught my eye.
Surrealist Playfulness
Rachel Sennott in custom Marc Jacobs leaned into a surrealist direction, using bold colour blocking and exaggerated, offbeat elements to rework the body into something more graphic and unexpected. The result feels playful, slightly disorienting, and fully committed to the idea of fashion as visual art.
Armour With Attitude
Louisa Jacobson’s custom Dilara Fındıkoğlu delivered one of the most directional looks of the night, pushing corsetry into something far more sculptural and confrontational. The metalwork, layered like armour, reframed the body with a sense of rigidity, while the exposed structure beneath kept it rooted in Fındıkoğlu’s deconstructed language. It felt precise in its references, fully realised in execution, and was one of the few looks that committed to an idea beyond surface-level dressing. Repossi jewels completed her look.
High Drama Finish
Yseult in custom Harris Reed delivered full theatrical impact, paying homage to the body through fluid tailoring and intricate beadwork. The oversized sculptural hat becomes the defining element, framing and obscuring the face to shift the focus entirely onto silhouette.
Fringe Overload
Teyana Taylor channelled “The Body” in custom Tom Ford, with the fringed silver look intended to evoke a ghostly form. The concept is clear, but honestly, it’s not a patch on her usual presence on this Met Gala red carpet.
Soft Detail, Deconstructed Finish
Daisy Edgar-Jones in custom McQueen blended three-dimensional Lyon lace appliqué with shredded tulle Banshee embroidery, giving the look a deconstructed edge. It’s undeniably pretty, with the frayed textures and sheer layers introducing a rawness that sits firmly within McQueen’s signature contrast between romance and disruption.
Lace Over Edge
Tate McRae’s custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown incorporates the brand’s body-conscious codes through the fitted silhouette, while shifting into a softer direction with gold lace and a feathered neckline. The texture takes focus, with the fluted hem adding shape. It’s a more classic interpretation that still feels aligned with the label’s aesthetic.
Strong Colour, Strong Presence
Angela Bassett in custom Prabal Gurung delivered exactly what the carpet needed: impact. The look was accented with florals, a route many others took at this event. This stood out thanks to the richness of the execution. Messika jewels completed her look.
Signature, As Expected
Anna Wintour in custom Chanel stayed firmly within her established aesthetic, offering continuity rather than any surprises.
Quietly Put Together
Bee Carrozzini in custom Givenchy leaned into soft florals, with the colour-fringed detailing adding texture to an otherwise understated look.
High-Gloss Glamour
Ciara in custom Celia Kritharioti brought full red carpet drama, balancing embellishment with a sculpted silhouette. Channeling Nefertiti, she even renamed herself “NefertiCi” for the night.
Fashion First
Doechii in custom Marc Jacobs channelled a West African-inspired look, crowned with a towering headwrap. Going barefoot, which she said kept her grounded, reinforced the concept.
Crystal Focus
Ejae’s custom Swarovski gown centred on precise crystal placement, mapping the body to create a sleek, sculpted effect.
Couture Presence
Emily Blunt has just come off a major press tour for The Devil Wears Prada 2, so this custom Ashi Studio look feels like a comedown. It’s refined and well-executed, but for the Met Gala, it barely registers. The Mikimoto pearls were supposed to lift the look, but they feel a bit random.
Textured Elegance
We have seen this gold leather from Gabriela Hearst before, but this custom dress for Grace Gummer feels like it has been dipped in gold, linking back to the artistic theme in a more literal way.
Underwhelming
With a personality like Keke Palmer’s, this custom Prabal Gurung feels like a missed opportunity. It’s far too safe for her on this night.
Rich Texture
Lala in custom Wiederhoeft delivered dense, intricate detailing that made this one of the more visually engaging looks of the night.
Wet-Look Continuity
Laura Harrier in custom Di Petsa wore the label’s signature wet-look draped gown, following a similar vein to Heidi Klum and Kendall Jenner.
Understated Chic
Rebecca Hall in custom Tom Ford offered a sleek, pared-back take with sharp tailoring. It suits her, but risks fading into the background among louder statements.
Clean Lines, Minimal Fuss
After wearing Loewe pre-Met Gala, it was no surprise that Sarah Pidgeon returned to the label. The draped bow adds an artistic note, while the skirt taps into her minimalist instincts.
Chain Reaction
Simone Ashley’s custom Stella McCartney chained dress felt like it would have landed more convincingly at a Gatsby-themed event.
Full Fantasy Commitment
SZA in custom Bode embraced a theatrical approach, with the headpiece and layered gown creating a complete character moment.
Classic With a Twist
Venus Williams in custom Swarovski delivered a refined gown elevated by sculptural jewellery detailing at the neckline.
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Angela Bassett, Anna Wintour, Ashi Studio, Bee Shaffer, Bode, Celia Kritharioti, Chanel, Ciara, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Di Pesta, Dilara Findikoglu, Doechii, EJAE, Emily Blunt, Gabriela Hearst, Givenchy, Grace Gummer, Harris Reed, Keke Palmer, LaLa Vazquez, Laura Harrier, Loewe, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Marc Jacobs, McQueen, Met Gala, Prabal Gurung, Rachel Sennott, Rebecca Hall, Sarah Pidgeon, Simone Ashley, Stella McCartney Collection, Sza, Tate McRae, Teyana Taylor, Tom Ford, Vanessa Williams, Wiederhoeft, Yseult