Wishing, as we always do, that we might see some latex among all the celebrities who walk its red carpet, we’re not sure how to take the announcement of the official 2026 Met Gala dress code this year being “Fashion Is Art.” A natural couture outgrowth of the museum’s Costume Art exhibition, opening on the heels of the gala, what’s being called a sure-to-be-open-ended dress code will invite guests to reference many art movements, as they do fashion. Given that Saint Laurent is a brand sponsor, we might indeed see many of their designs in the mix as well.
But latex?
Who knows?
Co-chairs this year include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The Gala itself returns Monday May 4th, with the Met exhibition beginning 6 days later and running until January 10th of next year. The new 12,000-square-foot Condé M. Nast Galleries will support the exhibition of close to two hundred pieces of costumes, sculptures, paintings, and objects, spanning mostly Western art prehistory to the modern day. Set into three categories, “bodies omnipresent in art,” “bodies often overlooked,” and “universal bodies,” the show will also feature Samar Hejazi mannequins with mirror faces.
Costume Art is sponsored by the aforementioned Saint Laurent, Condé Nast, and Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren.
From a couple of Kim Kardashian turns in latex, wearing Balenciaga and Mugler, both. Katy Perry in an eye-arresting latex silhouette. Cardi B in a bespoke curve-hugging latex gown and Tessa Thompson sporting a latex tie last year at the show, as usual we hold hope to see our favorite textile on the rich and famous. This year, with its “Fashion Is Art” dress code and its Costume Art exhibition, we will be right there salivating with the bloggers and paparazzi over who wore what….and if it is indeed latex.
