Met Gala 2026: Date, Time, and Who’s Representing India This Year?

The countdown to the first Monday in May has reached its final hours. The Met Gala 2026 is set to transform the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a living gallery on May 4, celebrating the intersection of historical silhouette and fine art. From a legendary co-chair lineup to the highly anticipated debut of Indian icons, here is your definitive guide to the 2026 “Oscars of Fashion.”

The Grand Theme: “Costume Art”

This year’s exhibition, “Costume Art,” curated by Andrew Bolton, explores how fashion serves as a primary medium for artistic expression across 5,000 years. The official dress code, “Fashion Is Art,” invites attendees to step away from traditional gala wear and embrace avant-garde, sculptural, and conceptual designs. Expect the red carpet to feature everything from Renaissance-inspired drapery to experimental Pop Art-infused couture that blurs the line between clothing and canvas.

Star-Studded Co-Chairs and Guest List

Leading the evening is an elite group of co-chairs including Beyoncé (marking her first Met Gala appearance in nearly a decade), Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. Adding a tech-forward edge to the night, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos serve as honorary chairs.

The 2026 guest list is a “who’s who” of global culture:

• Indian Representation: Filmmaker Karan Johar is confirmed to make his debut in a custom Manish Malhotra creation. Regulars Natasha Poonawalla and Isha Ambani are also expected, though Deepika Padukone will reportedly miss this year’s event.
• Global Icons: Confirmed attendees include LISA (Blackpink), Doja Cat, Sabrina Carpenter, Zendaya, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Bad Bunny.
• The Host Committee: Features Zoë Kravitz, Anthony Vaccarello, Angela Bassett, and Teyana Taylor.

When and Where to Watch

For those not on the ultra-exclusive guest list, the glamour is just a click away.

Where to Stream: The official livestream will be hosted by Vogue on their website, YouTube, and TikTok. Ashley Graham, La La Anthony, and Cara Delevingne will host the broadcast, while Emma Chamberlain returns for her signature unfiltered red carpet interviews.