Red carpet arrivals
The red carpet at this year’s annual gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City was nothing short of a visual spectacle, with celebrities turning out in dazzling ensembles that pushed the boundaries of fashion. As the flashbulbs popped and the crowd buzzed with excitement, A-listers made their grand entrances, each look more jaw-dropping than the last.
Australian actress Margot Robbie stunned in a custom Chanel gown, featuring intricate beadwork and a dramatic train that shimmered under the lights. Her look was completed with a sleek updo and diamond drop earrings, perfectly balancing elegance and modern glamour.
Timothée Chalamet brought his signature flair to the carpet, donning a deconstructed tuxedo by Haider Ackermann. The ensemble featured a silk blazer with asymmetrical tailoring and crisp white trousers, offering a fresh take on classic menswear.
Nicole Kidman, another Aussie favourite, turned heads in a vintage-inspired Balenciaga gown in soft blush tones. The dress, adorned with delicate feathers and sequins, paid homage to old Hollywood while maintaining a contemporary edge. She paired the look with satin gloves and a bold red lip, adding a touch of drama to her appearance.
Rihanna made a fashionably late entrance, as expected, wearing a sculptural creation by Maison Margiela. The voluminous silhouette and avant-garde detailing made her one of the most talked-about arrivals of the night. Her look was complemented by a pearl-encrusted headpiece and matching gloves, cementing her status as a red carpet icon.
Other notable arrivals included Zendaya in a futuristic metallic gown by Mugler, and Harry Styles in a sheer, ruffled blouse paired with high-waisted trousers, blurring gender lines with effortless confidence. The diversity of styles and bold fashion statements made this year’s red carpet one of the most memorable in recent history.
Designer highlights
This year’s gala was a masterclass in haute couture, with designers from around the globe showcasing their most imaginative and technically brilliant creations. The event’s theme inspired a wave of innovation, and the fashion houses did not disappoint, delivering looks that were both daring and deeply rooted in craftsmanship.
Chanel made a strong showing, with several celebrities opting for the French fashion house’s signature blend of elegance and edge. Margot Robbie’s custom gown was a standout, but she wasn’t the only one draped in Chanel. Lily-Rose Depp also wore a vintage-inspired piece from the label, featuring delicate lace and a corseted bodice that nodded to the brand’s storied past while embracing modern femininity.
Balenciaga continued its reign on the red carpet with dramatic silhouettes and architectural tailoring. Nicole Kidman’s gown, designed by Demna Gvasalia, was a testament to the label’s ability to merge historical references with contemporary design. The use of feathers and sequins added texture and movement, creating a look that was both ethereal and commanding.
Maison Margiela, under the creative direction of John Galliano, delivered one of the night’s most talked-about ensembles. Rihanna’s sculptural look was a feat of avant-garde design, combining exaggerated proportions with intricate embellishments. The craftsmanship behind the piece was evident in every fold and stitch, reinforcing Margiela’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Australian designers also had their moment in the spotlight. Dion Lee dressed several attendees in his signature structured silhouettes and innovative fabrications. His designs, known for their architectural lines and modern sensuality, brought a fresh perspective to the red carpet. One standout was a metallic mesh gown worn by model Adut Akech, which shimmered with every step and highlighted Lee’s mastery of form and function.
Meanwhile, Valentino and Mugler brought bold colour and futuristic elements to the evening. Zendaya’s Mugler gown, with its metallic sheen and sculpted bodice, was a nod to space-age glamour, while Florence Pugh’s Valentino ensemble featured a dramatic cape and vibrant hues that made her a vision of modern royalty.
From classic elegance to boundary-pushing innovation, the designers behind this year’s gala looks proved that fashion is not just about clothing—it’s about storytelling, artistry, and vision. Each ensemble was a collaboration between designer and muse, resulting in a night of unforgettable style moments.
Best-dressed celebrities
Among the sea of couture and creativity, a few celebrities stood out as the undisputed best-dressed of the evening, capturing the essence of the gala’s theme while making bold personal statements. These fashion-forward stars not only embraced high fashion but elevated it, turning the red carpet into a runway of unforgettable looks.
Margot Robbie once again proved why she’s a red carpet favourite. Her custom Chanel gown, with its intricate beadwork and flowing silhouette, was a masterclass in refined glamour. The Australian actress exuded confidence and poise, and her minimalist styling allowed the craftsmanship of the dress to shine. It was a look that balanced tradition and modernity, earning her a spot on nearly every best-dressed list of the night.
Zendaya delivered one of the most talked-about fashion moments in a futuristic Mugler creation. The metallic gown, with its sculpted bodice and dramatic train, was both daring and elegant. Her look was completed with sleek hair and minimal accessories, letting the dress speak volumes. It was a bold choice that paid off, showcasing her fearless approach to fashion.
Rihanna, never one to shy away from a statement, stunned in her Maison Margiela ensemble. The voluminous, sculptural design was a work of art, blending avant-garde elements with classic glamour. Her pearl-encrusted headpiece and gloves added a regal touch, and the overall effect was nothing short of iconic. Rihanna’s ability to consistently redefine red carpet fashion secured her place among the evening’s best-dressed.
Nicole Kidman brought timeless elegance to the event in her blush-toned Balenciaga gown. The feathered detailing and vintage silhouette paid homage to old Hollywood, while her bold red lip and satin gloves added a modern twist. The Australian star’s look was a perfect example of how classic styling can still make a powerful impact.
Harry Styles continued to challenge fashion norms with his gender-fluid ensemble. His sheer, ruffled blouse paired with high-waisted trousers was both romantic and edgy. The look was a celebration of individuality and self-expression, and his confidence in wearing it made him one of the night’s standout style icons.
Adut Akech, the South Sudanese-Australian model, dazzled in a metallic Dion Lee gown that hugged her figure and shimmered with every movement. The structured design highlighted Lee’s architectural approach to fashion, and Akech’s commanding presence brought the look to life. Her appearance was a proud moment for Australian fashion on the global stage.
Other notable mentions include Florence Pugh in a vibrant Valentino cape ensemble that turned heads with its bold colour and dramatic silhouette, and Timothée Chalamet, whose deconstructed tuxedo by Haider Ackermann was a refreshing take on menswear. Each of these stars brought their own unique flair to the red carpet, making this year’s gala a celebration of personal style and high fashion.
Red carpet arrivals
The red carpet at this year’s Met Gala was nothing short of a theatrical runway, with celebrities embracing the theme through bold silhouettes, intricate embellishments, and couture craftsmanship. As the flashbulbs lit up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it was clear that this year’s arrivals were all about high drama and unapologetic glamour.
Zendaya made a jaw-dropping entrance in a custom Maison Margiela Artisanal gown by John Galliano, featuring a structured corset bodice and a sweeping train in deep midnight blue. Her look was elevated with dramatic eye makeup and a sculptural headpiece, setting the tone for the evening’s avant-garde aesthetic.
Nicole Kidman, representing Australian elegance, stunned in a blush-toned Balenciaga couture gown with a high neckline and exaggerated sleeves. The silk taffeta fabric caught the light with every step, and her minimalist styling allowed the craftsmanship to shine.
Rihanna arrived fashionably late, as expected, but made it worth the wait in a custom Valentino ensemble. The voluminous white cape, adorned with hand-embroidered camellias, enveloped her in a cloud of florals, while the sleek column dress underneath added contrast and structure.
Timothée Chalamet brought a gender-fluid edge to the carpet in a Haider Ackermann tuxedo with an open silk shirt and pearl detailing. His look balanced classic tailoring with a modern twist, proving that menswear can be just as daring.
Florence Pugh debuted a dramatic buzz cut and wore a Valentino gown with a plunging neckline and feathered crown, commanding attention with every step. The monochrome palette and architectural lines made her one of the night’s most talked-about arrivals.
Gwendoline Christie turned heads in a crimson Giles Deacon couture cape dress, with exaggerated shoulders and a high collar that gave her a regal, almost mythical presence. Her look was a masterclass in theatrical fashion done right.
From sculptural gowns to gender-defying tailoring, the red carpet arrivals this year proved that the Met Gala remains the ultimate playground for fashion’s most fearless icons.
Standout celebrity looks
Zendaya continued to dominate the fashion conversation with a second surprise look mid-evening — a vintage Givenchy haute couture gown from the John Galliano era, circa 1996. The chartreuse silk taffeta creation featured a corseted bodice and dramatic bustle, paired with a black lace veil and opera gloves. It was a bold archival moment that paid homage to fashion history while reinforcing her status as a modern muse.
Rihanna’s look was a standout not just for its scale but for its symbolism. The camellias on her Valentino cape were a nod to the evening’s theme, interpreted through a couture lens. Her sleek updo and bold red lip added a classic touch, balancing the avant-garde silhouette with timeless glamour. It was a masterstroke in styling — maximalist yet refined.
Nicole Kidman’s Balenciaga gown was a study in restraint and elegance. The exaggerated sleeves and high neckline gave the look a sculptural quality, while the soft blush hue complemented her porcelain complexion. Her choice of minimal jewellery and a sleek chignon allowed the silhouette to take centre stage — a lesson in how to let couture speak for itself.
Florence Pugh’s Valentino ensemble was a fearless fashion statement. The plunging neckline and feathered crown created a striking silhouette, but it was her newly shaved head that truly stole the spotlight. The buzz cut added a punk edge to the otherwise ethereal look, showcasing her ability to blend softness with strength — a duality that resonated with the night’s theme of transformation.
Gwendoline Christie’s crimson Giles Deacon cape dress was pure drama. The exaggerated shoulders and high collar gave her a statuesque presence, while the rich red hue added depth and intensity. Her look was a reminder that fashion can be both theatrical and deeply personal — a visual narrative told through fabric and form.
Timothée Chalamet’s Haider Ackermann tuxedo was a refreshing take on red carpet menswear. The open silk shirt and pearl accents added a sensual, almost poetic quality to the look. It was a subtle yet powerful nod to the evolving landscape of gender expression in fashion — and a clear signal that the future of menswear is fluid, expressive, and unapologetically bold.
This year’s standout looks weren’t just about aesthetics — they were about storytelling, identity, and pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be. From archival homages to gender-defying silhouettes, the Met Gala once again proved itself as the ultimate stage for sartorial innovation.
