Bridal couture takes centre stage at the 2026 Met Gala – When love meets art

The ‘Costume Art’ theme celebrated fashion as an art form, and with the ‘Fashion is Art’ dress code, the red carpet became a space for personal and creative expression. Several looks played with classic bridal elements such as veils, lace, corsets and draped silhouettes, but in modern and sometimes unexpected interpretations.

On the red carpet, we saw a new take on the bride – not necessarily in white, but always the centre of attention. Corsets became sculptures, veils were transformed into dramatic installations, and tulle took on a new sense of weight. Bridal was no longer a category; it was a statement.

One of the evening’s most talked-about looks – and one of our absolute favourites – came from Kendall Jenner, who wore a softly draped dress by Zac Posen, inspired by the iconic sculpture Winged Victory of Samothrace. It was bridal, but also like a living statue where the body became part of the artwork.

Sweden was also represented during the evening. Mondo Duplantis and Desiré Inglander, right in the midst of their own wedding season, offered a romantic and modern take on the bridal trend.

Desiré wore an off-the-shoulder dress in sheer layers by Georges Hobeika – a look that felt soft, elegant and perfectly on-trend. Bill Skarsgård was also in attendance, dressed in a stylish and understated look that fitted perfectly into the evening’s artistic theme.

What really stood out this year was how bridal was used as a modern fashion statement – not as tradition.

Instead of classic wedding dresses, we saw looks that felt more like the catwalk than the altar, where details such as veils, draping and lace took on a new, edgier direction. With the theme ‘Costume Art’, bridal became a way of showcasing craftsmanship, silhouette and concept, rather than just romance. It was about taking something familiar and making it relevant again.

The 2026 Met Gala clearly demonstrated that bridal is no longer just a category; it is a distinct source of inspiration.