This time, two global megastars—Rihanna and Beyoncé—were the center of discussion at the fashion world’s biggest festival ‘Met Gala 2026’. Beyoncé’s return after almost a decade and Rihanna’s timeless dramatic style completely changed the atmosphere of the red carpet. This year’s theme ‘Costume Art’ gave both these artists ample opportunity to showcase their artistry. Rihanna, who has been the Met Gala since 2007, this time was seen in a stunning silver gown by Glen Martens (Maison Margiela). His look was like that of a living sculpture.
Rihanna’s Met Gala 2026 look
Rihanna’s look was based on a ruffled silver gown that had a shiny, liquid metallic feel. Designed by Glenn Martens for Maison Margiela’s Artisanal 2025 line, the gowns featured crystal-embellished, fitted bodices with a pillowy, cocoon-like upper made of lustrous, deep-hued fabric accented with metallic finery.
The lower portion was more restrained, with a shapely column balancing the grandeur of the upper portion. The mix of different textures was fascinating. Dense crystals with bright polish. It looked futuristic as well as sophisticated. Accessories were kept to a minimum. Statement rings, subtle earrings. Soft, subtle make-up, glowing skin and framed eyes, along with styled hair that enhanced the look but was not overpowering.
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Rihanna has been gracing the Met Gala continuously since 2007. In 2025, she was seen with her baby bump in ASAP Rocky in a wool dress designed by Marc Jacobs. Her full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and apart from music, she runs ‘Fenty Beauty’, which recently launched in India. She is one of the best-selling artists globally, and has received several major awards.
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Beyonce’s comeback look at Met Gala
Beyoncé returned after almost a decade, having previously attended the event in 2016, and as co-chair she made it one to remember. Her diamond-studded gown, designed by Olivier Rousteing, transformed the ‘nude dress’ into a skeleton-like illusion, featuring a structured, body-shaping design made of crystals.
She paired it with a striking silver headpiece and a glittering feather trail, which added a different dynamic to the gown. His style was grand but restrained. Her golden, curly long hair was complete with a sun-crown effect.
She arrived with Blue Ivy Carter, who wore a white gown with a puffy, balloon-like skirt. Over the years, Beyoncé’s Met Gala looks have always remained the same, including her 2016 Givenchy latex floral gown. This time, her look also seemed to be inspired by ‘Sindhicore’—reflected in its layered embellishments and luxurious, embellished finishes, reimagined with a futuristic vision.
Two completely different directions, but same result. Both the looks made exactly the impact that was expected. These were not just fashion moments, but ‘statements’ that stayed in your mind even after the red carpet was over.
#Rihanna and #ASAPRocky light up the #MetGala carpet
(via Getty) pic.twitter.com/cYUHCEyADP
— Variety (@Variety) May 5, 2026
After ten years, our #MetGala co-chair @Beyonce has made her highly anticipated return to the steps of the Met. Get the details on her look for fashion’s biggest night here: https://t.co/u9yYjAqMRf pic.twitter.com/rahJIMgVWD
—Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) May 5, 2026