This year’s Met Gala took place on May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The theme was “Costume Art,” with a dress code of “Fashion is Art,” inviting guests to treat their bodies as living canvases. The night was filled with standout moments, but three women in particular delivered notable appearances. Doechii, Tyla, and Anok Yai each walked that carpet with a clear intention that offered distinct takes on the strong theme. Each look used a strong design approach.

Tyla

Photo: Getty Images

Tyla wore a custom Valentino gown designed under Alessandro Michele‘s direction and inspired by peacocks. The upper part was a sheer, plunging bodice made entirely of shimmering diamond and crystal chains, draped strategically to cover just enough and create a naked dress effect, which transitioned into a low-rise turquoise satin skirt with a central slit and flowing train. silver-bejeweled patterns adorned the drop-waist, and same coloured pendants dangled from her wrists and the bodice.

Her hair was styled by Yusef Williams in long, dark wet-look curls, while her makeup featured a soft cat-eye and neutral, glossy lips. She wore a layered crystal collar necklace and matching drop earrings, completing the look with aqua-colored satin heels that perfectly matched her skirt. She described herself as “basically a shiny peacock” and the gown backed every word of it. For someone who made her Met Gala debut dressed in real sand, she is clearly not interested in playing it safe.

Anok Yai

Photo: Getty Images

Supermodel Anok Yai wore a custom Balenciaga sculptural gown that referenced the Mater Dolorosa. Her look was a highlight of the “Fashion is Art” theme, designed with a living statue shape. She wore a black silk taffeta gown with a highly structured, over-the-top sculptural hood that framed her face. The bodice was intricately ruched and tightly fitted, transitioning into a full skirt with a long train. She styled the gown with opera-length black leather gloves tucked under the sleeves. Her look was accessorized with a high-jewelry Swarovski diamond necklace with a large teardrop pendant.

Underneath the structural hood, her hair was styled in smooth, tight braids featuring golden-beaded accents across her forehead. Her makeup was deeply expressive, with crystal tears painted down her cheeks to complete the Mater Dolorosa inspiration, her skin ultra-hydrated and glowy, paired with a dark, defined lip.

Doechii

Photo: Getty Images

Doechii‘s second Met Gala appearance, she took the “Fashion is Art” theme and gave it a dark, earthy twist. She showed up in a custom Marc Jacobs look that was all about the beauty found in decay. The rapper wore a sheer gown in a rich deep plum colour, made of layers of silk organza and chiffon. It featured a daring halter-style top and a high slit, trailing a long, airy fabric behind her like a shadow.

Her headpiece was the star of the look, wrapped in the same deep purple fabric as her dress, it stood incredibly high, giving a modern, high-fashion nod to traditional African styles like the Nigerian gele. Her makeup featured warm dewy tones, a dark ombré lip and smoky eye. She wore stacks of chunky silver and gold bangles on both wrists, and to keep that grounded, earthy feel intact, Doechii appeared barefoot with henna detailing on her feet.

The three looks stood among the night’s most discussed appearances.

Rihanna’s daughter, Rocki, has made her first magazine cover appearance alongside her mother for W magazine’s Pop Issue. Not yet a year old, Rocki emerged into public view, dressed in Dior, sharing the cover with Rihanna in what marks the first public photo the singer has released of her daughter since announcing her birth seven months ago in September.

Photo: Tim Walker

Rihanna celebrated on Instagram, expressing her excitement about Rocki’s debut. She wrote, “Cover girrrrrlz!!! Baby Rocki served sumn serious on her first cover! Came on set and shut her mama dowwwnn!!!!” as she introduced her daughter to the public in a fashion setting.

Although Rihanna did not participate in a direct interview with W Magazine for the feature, several people close to her contributed to the story. Among them was her partner, A$AP Rocky, who shared insight into how Rihanna has evolved over the years. The couple, who were longtime friends before their relationship became public in late 2020, now share three children together: Rocki, RZA, and Ricky.

Photo: Tim Walker

Rocky spoke about the impact motherhood has had on Rihanna, he explained that while she has grown and adapted in this new phase, to him, Rihanna has always carried a unique presence, describing her as thoughtful and genuine. In his words, “she is the most charming and genuine person on Earth. Her energy is unmatched—one of a kind. I just adore her.”

Photo: Tim Walker

For the cover, both Rihanna and Rocki wore Dior haute couture. Rocki’s look included a custom designed diaper and matching headpiece, created specifically for the shoot. The concept reflected Rihanna’s creative input.

Photo: Tim Walker

Jonathan Anderson, the house’s creative director, spoke about working with Rihanna on the project. He noted that the custom couture diaper was an unusual request, but one that aligned with Rihanna’s. In his word, “she is thinking outside the box. When she has an idea, I’m always trusting in the process. I trust her implicitly on anything she feels that is right to do.” He explained that she approaches fashion with clarity and confidence, often interpreting designs in ways that feel authentic to her.

Rihanna and Rocky’s cover hits different; it’s fashion, motherhood, and representation all in one frame.

After the Oscars ceremony, the Vanity Fair after‑party becomes its own runway, where attendees arrive in remarkable looks and make as much of a style statement as they did on the official red carpet. Olandria Carthen, who has been making headlines for her fashion looks since appearing on Love Island USA as “Bama the Barbie,” lived up to her reputation at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars after‑party in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, wearing a custom white gown by Pajtim Raci.

Olandria Carthen – Instagram

Olandria wore a custom pleated gown featuring a dramatic halter-neckline that transitions into a plunging, open front bodice. The bodice is tightly ruched, all the white chiffon pulled into a single structured point at the waist before opening into a sheer floor-length skirt with a train.

Olandria Carthen – Instagram

Wide cutouts on both sides of the waist left her midsection exposed, reflecting the gown’s deliberate design.

Her hair was styled in a loose curly updo with a few pieces falling around her face. Makeup included sculpted eyebrows, a soft smoky eye, and a glossy 90s inspired lip. Accessories were diamond pieces by Azature, including statement rings.

Olandria Carthen – Instagram

This gown showed a more sculptural side of Pajtim Raci. Chiffon is a difficult fabric to work with keeping the bodice firm while allowing the skirt and cape to flow is not easy. Pajtim got it right, and Olandria had no trouble wearing it. That credit belongs to the designer.