First-time attendees made a striking impression at the 2026 Met Gala, stepping onto fashion’s biggest stage with bold, eye-catching looks curated for the night’s exclusive theme. Hosted under the watchful eye of lead chairperson Anna Wintour, the event once again showcased a mix of established stars and fresh faces eager to make their mark on the grand outdoor staircase leading to The Met.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s firstborn child, 14-year-old Blue Ivy Carter, was one of the first-time attendees at the 2026 Met Gala. Her mother served as co-chair of the event, returning to the biggest night in fashion after a decade of absence. The Carters made it a family affair, as Jay-Z was also in attendance. The trio posed for cameras, showcasing their style in line with the “Costume Art” theme.
Blue Ivy wore a show-stopping cream-colored gown and matching jacket from fashion house Balenciaga. Completing her look was a pair of dark sunglasses and Jimmy Choo pumps decked in crystals.
“It feels surreal because my daughter’s here. She looks so beautiful. It’s incredible to be able to share with her. I think she looks so incredible,” Beyoné gushed in a brief interview with Vogue.
Jafaar Jackson’s Subtle Nod To His Late Uncle
Jafaar Jackson made his Met Gala debut, still fresh from the blockbuster success of his movie, “Michael.” Michael Jackson’s 29-year-old nephew looked dapper in a black velvet Ralph Lauren suit and bow tie accented with gold detailing, which was reminiscent of one of Michael’s looks. For footwear, he chose shiny black, ballet-style shoes paired with red socks, completing his outfit.
The actor said that his look was “a bit last-minute.” Nevertheless, he came up with an outfit that matched the night’s theme, collaborating with the brand and a stylist to achieve a look that “felt not just visually striking, but intentional.”
“We focused on selecting a look that subtly honors the theme while still feeling effortless and true to my identity,” Jafaar said.
Stevie Nicks And Her Top Hat Turned Heads
Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks is known for her bohemian-inspired style, blending flowing silhouettes with ethereal fabrics, lace, and platform boots. For the 77-year-old singer’s Met Gala debut, however, she walked the red carpet wearing a custom Zara dress designed by British fashion designer John Galliano.
The midnight-blue silk taffeta ballgown, complete with a petticoat, came with a velvet jacket, and black tulle-and-chiffon appliqué roses added elegant details to the ensemble. Nicks completed the outfit with a black tophat with a feather, elevating her witchy, bohemian style.
The dark look was accented by sparkling jewelry from Tiffany & Co., including rings, diamond earrings, and a statement necklace.
Marcello Hernandez Elevated His Look With Accessories From His Mom
“Saturday Night Live” breakout star Marcello Hernandez made his Met Gala debut alongside his girlfriend, Ana Amelia Baylor Cabral, who was dressed in a black Oscar de la Renta gown. The 28-year-old comedian wore a black double-breasted Thom Browne suit paired with a bow tie.
In an interview with Esquire, Hernandez said he used to wear blazers when he was a younger comic, as he wanted to emulate the style of the comedians he looked up to, including Jerry Seinfeld, Johnny Carson, and Freddie Prinze Sr. “I got a little casual for a while, and now I would say I’m somewhere in the middle.”
Hernandez added to his look by wearing a brooch from his mother, which included an “angel of protection” pin and a Larimar stone. He also had an azabache, a protective amulet, on his arm. The accessories were a subtle nod to his Cuban-Dominican heritage.
Ejae Ditched ‘Golden’ For Silver At Her Met Gala Debut
South Korean-American singer Kim Eun-jae, professionally known as Ejae, made her Met Gala debut decked in style. Ejae, most known for the Oscar-winning song “Golden” from the animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” chose to forego gold and instead wore a sparkling silver gown.
The sculptured silver gown with a high neckline was from Swarovski and featured thousands of crystals in various sizes. According to Ejae, the inspiration behind the look was her Korean culture, in particular, a nod to female courtesans of Korea’s longest imperial dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty. “Two archetypes of femininity, one Western, one Eastern, and the look quickly came together from there,” the singer shared.
Ejae topped the look with an up-do, adding binyeos, traditional Korean ornamental hairpins, to her hair.
