Met Gala 2026 isn’t just about fashion, it’s about who wins the night. And according to one PR expert, there’s one name fans should be watching closely: Maura Higgins. As anticipation builds ahead of Monday’s red carpet, celebrity PR specialist Kayley Cornelius is predicting that Maura Higgins could emerge as one of the biggest winners of the night.
Why The Met Gala Is More Than Just A Red Carpet
The former reality star has been steadily building her presence in the U.S., thanks to her appearance on “The Traitors US” and an upcoming stint on “Dancing with the Stars,” and the Met Gala could be the moment that takes her to the next level. Held annually at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met Gala has long been considered the most prestigious night in fashion.
But beyond the glitz and glamour, it’s also a strategic career move. “For any star, the Met Gala is their opportunity to make headlines and make a statement. It is not just about attending, it is about being talked about, and the ones who really benefit are the ones who are willing to take risks,” Cornelius explained.
“If you play it safe, you get forgotten,” she added. “If you go big, you win the internet, and that level of exposure is incredibly valuable because it keeps them relevant and positions them at the centre of the conversation.”
Why Maura Higgins Could ‘Win The Internet’
Cornelius pointed to Higgins as a prime example of someone perfectly positioned to capitalize on the moment. “For up-and-coming stars, this night can be a real breakthrough moment, and someone like Maura Higgins is a great example of someone who could gain big if she’s set to attend,” she said.
“As she continues to make strides in Hollywood and with her set to appear on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ later this year, this is a huge opportunity for her to build her profile and win over an even wider audience ahead of that,” she added. “A standout appearance on the carpet could help position her not just as another reality star, but as a serious name Hollywood celeb.”
Big Fashion Deals Could Be On The Line
Higgins already has brand partnerships under her belt, but the Met Gala could push her into an entirely new tier. “She already has strong brand ties, including work with Alo Yoga, but this is the kind of platform that could elevate her into a completely different league,” Cornelius said.
“If she gets it right, she could easily find herself securing a major campaign with a luxury fashion house such as YSL or Dior,” she said. “Or even landing a partnership with a global name like Skims ahead of her time on the dancefloor.”
Other Names To Watch
Higgins isn’t the only one who could benefit. Cornelius also highlighted rising pop group Katseye as a potential breakout if they make their Met Gala debut following their recent momentum. “Following a successful run at Coachella, a strong Met Gala moment could translate into a spike in music streams and help push them in front of a more global audience,” she explained.
For established stars, the Met Gala serves a different purpose: staying relevant. Cornelius pointed to Robert Pattinson as someone who could dominate the conversation if he attends. “He is already riding a major wave of momentum, and a standout look on the Met carpet would only add to that buzz,” she said. “It would keep him front and center in the conversation as awards season approaches, while also opening the door to even more opportunities off-screen.”
“A strong showing could see him land a major commercial deal tied to a new product launch or secure a high-profile magazine cover, all while building excitement and keeping fans hooked ahead of his upcoming releases,” she added.
PR Expert Says Met Gala Is A ‘Career Move’ As All Eyes Turn To Maura Higgins
At the end of the day, Cornelius says the Met Gala is far more strategic than it appears. “At the end of the day, it is not just a red carpet, it is a career move, and the celebrities who treat it that way are always the ones who come out on top,” she said.
And if she’s right, all eyes will be on Maura Higgins to see if she can turn fashion’s biggest night into her biggest breakthrough yet.
