Source: WWD
Summary
In anticipation of the 2026 Met Gala, WWD is revisiting the most iconic styles, cuts, and colors that have made a statement on the Met steps. The article takes a look back at the fashion moments that have defined the event’s history, highlighting the trends and designs that have left a lasting impact.
Our Reading
The trend returns with a new name.
The Met Gala has long been a platform for designers to showcase their boldest creations, and this year’s event is expected to be no exception. From bold colors to daring cuts, the styles that have dominated the Met steps in years past are sure to make a comeback. We can expect to see a revival of 90s minimalism, à la Calvin Klein, as well as a continuation of the maximalist trend popularized by designers like Alessandro Michele for Gucci. The event will also likely see a return of the iconic “naked dress” made famous by designers like Tom Ford for Gucci and Riccardo Tisci for Burberry. As the fashion world gears up for the 2026 Met Gala, one thing is certain: the past will be back in a big way.
Revival of the 90s
The 1990s were a defining era for fashion, and the Met Gala was no exception. Designers like Calvin Klein and Tom Ford showcased their minimalist designs on the Met steps, setting the tone for a decade of sleek, modern fashion.
Maximalism Takes Center Stage
In recent years, the Met Gala has become a platform for designers to showcase their most elaborate and daring creations. Designers like Alessandro Michele for Gucci and Riccardo Tisci for Burberry have popularized the maximalist trend, which is expected to continue in 2026.
The Naked Dress
The “naked dress” has become an iconic staple of the Met Gala, with designers like Tom Ford for Gucci and Riccardo Tisci for Burberry showcasing their versions of the daring design. The trend is expected to make a comeback in 2026, with designers pushing the boundaries of fashion even further.
A Look Back at the Past
As the fashion world gears up for the 2026 Met Gala, it’s clear that the past will play a major role in shaping the event’s fashion. With designers revisiting iconic trends and styles, the event is sure to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
What’s to Come
While it’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen at the 2026 Met Gala, one thing is certain: the event will be a celebration of fashion’s past, present, and future. With designers like Virgil Abloh and Rei Kawakubo set to make an appearance, the event is sure to be a highlight of the fashion calendar.
Author: Evan Null
