Eileen Gu Dazzles on the Met Gala 2026 Red Carpet in a Stunning Dress Made of 15K Glass Bubbles
Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu made a dazzling impression at the 2026 Met Gala, themed “Costume Art.” The 22-year-old athlete and model, who won two silver medals and one gold at the Winter Olympics earlier this year, showcased a remarkable short bubble dress designed by Iris van Herpen. The Dutch designer is renowned for her innovative “tech-couture” creations that blend cutting-edge technology with high fashion.
Gu reflected on her eye-catching attire, stating, “I have 15,000 glass bubbles on me. It took 2,550 hours to make. There’s technology under the dress that enables reality to kind of come together with art. It’s a play on surrealism, it’s a play on movement, it’s a play on nature, on fun, on whimsy,” during an interview with ESPNW.
The short dress was completed with see-through heels, while Gu’s only other accessories included a small pair of earrings and dozens of floating bubbles that surrounded her throughout the evening.
During her discussion about the intersection of sports and art, Gu emphasized the importance of self-expression, stating, “It’s about breaking boundaries and about being the truest version of yourself.”
Gu’s Met Gala appearances have evolved since her first visit in 2021, when she wore a romantic black-and-white bubble dress by Carolina Herrera. Her look in 2022 featured a bold strapless leather Louis Vuitton mini dress with a plunging neckline.
As Gu has garnered accolades for her performance on the slopes—marking her as the most decorated free skier in history—it is worth noting that she has faced significant backlash for representing China at the Olympics, despite her upbringing and education in Northern California.
Earlier this year, she shared her experiences of being “physically assaulted,” robbed, and receiving death threats while navigating these controversies on her campus.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Gu is a sought-after model associated with prominent brands such as Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret, and Fendi. She has graced the covers of notable publications, including the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan and Vogue.
