Melissa Rivers Shares Her Thoughts on the Best and Worst Met Gala 2026 Outfits, from Kylie Jenner’s Artistic Flair to Cardi B’s Bold Marc Jacobs Look
Met Gala 2026: A Mixed Bag of Fashion Triumphs and Missteps
The 2026 Met Gala, held on the first Monday of May, showcased a range of fashion interpretations under the theme of “Costume Art,” which invited celebrities to celebrate the many representations of the dressed body throughout art history. Fashion expert Melissa Rivers, known for her candid critiques on red carpet attire, described the theme as “difficult to interpret.”
“It was very hard to figure out,” Rivers remarked, noting that many attendees chose to embrace "traditional, pretty" dresses, often with Grecian draping. Despite the confusion surrounding the theme, the event featured standout moments that prompted "plenty of sartorial wins" alongside a few notable missteps.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner captivated the crowd in a Schiaparelli Haute Couture design, described by Rivers as a bold representation of art. “Nailed the assignment,” she praised, emphasizing the molded bodysuit and the innovative half-on, half-off dress that combined artistic volume with elegant patterns.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner followed suit in a skintight GapStudio by Zac Posen gown, which Rivers found equally impressive. “She looked amazing,” Rivers noted, commenting on the unique design that mirrored Kylie’s gown while maintaining a cohesive family aesthetic.
Kim Kardashian
In contrast, Kim Kardashian’s outfit received a more mixed reaction, ranking lower in Rivers’ Kardashian-Jenner hierarchy. While the sculptural nature of her custom-fitted dress was acknowledged as artful, Rivers felt her younger sisters outshone her that evening.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat was noted for her daring latex gown, which Rivers found strikingly artistic. The monochromatic look was one of several “first wow” moments of the night, showcasing the innovative use of fabric in formal wear.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter also impressed with her creative gown made from film strips, an homage to actress Audrey Hepburn. Rivers praised the innovative textile choice and the flawless execution, calling it “brilliant.”
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe’s outfit stood out dramatically, featuring a green dress adorned with circuit boards. Rivers complimented the unusual materials and how they aligned perfectly with the gala’s theme.
While some attendees soared in their fashion choices, others fell flat. Cardi B’s elaborate gown, critiqued for its overwhelming design, and Sam Smith’s outfit, dubbed the "Grim Geisha," sparked conversations about the line between avant-garde and unappealing.
The gala concluded with a splendid display from Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Blue Ivy, who drew applause for their cohesive and breathtaking presentation. Rivers remarked that the family ensemble was worth the wait, adding, “talk about nailing the assignment.”
Overall, the 2026 Met Gala highlighted the diverse interpretations of art through fashion, showcasing both creative brilliance and occasional misses in this beloved annual event.
