Gigi Hadid said to the Associated Press that the Met Gala serves as a vital tool for fashion education and artistic celebration.
Her perspective underscores the event's transition from a social gathering to a cultural institution that legitimizes clothing as a form of fine art. By framing the gala as an educational platform, Hadid suggests the event provides a broader context for how design influences society.
Hadid said these views during the 2026 [1] Met Gala. She said that the event is not merely about glamour but about the celebration of fashion as art. According to Hadid, the gathering promotes a deeper understanding of fashion education, and showcases the medium's artistic potential [2].
The model has become a fixture at the annual event, having also appeared at the 2025 [3] gala. Her continued participation reflects the intersection of high-profile celebrity and the curation of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
While the gala is often viewed through the lens of celebrity attendance, Hadid's comments shift the focus toward the intellectual and educational aspects of the exhibition. She said the event helps to elevate the perception of the industry by treating garments as museum-quality pieces.
This focus on education aligns with the museum's goal of preserving the history of costume. By highlighting the artistic medium, Hadid connects the red carpet experience to the academic study of design, and textile history.
“The Met Gala serves as a vital tool for fashion education.”
Hadid's comments reflect a strategic effort to pivot the public perception of the Met Gala away from superficial celebrity culture and toward its identity as a philanthropic and educational endeavor for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
