BLACKPINK singer Jennie, model Amelia Gray, and Emma Chamberlain attended the 2026 Met Gala in mermaid-themed attire on May 4, 2026 [2].
The event serves as a global benchmark for high fashion and artistic expression, signaling how celebrity influence shapes the intersection of costume and contemporary art.
The guests gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, U.S., for an evening centered on the theme "Costume Art" [2]. This year's dress code, "Fashion Is Art," encouraged attendees to treat their garments as sculptural pieces rather than traditional clothing.
Jennie drew significant attention with a gown designed to evoke the imagery of a mermaid [2]. The intricate garment featured 15,000 sequins [1], contributing to the shimmering, aquatic aesthetic required by the evening's artistic direction.
Amelia Gray and Emma Chamberlain also joined the aquatic trend, appearing as mermaid-themed guests [2]. Their presence alongside Jennie highlighted a coordinated effort to interpret the "Costume Art" mandate through a shared nautical lens.
The gala's specific focus on the relationship between fashion and art allowed guests to experiment with textures and scales that mirror biological forms. By utilizing thousands of sequins and specialized fabrics, these attendees transformed the museum's steps into a gallery of wearable art.
This approach to the dress code reflects a broader trend in the fashion industry where the boundaries between couture and performance art continue to blur. The selection of mermaid themes suggests a preference for fluidity and iridescent materials to meet the gala's rigorous artistic standards.
“Jennie drew significant attention with a gown designed to evoke the imagery of a mermaid”
The 2026 Met Gala's 'Costume Art' theme emphasizes the shift toward fashion as a medium for conceptual storytelling. By adopting a cohesive mermaid aesthetic, high-profile figures like Jennie and Emma Chamberlain demonstrate how celebrity curation can turn a dress code into a collective artistic statement, further cementing the event's role as a primary driver of global visual trends.
