The Met Gala is no stranger to bold interpretations, but this year’s theme sparked a wave of daring, skin-baring looks that left critics divided.
With the concept inviting guests to treat the body as a canvas, several stars appeared to take that idea quite literally. Celebrities including Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and Cara Delevingne turned heads in revealing ensembles that leaned heavily into the provocative side of “Fashion Is Art.”
Shayk stunned in a custom Alexander Wang creation, featuring a jeweled bra and her toned midriff on full display. Hadid opted for a sheer black Miu Miu dress that subtly exposed her underwear, while Jenner chose an intricate Schiaparelli gown with a nude-toned corset and embellished skirt that gave the illusion of undressing. Delevingne, on the other hand, appeared elegant from the front in a Ralph Lauren gown, only to reveal a dramatically backless design as she turned.
Other attendees, including singer Tyla and influencer Lena Mahfouf, also embraced the daring aesthetic with barely-there designs and sculptural details.
Despite the creativity, many online critics were unimpressed, with some describing the looks as “cheap” or lacking sophistication, questioning whether shock value had overtaken artistry.
This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” was curated by Andrew Bolton, who emphasized fashion’s deep connection to the human form. The exhibition, opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will explore the body in fashion through categories like classical form, anatomy, and representations of aging.
The event was led by high-profile figures including Anna Wintour, alongside co-chairs such as Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, further cementing its status as fashion’s most talked-about night.
