The 2026 Met Gala kicked off in spectacular fashion on Monday as celebrities including Sam Smith, Doja Cat and Nicole Kidman arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for one of the fashion world’s most exclusive nights.
But alongside the glamour and couture, protests erupted outside the venue over the event’s sponsorship by Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez.
The billionaire couple, who reportedly donated $10 million and were named honorary chairs of the gala, faced criticism from activists over wealth inequality and labour rights linked to Amazon.
Outside the museum, demonstrators wearing colourful outfits held signs reading “Tax the Rich," “Resistance Red Carpet," and “Eat the Rich" as guests arrived for the annual fundraiser benefiting the Costume Institute.
Lauren Sánchez Bezos was among the first high-profile attendees to walk the red carpet.
The event, famous for its extravagant themes and celebrity appearances, carried the 2026 dress code “Fashion is Art," encouraging attendees to treat the body as a creative canvas.
Among the early standout looks was internet personality Emma Chamberlain, who wore a skin-tight gown with dramatic floor-length sleeves, while actress and television personality La La Anthony appeared in a jewel-covered dress.
French influencer Léna Mahfouf drew attention in a sculpted silver bodice shaped like hands, paired with a flowing skirt.
Meanwhile, Gwendoline Christie made one of the evening’s most theatrical entrances in a sweeping red gown with a feathered headpiece and lifelike mask.
Other expected attendees included Rihanna, Beyoncé, Venus Williams and Kim Kardashian.
Tickets for the gala reportedly cost $100,000 each, though most celebrities attend as guests of major fashion houses and sponsors.
