Met Gala: ‘Costume Art’ Buzz
The 2026 Met Gala theme is ‘Costume Art,’ pushing sculptural, maximalist dressing — and the runup already features high drama: reports say Nicki Minaj has been banned amid industry backlash. (tribune.com.pk). Addison Rae is confirmed to return, which organizers say will bring another pop‑star fashion moment to the event. (dailydrama.com)
The Metropolitan Museum says its spring Costume Institute exhibition will open on May 10, 2026, run through Jan. 10, 2027, and inaugurate the museum’s nearly 12,000‑square‑foot Condé M. Nast Galleries adjacent to the Great Hall. (metmuseum.org) The Met Gala itself is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, and Vogue has named Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams as co‑chairs alongside Anna Wintour for this year’s benefit. (cbsnews.com) Multiple entertainment outlets reported that Roc Nation issued a cease‑and‑desist to Nicki Minaj on Dec. 25, 2025, with claims the notice—cited to California filings—warned against naming Jay‑Z or Beyoncé and warned of legal consequences. (tribune.com.pk) News outlets and pop‑culture fact‑checkers have flagged the uninvited/banned narrative as sourced to social posts and unverified filings, noting no independent public court document or official Met statement confirming an exclusion has been produced. (soapcentral.com) Industry coverage places Addison Rae among the pop stars circling the event this year; she is a 2026 Best New Artist Grammy nominee and was listed by the Recording Academy among performers in the Best New Artist segment. (grammy.com) Outlets assembling early attendee lists include fashion sites that have confirmed names such as Sam Smith, Chase Sui Wonders and Lauren Wasser while noting that the museum itself has not released a full official guest roster. (russh.com (metmuseum.org))
