Every year, like a holiday, we gather around our screens to see an opulent display of fashion. The theme for 2026, “Fashion is Art,” intvites a wide range of interpretations. Are hopes high for gorgeous gowns, or have expectations been tempered just for gowns? It’s the latter. I went to a Visual and Performing Arts Center. Fashion is visual. It evokes feelings in the wearer and the viewer. Fabric tells stories of countries and emphasizes the lives of characters on screen. The notion that fashion isn’t art is quite silly.
Being that everyday fashion also makes people feel, it’s not impossible to get a carpet of nice gowns. There is a bar that most guests aren’t expected to meet. That being said, the bar is in the hands of the brands footing the charitable donation, because The Costume Institute is a non-profit. Meaning the calls to boycott are misdirected, even with Bezos participation. There was a comment about there being a time when you couldn’t buy your way into fashion. However, fashion is exactly where you buy yourself in; the money spent doesn’t guarantee respect, but it will put you in the rooms of fashion. The overt participation of the billionaire pair is a staunch reminder that we are in the new Gilded Age. Thankfully, the Progressive Era comes next, but the time in between is certainly rough.
On to the gowns, beautiful gowns. As the theme is also a celebration of bodies, I was expecting lots of sheer and flowing sihloettes. I was pleasantly surprised by the repurposing of vintage gowns from eBay. The return of Beyoncé with her eldest daughter alongside was touching. Lauren dressing as Madame X was in poor taste, but the dress was impeccably made, as were all the Schiaparelli gowns. My favorite was Dior’s film on Sabrina Carpenter and Venus, coming as her own portrait is a major serve. Heidi Klum is a hoot, and all the fellow statue/classic art gowns were enjoyable . Amy Sherald, wearing Thom Browne referencing her own art, and Tessa’s indigo reference to the Gullah-Geechee, was nice to see. Angela Besset’s soft nod to the aging body is a good representation of art transcending time. Michael Kors trompe l’oeil and collaboration Peter McGough showcased classic fashion is art.
Overall, it was a successful night as the gala raised $42 million for the instituite, now with it’s own dedicated space rather than being shoved into the basement. Though considered a win for the fashion industry as a whole, it’s hurting and in need of reform, much like the rest of the world. Things get worse before they get better, as they say. Let’s hope this road isn’t a long one. Let me know which looks are your favorite!
