Ashley Graham captivated the 2026 Met Gala red carpet with a daring and innovative look that immediately sparked conversation. The 38-year-old model chose a custom-designed nude-toned dress by Di Petsa, a designer known for creating garments with a ‘wet’ aesthetic.

A Medusa-Inspired Ensemble

This choice perfectly aligned with the evening’s theme, ‘Costume Art,’ and the dress code, ‘Fashion Is Art.’ Graham elevated her ensemble with a striking metallic silver manicure created by Dawn Sterling.

Silver Details

She extended the silver finish beyond her almond-shaped nails with matching spray paint, covering her fingers and knuckles for a seamless, artistic effect. Carefully coordinated diamond accessories from Zales further enhanced the cohesive presentation.

Graham shared on Instagram that her low-cut dress was a reimagining of the ‘Serpent Skin dress’ from Di Petsa’s ‘Medusa’s Lovers’ collection. She described it as a “hand-sewn second skin, sculpted to my body, inspired by Medusa — powerful, complex, and a little dangerous,” emphasizing its transformative quality.

A Longtime Gala Attendee

Despite being a seven-time Met Gala attendee, Graham expressed continued excitement about fashion’s biggest night. She views herself as a perpetual student of fashion, fascinated by its history, storytelling, and power.

For Graham, the event is a celebration of the body as a canvas for artistic expression, shaped, perceived, and transformed throughout time, and the confidence a carefully chosen piece can instill.

Controversy Over Sponsorship

The 2026 Met Gala was not without controversy, centering on sponsorship by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez. The couple reportedly contributed $10 million to the Costume Institute in exchange for being named honorary co-chairs.

Seeking Approval

This financial arrangement drew criticism, with some expressing concerns about the influence of wealth and potential preferential treatment. Sources indicate the donation aimed to gain favor with Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief and a key fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute since 1995.

The Bezoses’ pursuit of social validation through the event has been described as embodying the “American dream” of status and wealth, and securing Wintour’s approval. The Met Gala has a history of attracting high-profile sponsors and raising significant funds, with last year’s event achieving a record-breaking $31 million.

The event’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of high fashion, celebrity culture, and artistic expression. This year’s theme, ‘Costume Art,’ encouraged creative approaches, and Graham’s ensemble exemplifies this spirit of experimentation. The silver-dipped manicure sparked debate, but undoubtedly generated conversation.

The ongoing discussion surrounding the Bezoses’ sponsorship underscores increasing scrutiny of the event’s financial aspects and ethical considerations. The Met Gala remains a captivating spectacle, a testament to the power of fashion as art and a reflection of the cultural zeitgeist.