Rihanna captivated attendees at the 2026 Met Gala with a breathtaking ensemble that fully embraced the “Fashion is Art” theme. Her look featured a stunning Margiela gown and an intricately designed, jeweled hairstyle.

The 2026 Met Gala Theme

The 2026 Met Gala placed a strong emphasis on artistic expression in fashion, showcasing Grecian draping, Renaissance silhouettes, and a celebration of the human form. The theme encouraged attendees to view fashion as a true art form.

Rihanna's Gown and Collaboration

Rihanna’s appearance exemplified the theme, presenting a vision of a “living sculpture.” Her look was a collaborative effort between her longtime hairstylist Yusef Williams and stylist Jahleel Weaver, designed to complement her Margiela by Glenn Martens couture gown.

Gown Details

The gown, originally from the house’s 2025 artisanal collection, featured a draped column silhouette inspired by medieval Flemish architecture. It was constructed from duchess woven silk and recycled metal threads, and adorned with over 115 crystal beads, antique jewels, and chains.

The Intricate Hairstyle

Yusef Williams focused on creating a hairstyle that enhanced the sculptural quality of the outfit without overpowering it. He opted for intricate, ornate jeweled curls that formed a stunning Art Deco-style headpiece, described as “artefact-like beauty.”

Hair Foundation and Creation

The foundation for the look was True Indian Hair Company’s True HD Lace RTW Collection in the style Ava, providing a seamless blend and natural movement. Williams partnered with Jennifer Behr, who hand-crafted 40 wire curls in varying shapes, plated in dark bronze and hand-painted with gold.

Swarovski crystals in champagne and black diamond were then wired onto select curls to harmonize with the gown. The hair was slicked tightly to the head, with the metal curls arranged like a crown, creating a modern interpretation of vintage gold wire pin curls.

Glamour and Finishing Touches

Rihanna’s overall glam, executed by makeup artist Hector Espinal, continued the gilded theme. Her eyeshadow blended metallic shades with violet tones, paired with a chrome lip and flawless skin.

Diamonds and crystals were strategically placed around her temples, and a single sparkly gem adorned her face as a tear. Fenty Beauty products, including the new Sun Stalk’r Soufflé Pressed Mousse Cream Bronzer, Killawat Freestyle Highlighter, and Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner in Amber Rose were utilized.

Her nails were kept simple with a short almond shape and baby pink polish. The use of pin curls echoed a trend from the 2025 Met Gala, and Rihanna’s choice builds on her history of memorable, jewel-studded hairstyles.

Williams emphasized that the hair served as an accessory, bringing the polished, statue-inspired moment to life, perfectly embodying the “Fashion Is Art” brief.