Celebrities that Fit the Theme

Image courtesy of Xie Weixiao

Eileen Gu in Iris Van Herpen

Eileen Gu delivered one of the strongest interpretations of the evening in a sculptural Iris Van Herpen creation that looked like kinetic artwork in motion; however, it presented prebiological molecules. Fluid bubbles, and architectural silhouette transformed the Olympic athlete into a living installation piece. It was avant-garde couture at its finest and perfectly aligned with the “Fashion Is Art” concept.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Sabrina Carpenter in Cristian Dior

Sabrina Carpenter embraced cinematic glamour in a dramatic Dior gown inspired by classic Hollywood film noir. Crystal embellishments resembling vintage film strips gave the look a storytelling element, while the sharply structured silhouette elevated it beyond traditional red-carpet dressing. The ensemble captured both fantasy and fashion history.

Image courtesy of Theo Vargo/Getty Images

Madonna in YSL by Anthony Vaccarello 

Madonna once again proved her mastery of fashion symbolism. Her Saint Laurent ensemble was anchored by a dramatic ship-inspired hat referencing one of the most extravagant trends of 18th-century French aristocracy. During the reign of Marie Antoinette, women famously wore elaborate “naval hats” featuring miniature ships balanced atop towering, powdered hairstyles, a style immortalized in Rococo portraiture and historical paintings. However, the whole look is a reinterpretation of Leonora Carrington’s 1945 oil painting “The Temptation of St. Anthony.”

Madonna transformed this historical reference into wearable performance art, blending fashion history with theatrical modernity. The look felt intellectual, rebellious, and unmistakably Met Gala with a dash of Goth. The hat belonged to fashion editor Isabella Blow and was commissioned by her from none other than milliner master Philip Treacy.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Sabine Getty in Ashi Studio

Sabine Getty delivered one of the evening’s most refined couture moments in Ashi Studio. The structured ivory gown featured exaggerated sculptural draping, hand-embroidered embellishments, and a sweeping silhouette that resembled classical marble sculpture. The look balanced modern couture craftsmanship with old-world elegance, making it feel like a living gallery piece.

Image courtesy of Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Lauren Sánchez Bezos in Schiaparelli

Lauren Sánchez Bezos embraced portrait-inspired glamour in Schiaparelli with a silhouette directly referencing Madame X, one of the most controversial and iconic paintings in fashion history. The portrait, painted by John Singer Sargent, presented Parisian socialite Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau and scandalized 19th-century Paris because of its sensual pose and originally fallen dress strap, which audiences at the time considered shockingly provocative. (He eventually had to revise the portrait and put the strap back on.)

Lauren’s Schiaparelli look echoed the painting’s dramatic neckline, sculpted silhouette, and commanding elegance while modernizing its themes of femininity and power. By referencing Madame X, Sánchez transformed herself into a living portrait, perfectly aligned with the “Fashion Is Art” theme.

Celebrities that Did Not Reflect the Theme

image courtesy of Julian Hamilton/Getty Images

Beyoncé in Olivier Rousteing

Beyoncé’s crystal-encrusted skeletal look by Olivier Rousteing was visually striking, but it leaned more toward fantasy glamour than artistic interpretation. The look lacked conceptual depth and museum-like storytelling that defined the strongest looks of the evening. She looked Cabaret ready and the dress needed better tailoring. Additionally, Beyoncé’s disappeared in all the bling and the oversized feather coat. 

Image courtesy of Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Heidi Klum as The Veiled Vestal

Heidi Klum’s marble statue-inspired transformation referenced classical sculpture, but the execution felt overly literal. The look resembled theatrical costume design more than fashion innovation, missing the balance between artistry and couture sophistication.

Image courtesy of Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Nicole Kidman in Chanel

Nicole Kidman opted for Chanel, but the understated sequined gown failed to embrace the dramatic imagination expected from the Met Gala. As a co-chair, folks anticipated a more daring artistic statement than just embracing color red used in painting.

Image courtesy of Lainey Gossip

Cardi B in Marc Jacobs

Cardi B embraced exaggerated proportions and sculptural glamour in Marc Jacobs, but the look lacked narrative clarity. While bold and theatrical, it appeared more chaotic than artistic. A blow-up doll look does not belong on the Met Gala carpet. 

Image courtesy of reddit.com

Keke Palmer in Prabal Gurung

Keke Palmer’s Prabal Gurung gown featured impeccable tailoring and metallic glamour, but the overall presentation felt too safe for a theme centered around wearable art. The look leaned toward classic red-carpet gown rather than transformative fashion storytelling.

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Connor Storrie in YSL by Anthony Vaccarello 

Connor Storrie’s ensemble looked very elegant until he took off the jacket. This garment attempted to modernize menswear through a plunging halter-style top paired with sleek tailoring. However, the styling felt disconnected from the artistic direction of the gala and lacked in execution. Rather than appearing daring or conceptual, the halter detail came across awkwardly unfinished, making it one of the evening’s weaker menswear moments.

Image courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Teyana Taylor in Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann

Teyana Taylor wore Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann with dramatic fringe metallic textures. She looked Christmas-tree ready and it lacked the historical or artistic references that elevated many of the evening’s standout ensembles. Can we say the late Rip Taylor in drag!!

Political Looks That Fit the Theme

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Sarah Paulson in Matières Fécales

Sarah Paulson delivered one of the evening’s most provocative statements in Matières Fécales, wearing a stark avant-garde tulle gown finished with a one-dollar bill stretched across her eyes. Dubbed “The One Percent,” the ensemble was interpreted as a critique of the world’s wealthiest elite. The look transformed fashion into protest art while perfectly aligning with the gala’s emphasis on visual storytelling.

Image courtesy of Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Bad Bunny in custom ZARA

Bad Bunny delivered one of the evening’s most unexpected interpretations in custom ZARA. The singer dramatically aged himself for the red carpet with gray hair, aged makeup effects, and styling intended to portray an older version of himself. The look transformed Bad Bunny into a living character study rather than simply a celebrity in couture, which perfectly aligned with the Met Gala 2026 theme; except, he is bringing attention and criticizing ageism. 

Image courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Anne Hathaway in Michael Kors Collection with Peter McGough

Anne Hathaway embraced poetic symbolism in a Michael Kors Collection collaboration with artist Peter McGough. Inspired by the ‘Grecian urns at the museum,’ the gown featured Grecian draping, hand-painted motifs, and classical imagery. Interpreted as a visual narrative of a subtle plea for peace, the back of the dress features the goddess of peace. Rather than relying on spectacle, Hathaway delivered a deep, intellectual interpretation of the theme that blended literature, art, and fashion.

The Met Gala 2026 proved once again that fashion is most compelling when it communicates something larger than beauty alone. The stars who succeeded this year understood that the Met Gala is not simply about dressing up, it is about creating art, sparking conversation, and leaving behind an image that feels worthy of exhibition.

—Tijana Ibrahimovic

Image courtesy of comingsoon.net

On May 6 Jill Kargman’s film “Influenced” premiered in New York City on the Upper Eastside. The film centers on a social media influence who projects a perfect life, but whose real life is out of whack. Hmm, sound familiar?

The dailyfrontrow.com spoke to Kargman about the inspiration for “Influenced,” revealing that this film is a lampoon of the influencer culture. Cast includes Christine Taylor, Justin Bartha, Laura Bell Bundy, David Krumholtz, and Nathan Lee Graham with cameo appearances by Drew Barrymore, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Matt Damone.

Kargman revealed that she enjoyed making fun of the obnoxious influencers, many who live on the Upper East Side; however, she has encountered many down-to-earth, sincere souls in the influencer culture.

Image courtesy of quatr.com

LVMH downsizes

If wagging fashion tongues are accurate, it looks as though fashion giant LVMH is looking to sell some of its fashion brands. About a year ago, it was rumored that LVMH was about to sell Marc Jacobs, and 50% percent of its share in Fenty Beauty, but that hasn’t happened yet.

LVMH has in its umbrella over 70 luxury brands but has already begun divesting in some of those brands. LVMH only holds 49% percent of its shares of Stella McCarthy. LVMH no longer owns the late Virgil Abloh’s brand. Additionally, LVMH plans to sell off the whole DFS business, the retail group specializing in selling luxury products to international travelers.

Still, LVMH is always in the pursuit of new acquisitions. Recently, LVMH acquired Tiffany’s. And has acquired a 22% stake in Remo Ruffini’s Double R company, thereby indirectly taking a stake in Moncler. So. whether LVMH is divesting in some of its luxury brands or acquiring new brands, it is still the larger hold of fashion and beauty brands globally.

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Wedding Bells for Christopher and Sam

Page Six recently announced that Christian Cowan and British pop singer Sam Smith are engaged. After dating for three years the couple was heard discussing their upcoming nuptials at the Mark Hotel in New York City as the couple prepared to walk the Met Gala red carpet.

“From what I understand, it was a private engagement,” the hotel lobby spy told Page Six after allegedly overhearing the couple discussing their betrothal. “They are over the moon, and from what I hear, so in love!”

Both Brits have been seen together since 2022 when Smith sang at the White House to mark then-President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act guaranteeing federal protection for same-sex and interracial marriages. According to Yahoo News, Smith and Cowan announced that they were a couple at the 2024 Met Gala.

For their appearance at the Met Gala red carpet both Cowan and Smith wore garments that evoked the 1920s. Christopher Cowan wore black suit and tie flecked with beads, Smith pulled out the stops, wearing a black Cowan-designed gown that weighed about 52 pounds.

—William S. Gooch

For the Beauty and Fragrance-Loving Mom

This year’s standout fragrance gift is Rose Première, the limited-edition collaboration between perfumer Véronique Gabai and actress Kelly Rutherford. Inspired by their longtime friendship and shared love of the South of France, the scent is a luminous tribute to femininity, creativity, and connection.

At the heart of Rose Première is the exquisite Rose de Mai from Grasse, hand-harvested during the fragrant early mornings of May. Sparkling mandarin and bergamot create a fresh opening before the fragrance unfolds into warm amber woods, musk, and a soft pink praline accord. The sensual dry-down lingers beautifully on the skin, creating an elegant yet lived-in sophistication.

Only 2,000 bottles of Rose Première were produced, making this fragrance a true collector’s piece. Each bottle is engraved with Rutherford’s name and the phrase, “Everything meaningful starts with love,” and is presented in custom packaging featuring a handwritten note. The launch also includes a rose quartz edition of the Le Spritz necklace, symbolizing unconditional love and feminine strength.

For the Boss Babe Mom Who Works Hard but Still Looks Stylish

Women have been able to order custom suits, custom dresses, even custom sneakers online for years. But the blouse, the garment most women put on three, four, five times a week, has been stuck in S/M/L limbo.

Sumissura just changed that. The made-to-measure womenswear brand has launched five custom blouse designs, each built from the customer’s individual measurements, in twelve exclusive fabrics. The starting price: $69. Less than most department store blouses that don’t fit.

For the moms that love a pretty purse Patricia Nash has partnered with Susan G. Komen on a limited-edition release of its signature frame bags, designed to support breast cancer research, care, and community outreach.

The Sofia Frame Bag ($249) and Serafina Large Frame Bag ($369) are both available in a Petal Pink colorway, combining the brand’s vintage-inspired structure with a softer, more personal feel. Crafted from full-grain leather, the bags feature classic kiss-lock closures with rosebud detailing, balancing everyday functionality with a more sentimental design element.

This season, Melie Bianco captures the lightness and rejuvenation of spring with pieces that are truly the definition of sunshine and fresh air. Imagine soft pastels mingling with nature-inspired textures and silhouettes that feel effortlessly chic. From playful crossbodies in delicate sorbet shades to structured totes perfect for carrying farmers’ market finds, these bags embody the joyous return of warmer days. 

For the mom who can’t let a little rain, mud or any in climate weather prevent her from leaving the house XTRATUF waterproof footwear designed to be kept by the back door and slipped on for anything the day brings. From muddy gardens and rainy school runs to quick errands and weekend adventures, XTRATUF boots and shoes deliver reliable grip, all-day comfort, and no-fuss convenience. Built to handle wet, messy conditions without sacrificing style, they’re the perfect everyday essential for moms who are always in motion.

For the mommy and her mini-me HAPP Brand offers the perfect gift for modern moms who deserve something truly special. The brand designs fashion-forward diaper bags and accessories that combine timeless style with everyday practicality. These diaper bags are for mamas who want the look of a handbag but need the functionality of a diaper bag.

For the mom who always has something to tote Hulken and Posh Peanut have joined forces for an exclusive Mother’s Day rolling tote. The co-branded rolling tote is designed to coordinate seamlessly with Posh Peanut’s matching Mother’s Day collection, from pajamas and daywear to swim and blankets. Designed for the modern mom who wants style and function, it’s a bag that goes from the farmers market to the beach to busy “mom-and-me” moments.

Equipped with smooth 360° steel swivel wheels, this tote glides seamlessly. Crafted from high-performance, water-resistant polyester, the Marion Tote is engineered to carry your heaviest loads without the bulk. When the day is done, it folds completely flat, ready for your next adventure. Available in Medium ($130) and Large ($145).

For the mom who loves clean beauty Bēm Skincare Prep, Reset and Glow Trio. Clean beauty with a refreshingly honest mission: no trends, no gimmicks, just formulas that genuinely work! Clean beauty with a refreshingly honest mission: no trends, no gimmicks, just formulas that genuinely work!

Clean beauty with a refreshingly honest mission: no trends, no gimmicks, just formulas that genuinely work! The Prep, Reset and Glow Trio – $ 137. Daybeam – Stabilized THD Vitamin C that brightens, evens skin tone and defends against daily environmental stressors without irritation or drying.

Barrier Reset Complex – The AM/PM essential with niacinamide, panthenol, and gluconolactone work together to strengthen the skin barrier, support ceramide production, reduce moisture loss, and calm inflammation. Konjac Facial Sponge – 100 % plant-derived gentle daily cleansing that preps skin to absorb every drop of those actives. Suitable for all skin types and Gentle on skin for everyday use, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious.

For the mom who loves a good manicure but doesn’t always have time for the salon Nail Reformation – Press-On Nails is the perfect solution! Fashion‑first press‑on brand translating runway and seasonal trends into wearable nail art. Shapes, colors, and finishes aligned with 2026’s biggest fashion trends that offer Salon‑quality manicure in minutes; lasts up to 3 weeks. Nail Reformation is also available at Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, Sprouts, Meijer, and coming to Revolve and Sally Beauty! Starting at $16

For the mom who loves keepsake jewelry Dainty Initial and Birthstone Bracelet – Mint & Lily at $39 is a great Mother’s Day gift. Add your mother, your own, and your children’s birthstone/initials to create a bracelet full of love. Every time you look at this bracelet feel the power of love flowing through generations.

All images courtesy of the respective brands

For the techy mom with the latest gadgets and wants to carry all her gadgets in style, Bandolier is celebrating Every Mom, Her Way with hands-free accessories designed to meet moms exactly where they are. For the Multitasker Mom who’s constantly juggling bags, schedules, and everyday chaos, the Carry All Gift Set offers extra room and effortless functionality.

The Hostess Mom, the one who makes every gathering feel special, will love the elevated, polished feel of the Petals & Pearls Set. And for the Intuitive Mom who’s always prepared for the little moments, the Expanded Gift Set delivers streamlined organization she can rely on.

—Renessta Olds

Image courtesy of people.com

The 2026 Met Gala takes place on May 4. And among the celebrity glitz, glam, and posturizing, several celebrity mainstays are opting out of this year’s Met Gala.

Mainstay celebrities Meryl Streep, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Timothée Chalamet, Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and several others are sitting this Met Gala out. The real question about this mass abandon is why?

Some Met Gala regulars are staying away from this year’s festivities due to other engagements. And in Timothée Chalamet case for the second season, the New York Knicks’ game at Madison Square Garden is his reason. Still, a lot of celebs have decided not to attend the 2026 Met Gala for other reasons, and some of the reasons have to do with Jeff Bezos chairing the Met Gala due to his $10 million donation.

Jeffrey Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez were named lead sponsors of the 2026 Met Gala in November of 2025, made possible by the Bezos’ funding. The backlash started in early 2026 with many fashion insiders accusing the Bezos’ trying to buy themselves into rarefied fashion spaces. This intense backlash caused Anna Wintour in defense of the decision, specifically saying that Lauren is “going to be a wonderful asset to the museum and to the event,” as reported in buzzfeed.com.

Image courtesy of pagesix.com

In March 2026 the Bezos’ were quietly named honorary co-chairs of the Met Gala causing more uproar from folks inside and outside of the fashion industry. Taraji Henson, who has attended the Met Gala three times commented on social media “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani broke with tradition and is not attending the 2026 Met Gala. Mamdani said he wouldn’t attend the prestigious red-carpet event in order to focus on “affordability and making the most expensive city in the United States affordable.”

Politicians have also jumped on the disapproval train with Senator Elizabeth Warren stating on X, “If Jeff Bezos can drop $10 million to sponsor the Met Gala, he can afford to pay his fair share in taxes.” Is this the beginning of the end? Hmm, only time will tell!!

—William S. Gooch

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Happy Met Gala Monday, Fashion Reverie readers! The long-awaited first Monday in May is here, and the theme is “Costume Art,” with a dress code described as “Fashion Is Art.” This year’s theme is especially apt, and perhaps the most meta, as it marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s first permanent galleries. Tonight’s co-chairs are Beyonce, Venus Williams, and Nicole Kidman.

Anna Wintour, Vogue’s Global Editorial Director of Vogue and Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast, is at the helm of fashion’s biggest night year after year. This year marks her first Met Gala since stepping down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue after 37 years holding that position. Chloe Malle has since taken over as head of editorial content.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

The intersection of fashion and art has been the silent thesis of the Met Gala for decades, and that is being realized tonight. Costume art, in essence, is categorized by clothing or accessories designed with a story in mind. It can be traced for centuries through the folds of history of performance, and was there from the very beginning, innate, and essential. Think of theater, opera, and ballet long before cameras and red-carpet moments. Costume art treats fashion as a medium above all. Tonight, fashion is art, but it always was and always will be. Vogue and The Met shines light on that juxtaposition this evening.

Tonight, the Met Gala red carpet is a stage, as celebrities pay homage to their crafts in performing on and off screen, referencing iconic art pieces and moments of performance. Some of the most iconic looks from galas of yesteryear that draw on fashion as art include Rihanna’s Heavenly Bodies look from 2018, rich with religious symbolism. She wore an encrusted Bishop’s hat to reference the theme. Zendaya embodied a film character at 2019’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” gala when she made a nod to Cinderella with her princess-like gown. That same year, Lady Gaga quite literally turned the Met steps into her stage, transforming before the eyes of the audience as she shed a layer of her look as she ascended the steps. The 2026 theme is a celebration of all bodies, as told by Vogue’s red-carpet co-host, Ashley Graham, alongside Cara Delevigne, who reminded the audience on the evening’s livestream on YouTube.

The joy that is found in the Met Gala comes from the interpretation, which both comes from embodying the theme, designing for it, and as we know it, spectating. Year after year, this event rewards the boldest, most adventurous of interpretations. Fashion as art as a theme shows the most impactful looks are not simply worn but performed, and tonight, the steps are the stage.

—Marley Gifford

In this episode of Fashion Reverie Talks, co-host Tijana Ibrahimovic and Kristopher Fraser, replacing Cicily Daniels, talk about “The Devil Wears Prada 2” which opens on May 1, Jimmy Choo’s new Bon Bon bag, and Teyana Taylor new gig as the face of Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick. Kristopher Fraser also interviews fashionreverie.com Editor-in-Chief William S. Gooch about a newly fresh and sassy Dance Theatre of Harlem. Additionally, Tijana Ibrahimovic speaks with fashionreverie.com Feature Editor Kristopher Fraser about his article “What it Takes to Become a Fashion Stylist in 2026.”

As with all Fashion Reverie Talks’ episodes there is always an entertaining approach to fashion. And our co-hosts and guests consistently present inside information about the fashion industry. Don’t miss out on all the fun.

—Staff

Nina Flood image courtesy of Slavin Vlasic/Getty Images

The American and Footwear Apparel Association (AAFA) celebrate fifty years. And why should that mean anything to consumers and fashionreverie.com viewers? In a time where there is little stability and consistency, it is comforting to know that some institutions still hold true to their mission and purpose.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,100 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, it’s more than 3.6 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $523 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain and Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, and Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology.

Zac Posen and Katie Holmes image courtesy of Slavin Vlasic/Getty Images

In this 50^th year of the organization’s excellence and continued effort to represent management and U.S. workers, the AAFA celebrated the contributions of some key fashion industry players: Fabletics as Company of the Year, accepted by Adam Goldenberg, Co-Founder and CEO; Zac Posen as Designer of the Year; Timberland as Fashion Maverick, accepted by Nina Flood, Global Brand President; Avery Dennison as Global Innovator, accepted by Bill Toney, Vice President, Advanced Technology, Solutions Group;  Trailblazer co-recipients  Josue Solano, CEO of BBC International and Seth Campbell, Corporate President of BBC International; AFIRM Group was honored as Eco-Steward of the Year, and the Icon Award was presented to Ruben Toledo.

 President Seth Campbell accepting the evening’s dual Trailblazer honors for their work pioneering dynamic partnerships in the footwear sector. Solano reflected on the company’s proactive approach during recent global uncertainty, noting, “At BBC, we believe there is a time to play offense and there is a time to play defense. You would think that in the past five years where the world seems to be upside down, BBC would have taken the position to play defense.”

Ruben Toledo and Alina Cho image courtesy of Slavin Vlasic/Getty Images

“It’s remarkable to celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the American Image Awards and 250 years of American history. What unites us all is our shared thread of excellence in American fashion,” said Steve Lamar, President and CEO of AAFA. “Tonight, we honor iconic brands that have defined that excellence for generations, alongside new voices and innovations that are shaping the future of our industry. As we reflect on these milestones, one thing remains constant: change. What we do best is meet it head-on, rising to the challenge and continuing to innovate.”

Staff

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner made a striking statement in a vintage Chanel lace top sourced from the spring 2005 archive. Styled with low-rise denim, the barely there silhouette tapped directly into the ongoing Y2K resurgence that dominated Coachella 2026. The look was equal parts daring and effortless, cementing her as a festival fashion mainstay.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber delivered understated sophistication in a vintage-inspired slip dress influenced by Dior archives. The soft butter-yellow hue and fluid silhouette offered a minimalist counterpoint to the festival’s more maximalist styling, proving that simplicity still holds power in 2026.

Sabrina Carpenter

Taking the stage in custom Dior, Sabrina Carpenter embraced polished pop-star glamour. Her structured ensemble, adorned with subtle shimmer, balanced performance practicality with couture sensibility is one of the standout stage looks of Coachella 2026.

Becky G

Becky G redefined Western festival dressing in a leather fringe top by Caravana. The dynamic movement of the fringe, paired with modern styling, elevated a classic Coachella staple into a fresh and fashion-forward moment for 2026.

Image courtesy of Elle Australia

Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow opted for sleek minimalism in a halter mini dress styled with stilettos. In a sea of bold and layered outfits, her clean, refined approach stood out, reinforcing the idea that less can still be impactful on the Coachella 2026 scene.

Image courtesy of reddit.com

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor brought her signature edge to Coachella 2026 with a futuristic look complete with bold accessories and statement Schiaparelli eyewear. Spotted at Revolve Fest, her ensemble fused attitude and high fashion, embodying fearless festival style.

Image courtesy of celebsecrets.com

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner embraced minimalist chic in a crisp all-white ensemble at her 818 Tequila event. The clean tailoring and effortless styling highlighted a quieter, more refined direction in festival fashion for 2026.

The fashion at Coachella 2026 reflected a strong shift toward personal storytelling through style. Whether through archival designer pieces, custom couture, or minimalist statements, these celebrities demonstrated that the festival remains a powerful platform for sartorial expression. In 2026, Coachella fashion wasn’t just about trends, it was about identity, individuality, and fearless creativity.

Tijana Ibrahimovic

Image courtesy of itplive.com

Fashion has always been about much more than the clothes we wear. It’s also about who gets to dictate what we wear, when, and why it matters. For decades, those decision makers were fashion magazine editors, designers, and models. Now, that power has shifted, and is now placed in the hands of anyone with a smart phone and an audience big enough to notice.

For the influencer-fashion landscape/relationship to change, social media and fashion must first be examined on their own/individually. The art of “influencing” in fashion is no novel concept. The first “influencers” we know today were not as accessible to us as the influencers we now know. We didn’t know the inner lives of the likes of Anna Wintour, Diana Vreeland, Grace Mirabella, Audrey Smaltz, and Kate Moss, in the ways we are invited into the lives of Alix Earle, the Jenners, and more.

The early 2000s were a much smaller group of fashion influencers than the thousands-even millions of users across popular apps Instagram, TikTok, and beyond. Instead of going from being “influenced” by an insular group of people somewhere in a tall building in a city you can’t afford, influencing can happen at micro levels. Now, “Momfluencers” in the Midwest are selling you the next best workout set from the comfort of their homes.

At the same time, brand budgets are booming. Tarte, a 26-year-old beauty brand flies a select group of influencers out on an all-expenses paid trip three to five times a year. The top influencers are flown out, put up in luxury accommodations, and the entire endeavor becomes a spectacle from lifestyle to beauty to fashion.

Image courtesy of yahoonews.com

Coachella is a perfect case study for the relationship between fashion, influencing, and consumerism. For years Coachella has felt like an influencer birthplace. A weekend designated for Insta-worthy photo ops, and curated outfits, YouTubers like Eva Gutowski helped popularize the Coachella “get ready with me” style videos with fashion hauls and makeup tutorials. What felt like a home-grown operation now feels like more of a brand strategy than ever, and it’s growing every year. This past month at Coachella, slews of influencers were flown out and paid by companies to stay in branded “houses” near the festival. There was the Poppi House, Alix Earle’s Reale Actives House, the Lola Blanket house, and more. Moreover, influencers are no longer styling themselves like Eva Gutowski was styling herself, they are hiring stylists and having full-on fittings leading up to their trip to the desert. What was once a post-worthy festival is now a highly engineered marketing strategy where every outfit, post, and moment is part of a larger consumer-based ecosystem.

Nowhere is this shift more apparent than on TikTok. Once a place for viral videos, TikTok has become more of a marketplace than ever, turning scrolling into profiting; a large-scale audit of TikTok feeds found that roughly 1 in 3 videos can be considered some form of advertising. Quite literally everything on the app is shoppable. Click the screen on ANY video, regardless, if it’s an app or not, and it identifies, finds a duplicate, and tries to sell you every identifiable product in the video. See a video of a funny cat playing with a toy? Click the video to shop the cat’s collar, toy, and the rug it is sitting on. TikTok is engineered so that influencing doesn’t feel like influencing, when it very much is.

Image courtesy of youtube.com

Ordinary clothing items are being marketed as “viral”, with micro influencers describing them as something to obsess over. For instance, a boys basic white Hanes tee shirt actually went viral for being “the perfect top to throw over a workout set”.

Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox/Everett Collection

shift comes at an opportune time for films like “Devil Wears Prada 2.” There is an iconic scene in the original 2006 film that explains the trickle-down effect in fashion in a simple yet perfect way. “It’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing a sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room … from a pile of “stuff,” explained Miranda Priestly in a scene from “Devil Wears Prada.”  It will be interesting to see how the second film might incorporate influencer marketing as it would be out of touch not to reference in a world where it is so rampant.

In modern media, there is no fashion without the influencer landscape now; like it or not. The power shift of what influences our fashion decisions is now partly in the hands of influencers. All of this to say, there is no time like the present to pare down one’s own personal taste and sense of self in a time where we are inundated with being told what to like.

Marley Gifford

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In September 2008, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe’s TV show “The Rachel Zoe Project” debuted on Bravo. The series followed Rachel Zoe, who was at the time the go-to celebrity stylist for some of Hollywood’s A-list stars, from Demi Moore to Anne Hathaway. For the first time, those beyond the fashion industry finally got to see what the world of fashion styling entailed.

Prior to “The Rachel Zoe Project” reaching the general American public, when most people heard the word ‘stylist,’ they thought of hair stylists. In the ‘00s, there was also a lot of media glamorizing other behind-the-scenes fashion professions. The blockbuster classic “The Devil Wears Prada” (which has a sequel releasing in May 2026) depicted the world of fashion magazines and what it meant to work as a fashion editor. TV shows like MTV’s “The Hills” and Bravo’s “Kell on Earth” depicted the hustle and bustle of fashion public relations.

Although many people started to see that there was so much more to the world of fashion beyond being a fashion designer or fashion model, Zoe’s TV show became a catalyst for many other TV shows following celebrity fashion stylists. Her former assistant, Brad Goreski, stylist to Demi Moore, Lisa Rinna, and Ashley Park, who went out on his own, starred in the Bravo spinoff “It’s a Brad, Brad World.” Jason Bolden, stylist to Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan, Taylor Zakhar Perez, and Storm Reid, starred in Netflix’s “Styling Hollywood.” Law Roach, stylist to Zendaya, Celine Dion, and Jeremy Pope, has starred in numerous reality series, from HBO Max’s “Legendary” to “America’s Next Top Model.”

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While stylists serve as part of the glam team for entertainment talent, becoming a celebrity stylist has become as much of a dream job for people as becoming a Hollywood star. Contrary to popular belief, though, being a fashion stylist is not just about giving people clothes to wear.

For starters, there are different types of stylists. In 2026, most stylists, especially those based in either New York or Los Angeles, are doing everything. The range of services a fashion stylist offers could include celebrity red carpet, magazine editorials, e-commerce, private clients, fashion shows, and advertising campaigns. (Full disclosure: I myself have worked on and off as a stylist since 2017, and consistently as one since 2024.)

Like so many things in fashion, from the state of media to public relations, the business of styling has changed tremendously over time. Most don’t realize how dramatic the change has been unless they have actually worked as stylists, but for those looking to become stylists in 2026, it’s a very different landscape from how it used to look, and so many other things that people hope would change are unfortunately still the same.

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Unlike so many other career tracks in fashion, there is no formal styling degree or a guidebook for how a career in styling should look. Whereas with other jobs in fashion, there’s often a degree to acquire, a ladder of titles to climb, and a traditional work structure to give an idea of how your future should look, there is no how-to guide for fashion stylists.

Mason Lyle, a Toronto-based stylist, began his styling career eleven years ago and has styled fashion presentations and runway shows for New York Fashion Week, as well as red carpet talent and magazine editorials. He began his fashion career as a designer but quickly switched to styling after one year in design.

“Styling came naturally to me, and I did intern with a few designers and a few stylists, where I was able to watch and learn,” Lyle said. “One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in the industry is how Instagram changed everything, and everything went fully digital. Brands also now focus more on influencer culture rather than clients who would truly purchase.”

The advent of Instagram led to stylists, who were often unseen legends or very behind the scenes, having to evolve into influencers themselves and really brand themselves as their own one-person businesses. Gone are the days when stylists had physical portfolios. Now, Instagram and business websites showcasing their work are treated as their portfolios. Potential clients will even DM stylists for the opportunity to work together.

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Styling has also turned into an entire creative business, which has been a blessing for creative agents. Top agencies representing some of the biggest fashion stylists include The Wall Group, The Only Agency, and FWRD Artists.

For independent stylists who are hustling for themselves, though, one thing Lyle stresses is the importance of a contract. “Contracts are very important for every client and every situation, and you should also know how much your time is truly worth.”

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One thing many stylists stress when dealing with clients nowadays is the importance of patience. Esther Lamour, a New York City-based celebrity stylist, has been in the industry for nine years. She was originally a schoolteacher, then attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC to receive a certificate in styling.

While she’s been a stylist for almost ten years, she says one of the ways the industry has changed is that stylists are now expected to be jacks-of-all-trades. Where stylists once just had to manage wardrobe, they are now expected to act as full-scale creative production services.

“Stylists are sometimes expected to bring in the makeup artists, the hair stylists, and handle creative management in many cases,” Lamour said. “You have to learn how to do the business side of the business in addition to the artistic side; otherwise, you will sink before you swim.”

One thing Lamour says stylists in 2026 need to understand is how oversaturated the industry has become from many angles.

“Ten years ago, you could have everything you needed for a shoot by going to two or three showrooms, and most of the showrooms were either in New York or Los Angeles,” Lamour said. “Now you have showrooms in Miami, Chicago, and popping up in other cities. There are also a lot more stylists than there were ten years ago. All of this access, brought on by social media, has watered down the business of styling. Meanwhile, the work has become harder because we have to go to twenty showrooms to pull clothes for clients rather than two or three.”

Lamour also stressed how client expectations have increased over the years. “Clients are now expecting more things for free, and I have to clarify that the fee I charge just covers my services, and these clothes are on loan. There is also this idea that stylists sit in our own showrooms worth of clothes with every size available. Clients could come the day before an event expecting full-look styling, and it’s more challenging when they aren’t sample size because these showrooms often only carry runway sample sizes. They are expecting Chanel and champagne with no champagne budget.”

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Despite how the business of styling has changed, one thing Lamour stresses is that aspiring stylists shouldn’t get into this just for money or fame. “It’s a tough business,” she said. “If you’re going to do the job of a stylist, you have to do it because you love it, and you have to be passionate.”

For those aspiring to careers in styling, they now have to brand themselves on social media, deal with a highly competitive market where there are more fashion stylists than ever and realize that their job is now full-on creative direction rather than just acting as clothing secretaries. Client expectations have evolved, as everyone is aspiring to become the next red-carpet darling like Zendaya or Rihanna. The state of styling is evolving, and stylists must evolve with the times as they continue to try to pull great looks for clients.

—Kristopher Fraser