Met Gala 2026: The Most Anticipated Debuts
All the showstopping first appearances of the season.
By Larissa Wong and Jolin Lam - published
At the Met Gala 2026, the theme “Costume Art” invited guests to transcend into full-blown exhibition mode and the world’s biggest stars truly rose to the occasion. Think looks that felt less like your run-of-the-mill red carpet gown and more like statements—sculptural, subversive and show-stopping. From global pop stars to rising on-screen stars, these are the fresh faces who turned the steps into their stage and made sure all eyes were on them for their Met Gala debut.
Related article: Met Gala 2026: The Best Dressed Celebrities On The Red Carpet
1. JISOO
With JISOO’s highly anticipated arrival, the BLACKPINK Met Gala collection is officially complete. Radiating a fairytale charm, the K-pop star graced the carpet in a breathtaking pink sequinned Dior gown paired with Cartier jewellery. This fashion milestone comes on the heels of her recent triumph at the Canneseries Festival, where she took home the prestigious Rising Star Award.
2. Karina
The aespa star has officially made her Met Gala debut! The Prada ambassador and K-pop it girl stepped out in a custom white satin dress and an oversized black cape with a long, dramatic train. The star honoured her Korean heritage with the ensemble, including a tablier neckline as a nod to the hanbok.
Related article: Met Gala 2026: All The K-Pop Idols That Ate Up The Red Carpet
3. EJAE
K-pop Demon Hunters’ EJAE swapped out her “Golden” era for a blinged-out silver gown with a high neckline, rows of dazzling jewels across her waistline and matching hair accessories by Swarovski.
4. Connor Storrie
Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie had his muscles on full display for his highly anticipated Met Gala debut. The rising star walked the carpet in a custom Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello polka dot halter top with a long flowing scarf and black trousers.
5. Alysa Liu
The Gen Z ice queen and newly minted Louis Vuitton ambassador made her Met Gala debut with her signature striped hair and a strapless burgundy gown with layers and layers of tulle to add volume and drama to the look.
Related article: Met Gala 2026: The Best Beauty Looks From The Red Carpet
6. Cai Xukun
Cai Xukun made his Met debut dressed in a structural Thom Browne black-and-red suit, with makeup by Charlotte Tilbury. The singer explained that his look for this year’s theme aligns with the creative vision for his music video for his single “Colder”, released earlier this February.
7. Ahn Hyo-seop
Sold Out On You actor Ahn Hyo-seop brought a touch of modern elegance to the Met in custom Valentino. His look featured a shimmering blazer, anchored by a vibrant crimson scarf that added a bold, artistic contrast to his silhouette.
Related article: Met Gala 2026: The Best Luxury Watches Spotted On The Red Carpet
8. Sarah Pidgeon
Love Story’s Sarah Pidgeon bade goodbye to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s signature style for her Met Gala debut. The star wore a twisted bandeau top and a satin midi skirt by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Loewe.
9. Hudson Williams
Heated Rivalry hunk Hudson Williams showed up and showed out for his first walk up the Met steps. The star donned a custom Balenciaga matador-inspired two-piece complete with black glittery tassels and a multi-coloured smokey eye.
10. Paul Anthony Kelly
The Canadian Love Story star is the epitome of leading-man charm. Paul Anthony Kelly arrived dressed in a rich, velvet burgundy Dior tuxedo jacket, paired with tailored black trousers and loafers.
11. Blue Ivy Carter
This evening, the fashion world welcomed music royalty Beyoncé and Jay Z’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, for her debut at the Gala. Dressed in a white gown with a matching structured jacket and a pair of sleek shades, the most talked-about detail of the night was definitely the rising star’s striking silver shoes, serving as a direct nod to her mother’s show-stopping diamond skeleton body-con dress.
12. Ningning
Being appointed a Gucci ambassador and making your Met Gala debut—all in the span of a week? Kind of iconic, if you ask us. Chinese K-pop idol Ningning made a head-turning entrance on the Met steps in a voluminous black ruffled ballgown.
13. Jafaar Jackson
Following his debut film for Michael (2026), Jafaar Jackson arrived at the Met with a black velvet Ralph Lauren suit embellished with gold outlines. His look appeared to be heavily inspired by late pop sensation Michael Jackson’s iconic military-style costumes. It surely never goes out of style.
14. Audrey Nuna
If looks could kill, Audrey Nuna’s appearance is to die for—Cruella de Vil, who? She’s captured in a long, winged eyeliner together with a jet-black paint-splattered sun hat and gown, designed by Robert Wun. Super sharp and chic.
Related article: Met Gala 2026: All The Best Jewellery Spotted On The Red Carpet
15. Sombr
Embracing a gothic aesthetic, rising indie sensation Sombr stayed true to his “prince of heartbreak” persona at the Met in a custom Valentino look. The ensemble featured a delicate, black-laced turtleneck while draped in an embroidered sequined cape.