Monday’s 2026 Met Gala was a parade of epic fails, as one star after another showed up in meme-worthy outfits, seemingly begging to be trolled.
The spectacle featured fashion misfires, baffling choices, and high-couture risks that flirted with disaster. This year’s theme and dress code was “Fashion is Art,” encouraging Hollywood’s elite to arrive in outfits that reflect unique interpretations of how the human body can be used as a blank canvas. Sam Smith, Cardi B, Nicole Kidman, Katy Perry, Heidi Klum, and Kylie Jenner top the list of stars that went too far.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Sam Smith attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Julian Hamilton/Getty Images)
Sam Smith dove-in to his fashion gamble head-on by appearing in a sequins mermaid dress, accented with a tall feather – on his head. The outfit definitely made fans look twice – for all the wrong reasons.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Cardi B attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Cardi B made the conscious decision to be grotesque on one of fashion’s biggest nights. She told reporters her outfit was inspired by “The Doll,” but it appeared she attended the gala dressed as intestines. The singer strutted her stuff on the red carpet while surrounded by blobs of fabric, and in true Cardi B form, her dramatic look had to be managed by a dedicated entourage.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Heidi Klum attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Heidi Klum’s Met Gala look felt more like a Halloween costume that showed up months early. While fans know she thrives on over-the-top outfits, this bold choice felt oddly out of place for the occasion. The supermodel was barely recognizable when she arrived dressed as a living statue, and it didn’t take long for the memes to roll-in.
Kylie Jenner on the 2026 #MetGala carpet (Video: Getty)
Full gallery here: https://t.co/s3S6Lmbkes pic.twitter.com/ZOp7DOHmvH
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) May 5, 2026
One glance at Kylie Jenner’s Instagram account reveals just how much she loves to flaunt her body. She remained laser-focused on herself, showing up at the Met Gala dressed as a nude version of her own image. The reality star and cosmetic maven wore a nude-colored bodysuit with exaggerated pointy nipples that pooled into a dress toward the bottom.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Katy Perry attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Katy Perry was dragged for looking like a Tesla Bot in what appeared to be an AI-inspired costume. She wore a mask that closed over her face, giving the internet enough ammunition to roast her for days to come. It’s unclear if her bold outfit was inspired by her little spin in space.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Nicole Kidman attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Closing off our disastrous decisions was Nicole Kidman’s toilet-brush dress. Her sequins dress included a feathered flare at the waist that was was savagely compared to a luxury toilet brush, and when you see it, it cannot be unseen.(RELATED: Katy Perry Butchers Trevi Fountain Ritual In Cringe Clout Grab)
Another Hollywood celebration is in the books, proving once again that celebrities can always be counted on to embarrass themselves with questionable choices.