Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner Spark Met Gala Romance Speculation as 2026 Event Unfolds

Key facts

• Jacob Elordi, 28, attended the 2026 Met Gala wearing RM Williams Chelsea boots, chinos, and a striped button-up shirt.
• Kendall Jenner, 30, wore a cream-colored GAP by Zac Posen gown with an asymmetrical corset top at the May 4 event.
• A source told Us Weekly in April that Jenner and Elordi have been 'casually seeing' each other since January 2025.
• Jenner and Elordi were first spotted together at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in March 2025.
• The Met Gala 2026 celebrated the opening of the 'Costume Art' exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged, with Kravitz serving as an official cohost for the evening.
• The Met Gala typically hosts about 450 attendees, with the guest list kept confidential until the event.

Brisbane-Bred Actor Makes His Mark on the Met Steps

Jacob Elordi, the 28-year-old actor from Brisbane, Australia, arrived at the 2026 Met Gala on Monday, May 4, in a distinctly Australian ensemble: RM Williams Chelsea boots, snug chinos, and a striped button-up shirt. The outfit was a subtle nod to his roots, distinguishing him among the international A-listers on the red carpet at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met Gala, which celebrates the opening of the spring exhibition 'Costume Art,' is one of the most exclusive events in fashion and entertainment. With an estimated 450 attendees, the guest list is famously kept under wraps until the last moment, but Elordi's presence was confirmed by his arrival.

Kendall Jenner's Show-Stopping Entrance and Relationship Rumors

Kendall Jenner, 30, turned heads in a cream-colored GAP by Zac Posen gown featuring an asymmetrical corset top with gathered fabric at the waist, her hair styled in an updo with loose strands. Jenner has been a Met Gala fixture since her 2014 debut, known for bold looks including a nearly naked black La Perla dress in 2017 and an orange feathered Versace gown in 2019. she is 'casually seeing' Elordi. A source exclusively told Us Weekly in April that the two have been 'hanging out' for a few months, with their relationship turning romantic around awards season in January 2025. 'It is not serious,' the insider said, noting that they have known each other socially for years.

A Romance That Started at Awards Season and Coachella

Jenner and Elordi were first spotted together at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in March 2025, and the following month they watched Justin Bieber's headlining set at Coachella with friends. According to the source, Jenner 'doesn't usually go for actors,' but her sister Kylie Jenner's long-term romance with Timothée Chalamet 'opened her eyes to a new world.' The insider described the relationship as a 'have fun when they're in the same place' situation, with neither party wanting anything serious. 'Kendall really likes him and is just going with it,' the source added, emphasizing the casual nature of their connection.

Other Couples Eyeing the Coveted Red Carpet Debut

Elordi and Jenner are not the only duo generating buzz at the 2026 Met Gala. Zoë Kravitz, an official cohost for the evening, and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged after being first spotted together in August 2025. Engagement speculation began when Kravitz was seen wearing a new diamond on her ring finger during an outing in London on April 19, with sources confirming the news to Page Six and People. Kravitz, who was previously married to Karl Glusman from 2019 to 2021 and engaged to Channing Tatum until October 2024, has a history of making relationships Met Gala official. She and Tatum posed together on the steps in 2021. Styles was last linked to Taylor Russell in 2024 and Olivia Wilde in 2022.

The Met Gala's Exclusive Atmosphere and Jenner's Inside Perspective

The Met Gala remains one of the most secretive events in the celebrity calendar, with the official guest list never formally revealed. However, some stars like Kim Kardashian confirmed their attendance via Instagram, marking her 13th year at the event. The evening's co-chairs and host committee are typically expected to attend, along with red carpet correspondents and livestream hosts. In a 2022 video with Vogue, Jenner offered a glimpse inside the gala: 'Everyone is in that big, giant room together at their tables, so you kind of, like, peep around and you'll see your friends and you'll head over and you'll say hi, but definitely the bathroom, you just end up there and you end up talking all night long in the bathroom.' Her description underscores the intimate yet star-studded nature of the event.

What Comes Next for Elordi and Jenner

As the Met Gala unfolds, all eyes remain on Elordi and Jenner to see if they will pose together on the steps, a move that would effectively make their relationship 'Met Gala official.' The couple's casual arrangement leaves the door open for future public appearances, but neither is rushing into commitment. For Elordi, the event marks a significant moment in his rising international profile, while Jenner continues to solidify her status as a Met Gala mainstay. Whether their relationship deepens or remains a fleeting Hollywood connection, the 2026 Met Gala has already provided a dramatic backdrop for their story.

The bottom line

• Jacob Elordi attended the 2026 Met Gala in RM Williams boots, signaling his Australian identity on a global stage.
• Kendall Jenner wore a cream GAP by Zac Posen gown, continuing her tradition of memorable Met Gala looks.
• The two are casually dating, having connected during awards season in January 2025 and attending Coachella together.
• Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged, with Kravitz cohosting the event.
• The Met Gala's guest list remains secret, but confirmed attendees include Kim Kardashian and the event's co-chairs.
• Jenner described the Met Gala as an intimate gathering where guests mingle freely, especially in the bathroom.