Gigi Hadid’s Sheer Miu Miu Gown Steals the Show at 2026 Met Gala

Key facts

• Gigi Hadid attended the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• She wore a custom sheer Miu Miu gown with floral designs, leaving her white underwear visible.
• The event's dress code was 'Fashion Is Art,' tied to the new Costume Institute exhibit 'Costume Art.'
• Hadid has not missed a Met Gala since her first in 2015.
• She turned 30 on April 23, 2026.
• Her boyfriend of nearly three years, Bradley Cooper, did not accompany her on the red carpet.
• The gala was co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.
• Hadid gave out flowers to fans on the red carpet.

A Dazzling Return to the Steps

Gigi Hadid arrived at the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 in a custom Miu Miu gown that left little to the imagination. The sheer dress, adorned with floral appliqués strategically placed over her body, revealed her white underwear beneath. The supermodel, who has attended every Met Gala since 2015, once again commanded the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit. The event's dress code, 'Fashion Is Art,' complemented the new exhibit 'Costume Art,' and Hadid's ensemble was a direct interpretation of the theme. She paired the gown with soft blonde waves and carried a handful of flowers, which she distributed to fans lining the steps. Her look was widely praised as a continuation of her unbroken streak of striking appearances.

A Decade of Met Gala Mastery

Hadid's first Met Gala was in 2015, and she has not missed a single edition since. Over the years, her looks have grown increasingly bold, culminating in this year's sheer design. The 30-year-old model, who celebrated her birthday on April 23, told Vogue at the 2025 Met Gala that entering her fourth decade meant taking life 'day by day.' She added, 'Fix today, you don't have to fix tomorrow, and also just say what you think when you think it. Don't hold onto things.' Her consistency has made her a fixture of the event, with each appearance generating significant media attention. This year was no exception, as her gown became one of the most discussed looks of the night.

Bradley Cooper’s Behind-the-Scenes Role

Despite speculation that Hadid and her boyfriend of nearly three years, Bradley Cooper, would walk the red carpet together, the couple did not make a joint appearance. Cooper, however, played a part in her day: Hadid later told Vogue that they woke up together and had a 'chill morning' before she went home to prepare. The actor was not seen on the steps, but his presence in her pre-gala routine was noted. The couple has attended the Met Gala simultaneously on several occasions, though they have not always posed together. This year, the focus remained squarely on Hadid's solo entrance.

The Gala’s Star-Studded Co-Chairs and Theme

The 2026 Met Gala was co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, a lineup that underscored the event's prestige. The evening's theme, 'Costume Art,' and the dress code 'Fashion Is Art' invited attendees to treat their outfits as wearable masterpieces. Hadid's Miu Miu gown, with its floral embroidery and sheer panels, was a literal interpretation of art on fabric. Other celebrities also embraced the theme, with looks ranging from Greek goddess-inspired ensembles to avant-garde designs. The gala raised funds for the Costume Institute, continuing its tradition of blending fashion, art, and philanthropy.

Hadid’s Style Philosophy and First Date Advice

In past interviews, including one with Elle, Hadid has shared her approach to fashion. For first dates, she advocates for a balance of sexiness and comfort: 'I like a little something sexy and something that you can move around in,' she said. 'You want to make sure you feel like yourself, not what someone else wants you to be.' Her go-to outfit includes a wool trouser, a cotton tank top, and a heel—perhaps a kitten heel for height without sacrificing ease. For subsequent dates, she recommends a tiny miniskirt paired with a tee and a big jacket, plus a high heel. 'A very short skirt with a high heel is great, no matter how tall or short you are,' she added. This philosophy of strategic dressing—using clothing as a base layer to showcase oneself—mirrors her Met Gala choices, where each look is carefully curated to make a statement.

What Comes Next for the Supermodel

With her 30th birthday behind her and another successful Met Gala in the books, Hadid shows no signs of slowing down. Her career continues to thrive, balancing high-fashion runway work with brand endorsements and personal projects. The model has not publicly disclosed her next major appearance, but her track record suggests she will remain a prominent figure in the fashion world. The 2026 Met Gala has set a high bar for future iterations, and Hadid's contribution to the night's visual spectacle will be remembered as a highlight. As she moves forward, her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her style will likely keep her at the forefront of the industry.

The bottom line

• Gigi Hadid wore a custom sheer Miu Miu gown with floral appliqués at the 2026 Met Gala, abiding by the 'Fashion Is Art' dress code.
• She has attended every Met Gala since 2015, maintaining a perfect attendance record.
• Her boyfriend Bradley Cooper did not walk the red carpet with her but spent the morning with her before the event.
• The gala was co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.
• Hadid turned 30 on April 23, 2026, and has spoken about taking life 'day by day.'
• Her first-date style advice emphasizes comfort and self-expression, favoring wool trousers and kitten heels.