From Raja Ravi Varma, Van Gogh to Venus de Milo: Iconic art references that dominated the Met Gala 2026 carpet

From Raja Ravi Varma to Van Gogh, celebrities turned iconic paintings, sculptures and cultural symbols into dramatic high-fashion Met Gala moments.

Published on: May 06, 2026 1:18 PM IST

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Karan Johar turned heads at the Met Gala in a stunning ensemble by Manish Malhotra, drawing inspiration from the timeless art of Raja Ravi Varma. (Instagram)

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Anok Yai stunned at the Met Gala in a dramatic Balenciaga look inspired by “Mater Dolorosa." (Instagram)

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Heidi Klum attended the Met Gala in an ethereal look inspired by Raffaelle Monti’s 1846 sculpture “Veiled Vestal." (Instagram)

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SZA wore a custom Bode look inspired by Oxum, the Yoruba goddess associated with beauty, love, and femininity, (Instagram)

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Kylie Jenner turned heads at the Met Gala in a sculptural Schiaparelli ensemble inspired by the iconic “Venus de Milo." (Instagram)

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Madonna arrived at the Met Gala in a bold Saint Laurent look inspired by “The Temptation of St. Anthony Fragment II." (Instagram)

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Rachel Zegler attended the Met Gala in a striking Prabal Gurung ensemble inspired by “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey." (Instagram)

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Cardi B made a dramatic Met Gala appearance in Marc Jacobs, drawing inspiration from Hans Bellmer’s “The Doll” with an avant-garde, surreal twist. (Instagram)

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Emma Chamberlain stepped onto the Met Gala carpet in Mugler, with a look inspired by the expressive brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch. (Instagram)