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

Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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

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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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on May 06, 2026 01:18 pm IST

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)

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.

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