Rihanna arrived at the 2026 Met Gala wearing a look that merged two distinct pieces from Maison Margiela's Artisanal 2025 collection, specifically Looks 9 and 31, continuing a nearly two-decade run of headline-grabbing appearances at the annual Costume Institute benefit.
Rihanna's Met Gala history stretches back to 2007, when she made her debut in a white Georges Chakra gown for the 'Poiret: King of Fashion' theme. Since then, per E! News, she has consistently used the event as a platform for some of the most visually ambitious fashion moments of any given year.
Her 2015 appearance in an oversized yellow coat dress by Chinese designer Guo Pei for the 'China: Through the Looking Glass' theme remains one of the most referenced looks in the gala's modern history.
"I'm so in love with this dress, but the train is insane! I can't really walk in it without any help — but it's so worth it. I love this dress so much!" she said at the time.
For her 2026 look, Rihanna was styled by Jahleel Weaver, wearing a gown crafted in duchesse woven with fine metal recycled threads and a corseted bodice embellished with thousands of crystal beads and antique jewels. For the embroidery aspect of the look, per Maison Margiela reps, an estimated 1,380 hours of work was required.
As for ASAP Rocky, who joined RiRi at this year’s Met Gala, custom Chanel was the move, per Women’s Wear Daily. The French luxury house, notably, was recently named the hottest brand of the first quarter of 2026 by the folks behind the Lyst Index.
The Tim Burton-collaborating Don’t Be Dumb artist also wore Codognato x Pavē Niteō custom-made pieces and Codognato jewelry. The Grim de la Grim pendant, made exclusively for this year’s Met Gala, boasts 18-karat yellow gold and enamel and is set with diamonds.
