On the first Monday in May, fashion’s biggest night returned in full bloom—or at least, that’s what we expected. The Met Gala 2026, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ushered in spring with its theme “Costume Art,” yet the red carpet told a very different story.
Instead of predictable seasonal dressing—florals, pastel palettes, and breezy tailoring—the men of the night leaned into something far moodier: leather. And not just subtle touches. We’re talking full-throttle, heat-defying, statement-making leather looks that dominated the carpet.
It was a bold, almost rebellious pivot away from spring clichés. Think hulking leather overcoats, sharply tailored suits with glossy finishes, studded ensembles, and cropped jackets revealing just enough skin to keep things interesting. It felt like a collective sartorial decision to reject softness in favor of edge.
Leading the charge was Bill Skarsgård, who delivered a dramatic silhouette in Thom Browne—structured, theatrical, and unmistakably avant-garde. Patrick Schwarzenegger opted for a sleek leather look from Public School, blending downtown cool with polished tailoring. Meanwhile, Romeo Beckham added a subtle twist with leather lapels courtesy of Burberry, proving that even minimal details can make a strong impact.
Not to be outdone, Nicholas Hoult went all in with a head-to-toe leather ensemble by Prada, embodying the night’s unexpected aesthetic with confidence and precision.
"Tom of Finland made queer history with his art - and, yes, that word again! Nicholas Hoult channels the naughtier side of the Met Gala's theme in sexually charged, amped up Prada biker leathers that'd make the late Finnish artist proud," says senior style editor, –@murraycI4rk.
"There's not a lot in life that a good cravat can't fix. I think Dolly Parton said that. Hero Fiennes Tiffin was on a mission to prove the point with his Valentino look: a sharp-shouldered tuxedo blazer with lapels a mile wide; straight-leg trousers; and lovely cravat wound around the neck. Romantic, arty and very, very handsome," says style editor, –@mahaliachang.
Few people on the planet have had a year—or even, few months-as crazy as Connor Storrie has. Ahead the night’s frenzy at his first-ever #MetGala with @YSL, a calm and collected Storrie gives GQ’s @eileencartter. Photos @bowenfernie.
Interestingly, the leather takeover wasn’t limited to the men. Tyriq Withers turned heads in a sculptural peplum look by Louis Vuitton, subtly echoing the evening’s dominant material while maintaining her signature elegance.
The result? A red carpet that felt less like a spring garden and more like a high-fashion rebellion. The 2026 Met Gala proved that menswear continues to push boundaries, rewriting expectations with every step.
Forget florals for spring—this year, leather stole the spotlight.
