From ancient Egyptian royalty to dramatic Renaissance paintings and marble sculptures, this year’s Met Gala transformed the red carpet into a living art gallery. Celebrities embraced the “Fashion is Art” theme by turning iconic masterpieces into bold couture statements, blending high fashion with centuries of artistic inspiration. Here’s a look at some of the standout outfits and the artworks that influenced them.

Ciara Inspired by the Bust of Nefertiti

Singer Ciara paid tribute to the legendary Egyptian queen Nefertiti with a dazzling gold-covered ensemble. Her look celebrated power, beauty, and royalty, drawing inspiration from the famous ancient bust of Nefertiti dating back to around 1345 BC.

Covered in shimmering gold details from head to toe, Ciara explained that she wanted to embody the strength and influence associated with the historic queen. The dramatic styling echoed the grandeur often seen in ancient Egyptian art and sculpture.

Heidi Klum Channels a Marble Sculpture

Supermodel Heidi Klum arrived dressed as if she had stepped directly out of a museum. Her look referenced the 19th-century sculpture Veiled Vestal by Italian artist Raffaelle Monti.

Klum embraced the theatrical concept completely, using pale makeup, grey contact lenses, and sculptural draping to resemble carved marble. The original artwork, known for its delicate veiled effect carved from stone, became one of the evening’s most talked-about fashion recreations.

Julianne Moore Reimagines ‘Madame X’

Actress Julianne Moore wore an elegant black gown inspired by John Singer Sargent’s famous portrait Madame X. The off-shoulder styling and sleek silhouette echoed the controversial 1884 painting that once shocked Parisian society.

The portrait became iconic because of its daring fashion and sensual appearance, and Moore’s modern interpretation brought that same sophistication to the Met Gala carpet while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.

Hunter Schafer Draws from Gustav Klimt

Hunter Schafer appeared in a custom Prada outfit inspired by Gustav Klimt’s painting Mäda Primavesi. The look recreated the dreamy textures, layered fabrics, and artistic elegance associated with Klimt’s portrait work.

The ensemble featured dramatic proportions and soft detailing that mirrored the visual richness of early 20th-century European art. Schafer also referenced the painting’s signature makeup style through vivid blue eye shadow.

Anne Hathaway Brings Ancient Greece to the Carpet

Actress Anne Hathaway embraced classical inspiration with a gown influenced by ancient Greek pottery and Romantic poetry. Her custom look referenced John Keats’ famous poem Ode on a Grecian Urn while visually resembling traditional terracotta artwork from ancient Greece.

The hand-painted design included symbolic imagery connected to peace and mythology, giving the outfit both artistic and literary depth.

Rosé Pays Tribute to Georges Braque

Blackpink member Rosé opted for understated elegance with a black Saint Laurent gown elevated by a dramatic bird brooch inspired by French painter Georges Braque’s bird series.

The artistic detail transformed an otherwise minimalist outfit into a direct nod to modern art history. Rosé later explained that the design was influenced by both Braque’s paintings and historic Yves Saint Laurent collections.

Lena Dunham Inspired by Renaissance Drama

Writer and actress Lena Dunham wore a bold red Valentino creation inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi’s painting Judith Slaying Holofernes.

Rather than directly recreating Renaissance fashion, the outfit focused on the painting’s dramatic intensity and deep crimson tones. The result was a modern couture interpretation of one of art history’s most powerful and violent masterpieces.

Dree Hemingway Channels Baroque Portraiture

Model Dree Hemingway embraced grand historical fashion with a Valentino gown inspired by Peter Paul Rubens’ portrait Marchesa Brigida Spinola-Doria.

The elaborate collar, metallic embroidery, and layered textures recreated the luxurious style associated with 17th-century European aristocratic portraits. The dramatic silhouette captured the richness and theatrical elegance of Baroque-era artwork.