The lights over the 2026 Met Gala red carpet dimmed around 10 p.m. last night. But the best-dressed celebrities didn't slip into Mark Hotel-monogrammed pajamas immediately. 2026 Met Gala after-party looks turned New York City streets into a mini Met Gala, one that gave guests creative freedom beyond the dress code's limits. Translation: VIPs wore whatever they wanted.
Last year, it seemed celebrities saved their most on-brand designs for last. Kendall Jenner, for one, returned to her minimalist ways in a vintage, black skirt set from Mugler. The model's slanted, paparazzi-blocking hat added just enough drama required of a Met Gala 'fit, after-hours or not. Mere miles away, Hailey Bieber swapped one "Tailored For You" tribute for another. The corset Dilara Findikoglu dress—specifically its luscious, champagne-colored velvet—was a classic Bieber move. Meanwhile, Zendaya went from custom Louis Vuitton to a sequin, ruby-red gown from Patrick Kelly's archives.
