At first glance, Kendall Jenner’s 2026 Met Gala gown looks like a simple, structured ensemble designed for fashion’s biggest night.
Her look, designed by Gap Inc., was inspired by the Greek goddess Nike, and designed by Zac Posen for Gap Inc. Zac said the look was a mechanical combination of Gap T-shirts, organza, leather, and chiffon.
That’s wonderful and all, but Kendall’s dress packed a fantastic surprise that wasn’t revealed until later.
Kendall unleashed a pair of glorious wings inside the Met, probably to keep them safe from any mishaps on the red carpet.
Zac Posen told People how those magnificent wings came to be. “We started to look at photography of the actual wings of the sculpture [Winged Victory of Samothrace], and we used these photographic prints at very large scale and mounted them onto the satin-based chiffon,” he revealed. “And then the extension from the hands upon that. So, it has that large swoop to it, that angelic swish and swoop and powerful stance to it.”
Although people on social media were feeling the wings, many felt like them not making their splashy debut on the carpet was a huge missed opportunity:
“Zac Posen said they left the wings for the gala itself, to honor the exhibition. Good on their part? Yeah. Would it have helped execute the vision better at the red carpet? Absolutely”
“No like can we complain a little louder???? @KendallJenner WHY U AINT DO THIS ON THE REDCARPET”
“I fear she is the best dressed kardashian this year”
“this was the star of the show , and she kept it hidden the whole time ?”
“She really didn’t want to be the best on the red carpet; if she had worn it like that, all eyes would have been on her.”
Just when I thought I had my favorite looks of the night set — I adored Anne Hathaway’s hand-painted Grecian gown and Ciara’s immaculate Nefertiti take — but Kendall’s gorgeous winged look has moved all the way to the top for me. But a dream!
What did you think of Kendall’s Met Gala look this year? Let me know in the comments!
Check out the rest of our Met Gala coverage here.