As the fashion world prepares for the annual Met Gala, we decode how the 2026 dress code, ‘Fashion Is Art’, has been expressed across recent red carpets and events. While the gala has long been synonymous with theatrical couture and headline-making silhouettes, stylists say this year’s theme signals a broader shift in how people approach everyday dressing.Stylists say the theme taps into a rising appetite for individuality after the “quiet luxury” phase. Pune-based fashion designer Nikhil Gajare explains, “Red carpets have long celebrated sophistication, but this year feels more disruptive. Art has always helped people see the world through a different lens, and fashion does the same. What makes someone iconic is their ability to challenge expectations through what they wear and push creative boundaries.”Jewellery as wearable art
Jewellery is often the easiest way to experiment with artistic fashion. Recently, Sonam Kapoor shared images in a soft pistachio and pink Baluchari sari inspired by a 19th-century textile at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, pairing the heritage weave with dramatic emerald-and-gold jewellery.Dishi Somani, founder of a designer jewellery brand, says, “Jewellery has the power to shape the entire visual narrative of an outfit. Even when layered dramatically, pieces remain wearable when they are delicate and well-balanced, allowing comfort, movement, and elegance while keeping the look cohesive.”
The idea of jewellery as wearable art becomes even clearer when ornament merges with clothing. Bhumi Pednekar demonstrated this in an ensemble by Nikhil Thampi featuring a Kundan-embroidered ebon haathphool blouse with sheer gloves, blending jewellery and couture into one sculptural statement.As Somani adds, “Jewellery can dramatically transform an entire look while still being elegant.”
At the Oscars, Rose Byrne wore a striking necklace by Taffin, designed by James de Givenchy, that felt more like a piece of art than jewellery. The sculptural torque featured a rare cognac “desert diamond”, set against rich enamel and gold, turning the piece into a bold, design-led statement rather than just an accessory. Let the outfit do the talking
Fashion observers say style turns into art when a single statement piece takes centre stage, elevating an otherwise simple outfit. Decoding Zendaya’s asymmetric floral dress, an AI fashion designer describes it as a sculptural expression in which an oversized flower and gold embroidery transform the body into a moving canvas. The design by Emanuel Ungaro was memorably worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City and also by Whitney Houston.
Creative designer Ravi Gupta points to a recent look by Dua Lipa, in which a feather-hem skirt was paired with a fitted white top and a rugged suede jacket. “It’s a perfect example of fashion is art,” he says. “The feathers bring couture-like drama, while the suede jacket grounds the look and makes it wearable. The textures add drama, yet the simplicity of the styling makes it easy to imagine as everyday wear.”Heritage meets high fashion
Deepika Padukone embodies a vibrant traditional aesthetic in an ensemble adorned with intricate Gujarati craftsmanship, where delicate motifs, storytelling patterns, and fine detailing transform the garment into a richly expressive, living canvas.Choosing statement jewellery
Prerna Masseyy, a fashion content creator, suggests choosing one statement element and keeping the rest of the look simple. Decoding Teyana Taylor’s Golden Globes look, an AI fashion designer points to a striking interplay of couture and sculpture. Taylor wore an asymmetrical cut-out bustier gown in draped black satin. But the true moment of wearable art lay in the accessories—a surreal “hand-in-hand” ornament from Schiaparelli, whose gilded fingers wrapped around her hand as if clasping an otherworldly lover cast in brass. Paired with a silver-rhinestone bijou thong detail at the waist, the ensemble transformed the red carpet into a gallery of bold, sculptural fashion.“When the base is minimal, the artistic piece naturally stands out without feeling overly dramatic,” she says.
Fashion today goes beyond trends; it has become a powerful form of self-expression. People want their clothes to reflect their personality and creativity. Social media encourages experimentation, blending art, culture, and fashion, as the focus shifts from dressing correctly to dressing authentically
Ravi Gupta, creative designer
A textured bag, handcrafted jewellery, embroidered denim, or even a printed scarf can completely transform a basic outfit… You don’t need to go head-to-toe artistic. Sometimes one thoughtful detail is enough to make the whole look feel special
Prerna Masseyy, a fashion content creator
Statement jewellery that feels artistic yet wearable– Statement earrings: Oversized, sculptural, or gemstone-encrusted designs that frame and accentuate the face– Sculptural rings: Bold rings with unusual shapes, textures, or artistic detailing– Artistic cuffs or bracelets: Architectural forms that add a contemporary edge to an outfit– Layered necklaces or chokers: Mixing different lengths, chains and textures to create visual depth(as suggested by Dishi Somani)Ways to adapt the theme:– Giving a creative tweak: One of the easiest ways to introduce artistic elements into everyday fashion is through upcycling. Pune-based stylist Siddhi Jain says, “Upcycling pieces we consider mundane can instantly make them more interesting. Even painting slogans or graphics on garments with the right medium can feel liberating and personal”– Experimenting with textures and patterns: Jain suggests, “Mixing complementary textures, prints, trims and colours can add depth to a wardrobe.” Further, Designer Ravi Gupta adds, “Fabrics such as velvet, metallic accents, or subtle embroidery can introduce visual depth to simple outfits”– Structured silhouettes: Sharp blazers or sculpted jackets can add drama without feeling over-the-top– Statement accessories: Brooches, layered chains, or oversized cufflinks can instantly elevate a basic look