Take, for instance, co-chair Venus Williams' custom Swarovski look, which featured a glittering black mermaid gown and dramatic, jewel-encrusted necklace. 

The tennis star—who is sharing co-chair duties alongside Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman and Beyoncé—hoped the look would amount to a perfect ace.

"I'm very competitive," the athlete admitted to Zuri during Live From E!: Met Gala 2026. "I'd like to be best dressed, of course." 

Plus, her earrings bore an extra special message.

"I'm wearing my earrings that say six percent," she revealed, "and representing Gatorade and this project where we're talking about how women only get six percent of the research in sports science."

The 45-year-old added, “Can you imagine? So tonight’s a special night for that.”

Nicole, meanwhile, brought the perfect plus one to the event, her daughter Sunday Rose, whom she shares with ex-husband Keith Urban. 

Nicole, for her part, revealed what it was that drew her to the sparkling, feathery red Chanel gown she chose for the occasion.

"For me, fashion is art," Nicole told Vogue on the steps of the museum. "I wanted something red because I wanted to embrace the way red has been used in art through the years."

"And I feel it's a strong symbol for love," the Practical Magic star continued. "For passionate love, vitality, for power—and motherhood."

Sunday, meanwhile, embraced the flowering nature of her Dior look.