The Tamesis
Nothing can stop Lindsey Vonn.
Less than three months after a catastrophic accident at the Milan-Cortina Olympics that nearly resulted in the amputation of his leg, the award-winning skier is standing on his own two feet on the 2026 Met Gala red carpet.
Jason Jimenez/Getty Images
“I’ve been in a completely different world, especially since my crash,” Vaughn told Fashion Before the 2026 Met Gala. “It was kind of like my coming out party — I could be with people, wear a beautiful, feminine dress, and put down the crutches for the first time.” While Vonn took some test steps during the fitting, “Monday will be the first few steps I take without crutches — definitely the first stairs,” she said. “I’m excited to get to this point for a number of reasons.”
Thom Browne transformed Vaughan into one of the centuries-old statues that line the museum’s lobby, a nod to the Met’s “Costume Art” exhibition, which centers on the clothed body in fine art. For the skiing legend, Brown leads the exhibition’s “Classical Bodies” section, which focuses primarily on Greek and Roman art. “When he sent me the sketch, I didn’t know what to expect because of the variety of Tom’s work on display at the Met,” Vaughn said. But she fell in love immediately. “I don’t have notes.”
Browne’s studio embellished this figure-hugging dress with beads to create an illusory marbling effect. Beadwork mimics swirling limestone, while a white draped skirt pays homage to garments found in classical sculpture.
Of course, Vonn was happy to find a dress that flattered her figure, although she also needed something safe after her injury. “It’s actually very light and moves really well,” she said. “It’s a perfect fit for my body and where I’m at right now.”
