The Tamesis
The first decorative element that the guests of the evening encounter (and the one that is broadcast around the world) is of course the “red” carpet. But this year’s carpet isn’t red, and at first glance, it doesn’t even look like a carpet. That’s because the 2026 Met Gala carpet is hand-painted to resemble a stone garden path, a tan design with patches of mossy green, all of which give the feeling that it “has been there a long time,” Avila said.
Photography: Poupay Jutharat
Surrounding the rug is a collection of light purple, pink and white wisteria flowers that line the ceiling and walls of the tent. Derek McLean said it was a mix of real wisteria and “trompe l’oeil”. “It’s soft, it’s romantic, it represents spring,” he added. Focusing on one texture gives it a “modern simplicity, which I think is appropriate for this year.”
As guests enter the museum along the carpeted stairs, posing for photos along the way, they will take their first step into a magical garden prepared for the evening.
