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Met Gala 2026: Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe and More Deliver Art-Inspired Fashion Moments

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic steps transformed into a living gallery Monday night as the 2026 Met Gala celebrated the theme “Costume Art,” with stars interpreting the “Fashion Is Art” dress code through bold, conceptual, and deeply personal creations.

Co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour led a night where fashion blurred the lines between wearable garment and masterpiece, raising funds for the Costume Institute’s new exhibition exploring clothing as art.

Beyoncé made a triumphant return to the Met Gala after a decade, arriving alongside husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy Carter. The global icon stunned in a custom Olivier Rousteing sculptural skeleton dress — a crystal-encrusted “naked” gown featuring a sparkling skeletal structure across the front, paired with a dramatic cream and dust-blue feathered train and a diamond crown. The look crowned her as “Queen Bey” while nodding to themes of anatomy, strength, and regality.

Janelle Monáe delivered one of the evening’s most talked-about moments in a custom Christian Siriano ensemble that fused nature and technology. The sculptural piece featured lush greenery overtaken by tangled cords and moss, accented by moving animatronic butterflies. Monáe described the look as a call to remember humanity: “Nature is talking to us.” The futuristic, interactive design quickly went viral for its innovative blend of performance art and environmental commentary.

Other stars brought their own artistic interpretations. Bad Bunny continued to push boundaries with a daring, conceptual look, while additional guests drew from historical paintings, performance art, and futuristic visions, turning the red carpet into a runway of living sculptures.

The night also featured surprise appearances and powerful statements from music legends including Madonna, Stevie Nicks, and others, adding layers of cultural and generational resonance to the “Costume Art” celebration.

As co-chairs, Beyoncé and Venus Williams — both making history in their roles — used the platform to champion creativity, equity, and the power of fashion as a storytelling medium. Social media erupted with praise for the night’s most inventive looks, cementing 2026 as one of the most memorable Met Galas in recent years.

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FashionLifestyle

All Eyes on Venus Williams as She Steps Out in Swarovski Couture at Met Gala 2026

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Tennis legend and 2026 Met Gala co-chair Venus Williams commanded attention on the red carpet Monday night, arriving in a dazzling custom Swarovski creation that perfectly embodied the evening’s “Costume Art” theme and “Fashion Is Art” dress code.

The 45-year-old champion, one of the event’s co-chairs alongside Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, and Nicole Kidman, wore a curve-hugging black crystal mesh gown by Swarovski that sparkled under the lights. The standout piece was an elaborate, diamond-encrusted neckplate/breastplate with draped chains, creating a sculptural, artistic effect that merged high jewelry with wearable art.

Williams revealed the deeply personal inspiration behind the look: it pays homage to her 2022 portrait Venus Williams, Double Portrait by Robert Pruitt, commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery. The design also nods to her tennis legacy, with elements evoking the silver Venus Rosewater Dish she has won at Wimbledon. Additional touches reference her family heritage and journey in the sport.

Styled by Ron Breece, the ensemble transformed Williams into a living work of art, aligning seamlessly with the Met’s Costume Institute exhibition exploring fashion’s relationship to art and the human body.

Williams attended the gala with her husband, actor and producer Andrea Preti, whom she married in late 2025. The couple shared tender moments on the carpet, including Preti helping adjust her gown.

As both a co-host and fashion ambassador, Williams used the platform to highlight women’s sports science and equity initiatives. “Fashion is going to be on fleek,” she teased earlier in the evening.

Swarovski’s creative director Giovanna Engelbert crafted the one-of-a-kind couture piece, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing friendship with the tennis icon.

Social media quickly lit up with praise for Williams’ look, with many calling it one of the night’s most memorable and meaningful interpretations of the theme. The tennis star once again proved that her influence extends far beyond the court, blending athletic excellence, artistic vision, and red-carpet glamour.

The 2026 Met Gala continues to celebrate the intersection of fashion and art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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Fashion

Ifeoma Umenyiora Unveils Piillz Poizn’s SS26 “Afro-Modern Edit” Collection

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Visionary Nigerian designer Ifeoma Umenyiora, founder and creative director of Piillz Poizn, has unveiled the brand’s highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled “Afro-Modern Edit.”

The collection, which made its debut over the weekend, represents a bold and conceptual exploration of the intersection between African heritage and contemporary fashion. It elevates indigenous African textiles through precise modern tailoring, creating pieces that feel both culturally rooted and globally resonant.

A Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity

“Afro-Modern Edit” moves beyond simple cultural fusion. Instead, it redefines coexistence, where ancestral identity and present-day expression are worn simultaneously. The designs embody a thoughtful duality: soft yet structured, ornate yet minimal, traditional yet innovative. Clean architectural silhouettes meet rich, culturally grounded fabrics, resulting in a wardrobe that is deeply personal yet universally appealing.

Umenyiora explained the collection’s philosophy in her own words:

“Afro-Modern Edit is about honouring where we come from while confidently stepping into where we are. It’s a reflection of identity in motion, intentional, layered, and unapologetically rooted.”

Piillz Poizn, launched in 2018 by Umenyiora (affectionately known as Fifi), has built a reputation for bold femininity, sleek silhouettes, and empowering designs that blend luxury aesthetics with fearless modernity. The brand is known for storytelling through clothing, and the SS26 collection marks another step in its evolution, reinforcing its commitment to quality, originality, and celebrating the modern African woman who dresses to be seen, felt, and remembered.

This release follows previous standout presentations, including the brand’s appearances at Africa Fashion Week London and other international platforms, where Piillz Poizn has consistently showcased its ability to merge cultural narratives with high-fashion execution.

The “Afro-Modern Edit” is now available, inviting fashion enthusiasts to embrace a new way of dressing that honors the past without being bound by it.

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Fashion

Stella Damasus Shows Us How to Wear Velvet for a Sophisticated Night Out ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Veteran actress and fashion enthusiast Stella Damasus continues to set the bar high in the style department, delivering a sophisticated masterclass on how to style velvet for a glamorous night out or upscale event.

In her latest look, shared on Instagram, the Nollywood star stepped out in a striking strapless midnight-blue velvet corset that hugged her silhouette beautifully. The piece featured a structured, pointed waistline for a defined shape and subtle beading along the neckline, adding just the right touch of sparkle without overpowering the rich, plush texture of the velvet. The deep blue hue gave the classic fabric a fresh, contemporary feel while maintaining its luxurious appeal.

She paired the corset with a dramatic floor-length skirt in a bold gold and bronze circular metallic print. The flowing fabric created a beautiful contrast — the soft matte depth of the velvet against the shimmering, reflective tones of the skirt — resulting in a perfectly balanced ensemble that felt both opulent and modern.

To complete the outfit and prepare for cooler evening temperatures, Damasus draped a coordinating midnight-blue velvet wrap gracefully over her arm. This added an extra layer of refinement and versatility to the look.

Accessories were chosen with precision to enhance the metallic theme: a structured gold half-moon clutch that caught the light elegantly, paired with oversized drop earrings for added drama. Her makeup remained polished and understated, featuring a smoky eye that accentuated her gaze, while her hair was styled in soft, side-parted waves for a timeless, effortless finish.This ensemble beautifully demonstrates how velvet — a fabric often reserved for bold holiday reds or classic blacks — can be reimagined in midnight blue for a more versatile and sophisticated vibe.

By balancing the plush texture with strong structural elements, metallic accents, and a contrasting print, Stella has created a wearable yet elevated look ideal for red-carpet appearances, upscale dinners, glamorous parties, or any special night occasion.

Fashion lovers have been quick to praise the combination for its refined poise and how it makes a luxurious fabric feel fresh and accessible. Many are already drawing inspiration from the outfit to incorporate velvet pieces into their own wardrobes this season.

Stella Damasus once again proves that true style icons know how to breathe new life into timeless materials while keeping things effortlessly chic. Whether you’re planning your next evening event or simply seeking elevated style tips, this look is pure inspiration.

 

 

 

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