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Lifestyle
Anne Hathaway wore a custom Michael Kors gown with hand-painted art to the 2026 Met Gala, sparking both praise and criticism online.
A custom Michael Kors gown worn by Anne Hathaway at the 2026 Met Gala has ignited a fierce debate online, with some calling it a masterpiece and others dismissing it as "too basic." The actress, who has been delivering bold fashion choices all year, arrived at the event in a black Mikado silk dress featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline and a dramatic U-shaped notch at the center.
The fitted bodice cinched at her waist before expanding into a voluminous skirt. A peplum at one hip added a contemporary edge to the classic ball-gown silhouette. She accessorized with a 35-carat Bulgari diamond necklace, diamond stud earrings, and matching rings, while a sleek high bun kept the focus on the gown and jewelry.
Anne Hathaway arrives at the 2026 Met Gala wearing a custom Michael Kors Collection black silk-and-wool mikado strapless gown with a cascade skirt, featuring one-of-a-kind hand-painted motifs by artist Peter McGough. “We loved collaborating with Anne Hathaway to tell a story that… pic.twitter.com/l5UJTYxuQM
— Michael Kors (@MichaelKors) May 5, 2026
Anne Hathaway at the Met Gala, 2023. pic.twitter.com/WwJX5Ugfhu
— DepressedBergman (@DannyDrinksWine) February 28, 2026
What set the dress apart was the hand-painted artwork by American artist Peter McGough. Using the gown as a canvas, McGough painted a large portrait of the goddess of peace across the dress. The face was positioned at the back, while one outstretched hand reaching for a dove extended toward the front. Delicate floral motifs traced the neckline, skirt hem, and bodice seams, creating a wearable art piece that aligned with the evening's "fashion is art" theme.
Anne Hathaway by Luigi & Iango, Vogue Australia, May 2026. pic.twitter.com/v3Oj42rt44
— Couture is Beyond (@CoutureIsBeyond) May 7, 2026
Within minutes of her arrival, the look exploded across social media. Fashion accounts and fan pages quickly reshared the images, sparking heated conversations. Many praised Hathaway for delivering sophistication while staying true to the event's artistic spirit. "Stunning jaw-dropping beauty," one admirer commented. "She looks amazing, probably one of my favorite looks of the night," another fan gushed.
However, not everyone was impressed. Some critics argued the outfit lacked the drama typically associated with the Met Gala. "I would wear this, but I think it's too basic for the Met," one user wrote. Another harsh critic added, "The most ridiculous-looking woman. The dress is ugly too."
Amid the buzz, a fan account on X resurfaced Hathaway's 2023 Met Gala appearance in a tweed Versace gown. That look featured a structured sweetheart neckline, strategic side cutouts connected by oversized gold safety pins and pearls, and a dramatic thigh-high slit. She completed it with a Bulgari coin necklace, towering platform heels, and a cropped tweed jacket draped off her shoulders. The resurfaced post quickly gained traction, with fans calling it an "unforgettable look."
Hathaway's recent collaboration with Vogue Australia for its May 2026 issue is also causing a stir. The editorial captured the actress in dramatic high-fashion looks, including a sheer gown with frill details and cutouts, and a fiery red jumpsuit with a high neckline and flared slits running down both sides.
