Jordan Roth, a seasoned attendee of the Met Gala, is preparing for his eighth appearance at the prestigious event in 2026. Known for his extravagant fashion displays, Roth’s ensemble this year continues his tradition of sartorial innovation.
Jordan Roth’s Custom Robert Wun Creation
This year, Roth will don a striking custom dress designed by London-based couturier Robert Wun. The outfit features a slate gray velvet dress, complemented by a sculptural piece attached to his back. “It’s a deeply magical experience to live inside this piece,” Roth stated in an interview regarding his avant-garde look.
Inspiration and Theme
The theme of this year’s Met Gala is “Costume Art,” with a dress code emphasizing “Fashion is Art.” Drawing inspiration from classical sculpture, Roth aimed to capture the essence of multi-figure classical works. “A solo figure is often posing for the viewer, but multiple figures are usually engaged in a passionate moment,” he explained.
Creative Process and Challenges
Roth’s creative process involved extensive sketches, aiming to depict a secondary “shadow” figure embracing him. This pose is designed to change meaning based on the viewer’s perspective. To bring this vision to life, numerous fittings and trials were conducted, ensuring both the dress and the attached sculpture were cohesive.
- The dress is made from flowing stretch velvet with an iridescent sheen.
- The sculptural figure is connected with a three-strap harness at Roth’s waist.
- Weight distribution is carefully managed, similar to a prior design Roth wore from Schiaparelli.
Initially, Roth’s sculptural piece was too heavy. However, after redesigning it with lighter materials, the 3-D printed sculpture remains substantial. “I don’t want to be serving my neighbor’s soup to my sculpture!” he humorously remarked, indicating it will be detached during dinner.
As the 2026 Met Gala approaches, Roth’s anticipated transformation into a living sculpture exemplifies the event’s spirit of artistic expression and fashion innovation.
