Nicole Kidman arrived at the 2026 Met Gala as one of its co-chairs alongside Beyoncé, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, carrying high expectations under the “Fashion is Art” dress code.
The theme invited bold, creative expressions from several guests, but Kidman opted for a relatively simple custom red sequined Chanel gown designed by Matthieu Blazy. Although eye-catching, some fans felt it lacked the theatrical edge expected for the event.
Nicole Kidman Wears Chanel At 2026 Met Gala
“The Hours” actress walked the Met Gala steps in a floor-length red sequined gown with feather details at the hips and cuffs. The gown skimmed her figure elegantly before extending into a sweeping train across the carpet.
In red carpet interviews, she explained her choice, saying, “Fashion is art, and I wanted something red, because I wanted to embrace the way in which red has been used in art through the years.” Notably, the red was a dramatic change from her black-and-white Met Gala looks in the past two years.
Kidman also debuted a fresh hairstyle featuring long blonde hair and bangs, a noticeable departure from her usual soft waves. Joining her on the red carpet was her 17-year-old daughter, Sunday Rose, who made her Met Gala debut in a stunning custom Christian Dior ensemble.
Fans Were Hardly Impressed
So far on Instagram, Nicole Kidman has shared the look twice on her feed, with the comments limited on both posts. Even then, some users express dissatisfaction not only with her outfit but also with her Met Gala attendance altogether.
Someone called the outfit “very boring for the Met Gala,” while another user on X wrote, “At least her daughter’s dress is interesting.”
“It would’ve been a lot cooler if you did not attend. So disappointed,” a fan told Kidman on Instagram. A few others are calling for a “boycott” of her movies.
There were others, though, who carried positivity, praising her timeless glamor and polished representation. “You are the best dressed today, and for me, today and ever,” one gushed.
Nicole Kidman Changed Into A Softer Chanel Look
As the night continued, Nicole Kidman changed into a second Chanel outfit for the dinner and on-stage duties. She slipped into a softer pink gown with floral elements and feather details on the shoulders.
With her hair pulled into a low ponytail, the gentler look offered a fresh contrast to the bold red sequins and allowed her to move comfortably through the inner celebrations.
Throwback To Nicole Kidman’s 2023 Met Gala Chanel Gown
The 2026 Met Gala was not the first time Nicole Kidman made headlines in Chanel at the Met steps. In 2023, honoring Karl Lagerfeld, she re-wore a stunning archival pale pink Haute Couture gown from 2004.
The ethereal silk tulle piece, covered in ostrich feathers and crystals, originally appeared in her iconic Chanel No. 5 commercial. Her choice earned widespread praise for its timeless elegance and personal connection to Lagerfeld’s legacy.
A Stunner At The Chanel Cruise 2026/27 Collection Show
Weeks before the 2026 Met Gala, Kidman once again proved her status as a Chanel muse. She attended the Cruise 2026/27 collection show in France, wearing a black figure-skimming gown with a deep open scoop back featuring a feather detail held together by chains.
She finished the ensemble with black sling-back heels and oval-shaped sunglasses, styling her hair in a low bun with bangs. Many described the look as elegant while admiring her ageless radiance.