The 2026 Met Gala theme, “Costume Art,” promises creativity, sculptural drama, and body inclusivity — hallmarks of many Nigerian designers. Here are some names we think could bring the theme to life spectacularly.
The fashion world is abuzz with the 2026 Met Gala theme, “Costume Art,” an exhibition curated by Andrew Bolton, seeking to explore the “indivisible connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear.” Known as the fashion Olympics, the Met Gala allows designers and famous figures to play and interpret the theme through fashion. To avoid any misunderstanding, the theme has been broken down for clarity.
The three main curatorial pillars — celebrating the classical and nude body, valuing overlooked bodies (ageing, pregnant), and referencing the anatomical body — open a fascinating avenue for Nigerian designers, whose work already merges fashion, sculpture, and deep cultural narrative, to shine on the global stage.
Here is a look at the Nigerian brands whose collections demonstrate a mastery of Costume Art and are ready for fashion’s biggest night out.
The classical & nude body: Sheer artistry and daring forms
This curatorial category focuses on bodies commonly depicted in classical art, often through the nude or near-nude form, celebrating the figure with transparency and daring silhouettes. Nigerian designers are leading this charge with exquisite craftsmanship that treats the body as a canvas. Fruché, for instance, is known for its striking, avant-garde use of sheer fabrics, where garments function as a second, ornamental skin, creating a direct dialogue between the wearer’s form and the artistry of the textile. Similarly, Onalaja’s SS26 collection featured spectacular beaded sheer dresses that transform the wearer into a living piece of fine art and craft, the intricate beadwork beautifully revealing the body beneath. The collection also used beads to create patterns that mirrored the female nude body.
For a more counter-culture and daring interpretation, Mowalola’s work, such as the “Dirty Pop” collection, pushes boundaries with often nude-toned and form-fitting silhouettes. This brand consistently redefines contemporary body politics, making it a strong contender for an expressive “Costume Art” look. Tia Adeola‘s SS26 also aligns by embracing sheer fabrics paired with dramatic ruffles and sculptural elements, turning the body into a canvas for voluminous texture and delicate exposure. The effect is reminiscent of painted figures emerging from a work of art. Studio Imo’s signature use of crochet and knitting to create body-revealing outfits makes for a fun and unique take on the nude.
Furthermore, the prominence of bare-chested male models across several Lagos Fashion Week SS26 runways signalled a collective industry shift toward celebrating the masculine form with similar artistic freedom.
Read also: Marie Claire Nigeria Trend Report: Lagos Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026
The overlooked body: Inclusivity, deconstruction, and rebirth
Andrew Bolton’s inclusion of “overlooked bodies (ageing, pregnant)” is a deliberate call to promote inclusivity beyond the industry’s narrow historical standards. This pillar is interpreted by Nigerian brands in two powerful ways. Firstly, there is the direct championing of the pregnant form, with Oríré making a profound statement of inclusivity by having a pregnant model walk the runway. This moment aligns with the theme’s call to recognise and celebrate the beauty and power of the pregnant body. Another brand whose collection ties into this theme is PETTRE TAYLOR. Its SS26 collection used fabrics that mimicked a body sagging effect. With the right idea, this can morph into a jaw-dropping moment.
Secondly, the concept of deconstruction offers a philosophical take on ‘ageing’— the art of building anew from existing, raw, or repurposed elements. Brands like E.S.O. by Liman and Ajanéé showcased stellar collections at the Lagos Fashion Week SS26, centred on deconstructed garments. This artistic method, which involves disassembling and reassembling clothing, serves as a poignant, artistic nod to the process of ageing, decay, and eventual re-creation, transforming the existing into a new, complex piece of wearable art.
Read also: Marie Claire Nigeria Inclusivity Report: Lagos Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026
The universal anatomical body: Figurative sculpture and surrealist forms
This final category celebrates garments that directly reference or conspicuously signify parts of the human body, effectively turning fashion into a form of hyper-anatomical sculpture or surrealist body map. A key example is Oshobor’s SS26 collection, which included a striking black dress featuring a golden motif of a mid-sized woman’s body imprinted directly onto the fabric. This bold, graphic application of the female form makes the body itself the focal point, acting as a literal, precious icon of costume art.
The brand Weiz Dhurm Franklyn, with its biblically-inspired collections, created an unforgettable piece in its SS25 line, MESSENGERS. This surrealist garment was adorned with faux eyeballs, directly referencing the description of “biblically accurate angels” and transforming the wearer into a mythological, anatomical wonder.
It is a powerful example of fashion as divine, unsettling sculpture. Similarly, Hertunba’s SS26 collection utilised surreal placements of appliqué of facial parts like lips, eyes, and noses on its garments. These unexpected placements create a dreamlike, disorienting effect, referencing the Cubist and Surrealist approaches to the body often seen in visual art. Finally, the couture brand Mide had a direct entry with a dress featuring a woman’s face prominently placed on its waistline. This is a powerful and direct use of anatomy as a design element, transforming the garment into a figurative, wearable sculpture.
What do we want at the Met Gala?
The “Costume Art” theme promises a night of theatrical, boundary-pushing fashion that places the human form at its centre. With their rich history of using fashion as a medium for cultural commentary and sculptural expression, Nigerian brands are perfectly positioned to deliver some of the most profound and on-theme looks.
We saw the 2025 Met Gala embraced Nigeria’s celebrities and celebrated the history of Black tailoring. Here’s hoping the 2026 Met Gala not only continues that recognition but also shines a global spotlight on our visionary designers.
Read more: The 2025 Met Gala celebrates the power of black men style
