The Met's "Costume Art" Comes to Life & A.P.C. Names New Artistic Director in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

• The Met Gala 2026 took center stage with an immersive exhibition preview, and “Get Ready With Me” features with Wisdom Kaye and Rauw Alejandro.

• Industry headlines saw A.P.C. appoint a new artistic director and Chanel announce Rome for its 2027 show.

• Retail momentum continued as Miu Miu drove Prada Group’s growth and Kith reopened in West Hollywood.

Inside the Met Gala 2026 Exhibition

The Met

Ahead of the Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum of Art provided an exclusive look inside the 2026 Costume Institute exhibition, which explored the intersection of fine art and fashion as an embodied art form. The showcase featured a curated selection of archival pieces like the famous Jean Paul Gaultier Y/Project suit and contemporary designs that treated garments as sculptural canvases. Curator Andrew Bolton highlighted how the display challenged traditional notions of wearability, focusing instead on the cultural and artistic impact of the silhouettes. The pre-Gala preview set the thematic tone for the year’s most prestigious fashion event, which drew the likes of Beyonce, Naomi Osaka, Alyssa Liu, A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, and Bad Bunny.

A.P.C. Names Ludivine Poiblanc New Artistic Director

A.p.c.

French label A.P.C. officially named Ludivine Poiblanc as its new artistic director. Poiblanc, recognized for her seasoned editorial perspective and extensive styling background, stepped into the role to oversee the brand’s creative trajectory for the foreseeable future. The appointment signaled a new chapter for the company as it continues to evolve far beyond its signature minimalist aesthetic with collaborations and global expansion. Industry insiders watched closely as the brand transitioned its creative vision under her leadership, marking one of the season’s most significant yet under-the-radar shifts.

Chanel Announces Rome as Location for Métiers d’art 2027 Show

Chanel

Chanel has announced Rome, Italy, as the destination for its highly anticipated Métiers d’art 2027 runway presentation designed by Matthieu Blazy. The show was scheduled to celebrate the incredible craftsmanship and technical mastery of the house’s specialized workshops. By selecting the “Eternal City,” Chanel continued its tradition of pairing its most intricate collections with historically and culturally significant locations across the globe like New York City last Fall. The choice of Italy, where many luxury workshops reside, continues to emphasize the atelier-focused narrative, honing in on the artisanal heritage that defined its luxury legacy.

Kith West Hollywood Reopens with Ronnie’s Pronto and Exclusive New Balance Drop

Kith

Kith isn’t done making its splash in Los Angeles. The reopening of its West Hollywood flagship store has revitalized the shop with Ronnie Fieg‘s “Ronnie’s Pronto” culinary concept and a refreshed retail floor. To celebrate the launch, the brand released an exclusive New Balance collaboration that drew crowds of enthusiasts eager for the limited-edition footwear. The reopening follows Aime Leon Dore‘s recent opening of its first-ever Los Angeles flagship, no more than two weeks before, signalling continued retail expansion strategies among streetwear favorites.

Prada Group Reports Strong Q1 2026 Sales Driven by Miu Miu

Getty Images

Prada Group released its financial report for the first quarter of 2026, revealing impressive revenue growth, despite doubts around its acquisition of Versace. However, much of the success was attributed to Miu Miu, which continues to dominate market trends and consumer interest with its distinct personality lent by Miuccia Prada. The report detailed a surge in demand for the brand’s unique aesthetic, particularly across its accessories and ready-to-wear lines. As Miu Miu’s influence grew, it helped propel the entire Prada Group toward a record-breaking start for the year, proving the enduring power of its current creative direction. In the year ahead, Pieter Mulier will present his debut Versace collection, following the brand’s creative hiccups that began before the billion-dollar deal took place.

Get Ready With Rauw Alejandro for the Met Gala 2026 in Saint Laurent

Getty Images

Rauw Alejandro shared an intimate look at his preparation for the Met Gala 2026, where he wore a custom Saint Laurent look. The artist collaborated with the French fashion house to create a silhouette that balanced a glam-rock edge with classic elegance. Throughout the “Get Ready With Me” feature, Alejandro discussed the inspiration behind his outfit, including Prince, and how it aligned with the evening’s artistic theme of “Fashion Is Art”. His presence on the red carpet highlighted the ongoing synergy between the music industry and high-fashion ateliers unfolding at the Met Gala. Other Saint Laurent looks were worn by pop stars Charli XCX, Madonna, Rose, and Doja Cat.

Wisdom Kaye and Public School Get Ready for the Met Gala 2026

Sarah Schecker

Fashion creator Wisdom Kaye partnered with Public School to document his journey to the 2026 Met Gala. The collaboration focused on creating a high-concept ensemble that reflected both Kaye’s personal style and the brand’s unique design language. The exclusive Hypebeast feature provides a rare look at the tailoring and styling process involved in preparing for fashion’s biggest night. Showcasing the technical side and creative brainstorming that takes place before, Kaye and the Public School team offered a deeper look at the artistry employed for gala-level dressing.