As for how the theme might influence the Galaโs 2026 dress code?
The โCostume Artโ exhibit will, per Bolton, focus on the โindivisible connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear.ย The idea was to put the body back into discussions about art and fashion, and to embrace the body, not to take it away as a way of elevating fashion to an art form.โ
Part of the way the exhibit itself will hope to achieve this goal is by placing mirrored heads for the showโs mannequins, placing the viewer into the art.ย
โWhere the face is a mirror, youโre looking at yourself,โ Bolton explained of the creative decision. โPart of that is to reflect on the lived experience of the bodies youโre looking at, and also to reflect your own lived experienceโto facilitate empathy and compassion.โย
