Blake Lively made a striking comeback at the Met Gala 2026 on Monday night after last attending the event in 2022. She has been a regular Met Gala guest over the years, with this being her 11th appearance.
For her return, Lively chose an archival Atelier Versace gown from the Spring 2006 collection. The outfit was selected to match this year’s theme, “Fashion Is Art,” and carried strong artistic inspiration.
The pastel-colored gown featured detailed embroidery in shades of pink, yellow, coral, peach, and lilac. It also included three-dimensional architectural elements inspired by 18th-century Venetian Rococo art. The structured bodice had a flowing, liquid-like design, while the hip area featured sculptural elements resembling Baroque church architecture. The long four-meter skirt faded into a painted sky-like design, representing a sunrise and sunset.
Lively said the archival piece felt meaningful because it represents art, history, and transformation. She explained that every year she feels like a new version of herself and wanted her Met Gala return to reflect her personal growth, motherhood, and life experiences. She also shared that balancing motherhood and attending events is something she deeply values.
Donatella Versace praised Lively’s look, saying she has had many iconic Versace moments at the Met Gala and continues to represent the brand beautifully.
A key highlight of her look was a custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch designed with artwork created by her four children. The designer brand created a four-sided minaudière so each child’s drawing could be included. Lively said having her children symbolically with her at the event made the accessory especially meaningful.
She has often worked with Versace for the Met Gala, including her memorable 2022 appearance featuring a Statue of Liberty-inspired gown that transformed on the red carpet, and her 2018 “Heavenly Bodies” look.
Lively shared that this year’s archival Versace piece was especially important as it celebrates both the brand’s history and Donatella Versace’s work, making her return even more significant.
