Olivia Wilde Makes Bold Statement in Cage-Embellished Thom Browne Gown at 2026 Met Gala

Olivia Wilde commanded attention on the Met Gala red carpet with a striking fashion choice that became an instant talking point. The 42-year-old actress attended the prestigious event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday, May 4, in New York City, dressed in a custom Thom Browne gown that pushed the boundaries of conventional red-carpet style.

Styled by Karla Welch, Wilde's ensemble featured an off-the-shoulder silhouette in black, paired with a dramatic white tulle train that extended from the back of the dress. The show-stopping element: a cage structure integrated into the trailing fabric, creating an architectural and conceptual statement piece.

The 2026 Met Gala celebrated the museum's Costume Art exhibition, which examines "the centrality of the dressed body" through the institution's vast collection of artwork depicting the human form. This year's dress code theme, "Fashion is Art," invited attendees to interpret fashion through an artistic lens. The event's co-chairs included Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Wilde's appearance at fashion's biggest night came shortly after she responded to online criticism surrounding a red carpet photograph that had circulated widely on social media.