Simone Ashley Makes a Statement in Stella McCartney's Illusory Nude Chain Look at Met Gala

Simone Ashley commanded attention on the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps on Monday evening, May 4, as she arrived at the 2026 Met Gala in New York City. The 31-year-old Bridgerton actress delivered a show-stopping moment in an avant-garde design that played with perception and artistry.

Ashley's ensemble, crafted by designer Stella McCartney, created a daring visual effect of complete nudity through strategic draping of silver chains. The innovative piece was constructed from 70% repurposed Falabella chains and threads sourced from the Stella McCartney London atelier, according to the brand.

The actress completed her look with carefully considered styling choices. She wore her hair swept to the side with micro bangs and styled into a tassel updo, while accessorizing with diamond earrings and bracelets. Silver platform shoes grounded the ethereal appearance.

This marks Ashley's third time gracing the Met Gala carpet, one of fashion's most prestigious annual events.

This year's gala centered around the Met's Costume Art exhibition, which examines "the centrality of the dressed body" through representations of the human form drawn from the museum's collection. The evening's dress code theme—"Fashion is Art"—guided the sartorial choices of hundreds of A-list attendees. The event was co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and former Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.