Tonight, Charli XCX is nothing less than a work of art. The mega-pop star arrived at the 2026 Met Gala steps in a Saint Laurent gown made of silk, tulle, and resin with an iris flower motif.
The dress is a moody, punk-y reference to one of Yves Saint Laurent’s most famous collections—Spring-Summer 1988. “Yves was paying tribute to Vincent van Gogh by recreating Irises on an embroidered jacket,” Charli says of the look, designed by Anthony Vaccarello. “My dress tonight has an iris flower made out of resin, stitched onto its center. We’ve tried to kind of mirror that in the makeup by using more sheer and translucent tones to reflect the resin.”
Yves Saint Laurent Spring-Summer 1998Photo: Getty Images
Vincent van Gogh’s Irises.1890, oil on canvas, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. (Photo by VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images)
When it came to glam, Charli worked with makeup artist Ana Takahashi to create something decidedly more subdued than her past glam looks. “I would describe it as lived-in and effortless, with just a wash of color,” Charli tells Vogue. The look was created by YSL Beauty, which she describes as “easy to wear, day or night, which is perfect for how I like to live my life.” Hairstylist Matt Benns wrapped her hair into a high, supermodel-esque updo.
Irises are a symbol of courage and hope—and Van Gogh’s masterpiece evokes vitality, decay, and the cycle of life itself.
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