At the 2026 Met Gala, Brandon Blackwood presents two custom designs that merge fashion with sculpture, cultural symbolism, and modern storytelling. Worn by Tschabalala Self and Russell Wilson, these looks reflect the brand’s evolving design language while marking its first step into custom menswear.
Tschabalala Self in Custom Brandon Blackwood
For her Met Gala debut, Tschabalala Self wears a custom pearl gray silk corseted gown featuring a sculptural bubble skirt layered over soft tulle. The silhouette is inspired by an inverted tulip, where a structured bodice opens into a rounded, voluminous form that suggests controlled expansion.
Rooted in the contrast between upstate Hudson and Harlem, the design balances softness with structure. The gown reflects the Costume Art theme by blurring the line between sculpture and silhouette, echoing Self’s exploration of the body and materiality in her work.
Subtle artistic references shape the look, including the origin point of a pencil’s lead and the enduring sculptural form of Little Dancer Aged Fourteen by Edgar Degas. Custom jewelry by Bernard James completes the ensemble, adding refinement while maintaining strength and delicacy
Russell Wilson in Brandon Blackwood’s First Custom Menswear Look
In a defining moment for the brand, Russell Wilson wears Brandon Blackwood’s first custom menswear design, a three piece suit layered beneath a matching overcoat and paired with custom gold soled shoes, all crafted in white double faced silk satin.
The sharply tailored look is distinguished by intricate gold branch embroidery extending across the back and cuffs. This design reinterprets the Tree of Life as a symbol of regeneration, legacy, and divine connection.
Ancient Egyptian symbolism informs the narrative through the Wings of Osiris motif featured across the overcoat. Drawing from the mythology of Osiris, the design references themes of resurrection and eternal continuity.
The look is completed with a custom shoulder piece created in collaboration with Chris Habana. Inspired by Egyptian collar forms, the sculptural element evokes the protective wings of Osiris and reinforces the story of power, protection, and rebirth.