Stevie Nicks Stuns in Custom Galliano at Her First-Ever Met Gala

After decades of influencing fashion from concert stages around the world, Stevie Nicks finally made her long-awaited debut at the Met Gala on May 4 — and in true Nicks fashion, the moment felt nothing short of magical.

The legendary Fleetwood Mac frontwoman arrived at fashion’s biggest night in a breathtaking custom gown created by celebrated designer John Galliano for Zara, marking the singer’s first-ever appearance on the famed Met steps at age 77.

According to a press release, the one-of-a-kind ensemble perfectly captured the mystique and theatrical elegance that have defined Nicks’ style for decades. The dramatic black and midnight blue gown featured a sweeping crinoline silhouette with an overlay skirt adorned in intricate appliqué roses crafted from layers of tulle and chiffon. As the sprawling skirt cascaded down the Met’s iconic staircase, the look instantly became one of the evening’s most memorable fashion moments.

This year’s gala theme, “Fashion is Art,” celebrated the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring 2026 exhibition “Costume Art,” making Nicks’ cinematic, romantic look a fitting addition to the night’s artistic spectacle.

The ensemble was completed with a silk taffeta and velvet jacket that shimmered beneath the gala lights, along with one of Nicks’ signature accessories — a towering black top hat accented with feathers. The piece was created in collaboration with famed milliner Stephen Jones, further elevating the gothic glamour of the look.

While Nicks is famously associated with flowing shawls, moon necklaces, and layered bohemian jewelry, she opted for a more refined approach for her Met Gala debut. She wore her signature blonde curls loose over the velvet textures of the gown and accessorized with opal and diamond jewelry from Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Book collection, including a pendant necklace, earrings, and rings.

The appearance served as a reminder of just how influential Nicks has been as a fashion icon throughout her career. From velvet capes and platform boots to lace gloves and top hats, her aesthetic helped define the visual identity of 1970s and 1980s rock culture and continues to inspire generations of musicians and designers alike.

Later in the evening, the night transformed from fashion event to unforgettable musical moment when Sabrina Carpenter joined Nicks for a surprise duet performance of Landslide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Egyptian wing.

After Carpenter opened the evening with performances of “House Tour,” “Espresso,” and “Please Please Please,” Nicks took the stage as the event’s headlining performer. Together, the pair performed “Landslide” before Carpenter assisted Nicks on “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow.” Nicks also delivered performances of Gypsy and Edge of Seventeen, bringing the evening to a dramatic and emotional close.

For an artist whose image has long existed at the intersection of rock and couture, Stevie Nicks’ Met Gala debut felt less like a first appearance — and more like the arrival of fashion royalty. 

Photos: Kevin Mazur, Michael Loccisano, John Shearer