Naomi Osaka explained the inspiration behind her dramatic two-part outfit at the 2026 Met Gala 2026, where she wore a custom design by Robert Wun centered on the human body and transformation.
The four-time Grand Slam champion attended the annual event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4 for the gala celebrating the theme “Costume Art,” and the dress code “Fashion Is Art.”
Osaka arrived wearing a white balloon-sleeved coat styled as a dress. The outer layer featured crystal-covered slits and red feather detailing designed to resemble openings in the body. She completed the look with sheer red gloves and an oversized matching hat.
As she walked the Met Gala steps, the outer garment was removed to reveal a fitted red gown underneath. The second layer was designed to resemble muscle structure and veins. According to Vanity Fair, the inner gown required 659,000 stitches of beadwork.
“It’s like a shedding of an outer skin,” Osaka told Vanity Fair while getting ready at The Mark Hotel. Osaka’s longtime stylist and collaborator Marty Harper further explained the concept behind the look.
Harper said, “The exterior in itself is indicative of the body. There are these slits that have these crystals and feathers, and it’s almost as though the body’s been pierced and blood is actually coming out… this recognition that the body has the ability to be open, and for (things) to be removed, if needed.”
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He added, “And when we remove, you see a lot of the muscle structure, you see a lot of the blood flow, the circulatory system. This is all of what this is. You also see that her body is very much this like hourglass shape.”
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Naomi Osaka also discussed her approach to fashion and why she embraces unconventional looks despite mixed reactions online.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, she said, “I feel like (what I do) is very unique. There are so many different individuals out there, and obviously, what I like, some people don’t like, and what some people like, I don’t particularly like.”
The tennis star added, “It’s weird. I would call myself very introverted and shy, but in (fashion) moments, I don’t feel shy at all. It doesn’t freak me out.”
Osaka then referenced the jellyfish-inspired outfit she wore earlier this year at the Australian Open.
She recalled and said, “When I wore the Australian Open outfit in the players area, like before going out, I thought, ‘Oh my God, like what am I doing? Am I being super extra? But I do feel that in moments like that, you kind of challenge what people think is normal.”
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Osaka has continued to use major public appearances to showcase conceptual fashion designs tied to performance art and visual storytelling.
