Tag: #style

Fit & Fabulous

Met Gala 2026: When Fashion Becomes Art

Tanisha Cardozo

One of the most anticipated fashion events in the world, the Met Gala, is all set to return on May 4, 2026, continuing its tradition of taking place on the first Monday of May. Known for its spectacle, exclusivity, and unmatched influence on global fashion, the event once again promises to capture worldwide attention with a theme that is as thought-provoking as it is expansive—‘Fashion is Art.’

The theme was officially announced by Vogue on February 23, sparking immediate excitement among fashion enthusiasts, designers, and pop culture followers. Unlike previous years, where themes offered more structured creative direction, this year’s concept is notably open-ended, inviting a broader spectrum of interpretation. By declaring fashion as art, the theme encourages celebrities and designers to push beyond conventional boundaries and embrace clothing as a form of artistic storytelling.

The inspiration behind this year’s dress code lies in the Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition titled ‘Costume Art.’ According to the official description, the exhibition explores representations of the dressed body across The Met’s vast collection, pairing garments with artworks to highlight the intrinsic relationship between clothing and the human form. Spanning Western art from ancient history to contemporary times, the showcase delves into how fashion intersects with politics, identity, symbolism, and personal expression.

This layered and intellectual foundation sets the stage for what could be one of the most visually diverse Met Galas in recent memory. With ‘Fashion is Art’ as the guiding idea, the red carpet is expected to transform into a living gallery of creativity. Designers may draw inspiration from classical paintings, sculptures, and historical fashion, while also incorporating futuristic elements and avant-garde techniques. The result is likely to be a compelling mix of tradition and innovation, where each outfit tells a unique story.

In contrast to recent themes such as ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ in 2025, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ in 2024, and ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ in 2023, which offered more specific frameworks, this year’s theme provides a wide creative canvas. While that freedom opens doors for groundbreaking interpretations, it also presents a challenge—standing out in a space where anything is possible requires true originality and vision.

Adding to the excitement is the announcement of this year’s co-chairs, a powerful trio representing music, film, and sports. Beyoncé, one of the most influential artists of her generation, brings her signature blend of artistry and cultural impact. Nicole Kidman, known for her elegance and cinematic legacy, adds a touch of classic sophistication. Meanwhile, Venus Williams introduces a dynamic edge, symbolizing strength, individuality, and style beyond traditional fashion circles.

As co-chairs, their role goes beyond representation—they help shape the vision of the event, contribute to curating the guest list, and play a key role in promoting the theme. Their combined influence is expected to elevate the event’s global appeal and inspire memorable fashion moments.

With anticipation already building, fashion enthusiasts and viewers worldwide are preparing for a night that celebrates creativity in its purest form. The Met Gala 2026 is not just about what celebrities wear—it’s about how they interpret, challenge, and redefine the very idea of fashion as art.

Fit & Fabulous

Fit Check Approved: 4 Athleisure Styles Gen Z Women Can’t Stop Wearing

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Athleisure has moved far beyond its role as a fleeting fashion phase and settled firmly into the everyday wardrobes of Gen Z women. What once belonged only to gym sessions or lazy weekends now defines how young women dress for classes, errands, casual hangouts, and even spontaneous plans. The appeal lies in clothing that adapts easily through the day, offering comfort without sacrificing personal style. Athleisure today is about lived-in fits, relaxed silhouettes, and pieces that feel as good as they look.

One of the standout pieces gaining popularity is the sleeveless hoodie. It delivers the familiar comfort of a classic hoodie while allowing freedom of movement and easy layering. Crafted in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton-rich French terry, it works seamlessly for transitional weather and indoor-outdoor routines. Whether layered over a long-sleeve tee or worn on its own, it brings a sporty yet street-ready edge that feels effortless and modern.

The cargo skirt is another piece redefining athleisure aesthetics. Blending utility-inspired details with a feminine silhouette, it features functional pockets and a comfortable waistband that keeps movement easy. Structured yet relaxed, it adapts to multiple moods — paired with sneakers for casual days or styled with sleek tops for a more elevated athleisure look. Its versatility makes it a favourite for Gen Z wardrobes that value both style and practicality.

Wide-leg pants have also earned their place as an athleisure essential. Offering roominess without looking oversized, they balance comfort with structure. Made from fabrics that hold their shape, these pants work equally well for errands, brunch plans, yoga sessions, or laid-back weekends. Styled with cropped tops, hoodies, or sports bras, they create outfits that feel intentional without appearing overdone.

Neutral co-ord sets complete the athleisure lineup as the ultimate low-effort, high-impact outfit choice. Designed to be worn together or mixed separately, they simplify daily dressing while keeping looks polished. Soft hoodies paired with wide-leg pants in understated shades make transitioning from home to outdoors effortless. Their versatility allows endless styling combinations while maintaining all-day comfort.

Ultimately, Gen Z athleisure is about clothing that passes the fit check every time. When comfort aligns naturally with style, getting dressed becomes intuitive. These athleisure staples move smoothly through daily routines, offering flexibility, confidence, and ease — proving that effortless fashion is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Fit & Fabulous

Beyoncé Returns to the Met Gala After 10 Years as 2026 Co-Chair

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Beyoncé is returning to the Met Gala for the first time in a decade, stepping into the spotlight as a co-chair for the 2026 edition of fashion’s biggest night. Vogue announced that the “Cowboy Carter” creator will host the May 4 event alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour. The prestigious annual gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will also mark the debut of the museum’s new 12,000-square-foot Condé M. Nast Galleries, named after the legendary magazine publisher behind Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. The Met revealed that the upcoming exhibition, titled “Costume Art,” will be the first major showcase within the new space.

Designer Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz will serve as co-chairs of the Met Gala Host Committee, joined by notable members including Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Lisa, Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor, A’ja Wilson and others. With such an impressive lineup, the 2026 gala promises to be one of the most star-studded in recent history.

Beyoncé’s last Met Gala appearance was in 2016 for the “Manus x Machina” theme, where she stunned in a nude Givenchy Haute Couture gown. Over the years, she has delivered some of the gala’s most iconic looks, including her unforgettable sheer Givenchy gown for the 2015 “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme. She made her Met Gala debut in 2008 and attended annually from 2011 to 2016, often choosing designs from Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci.

Vogue highlighted her influence in its announcement, noting that her long, groundbreaking career — spanning her Destiny’s Child era to her global superstar status today — has produced countless memorable fashion moments. Her return as co-chair is expected to bring another show-stopping red carpet moment after ten years away.

Met Gala co-chairs are not just figureheads; they play an important role in shaping the event. Along with hosting the night, they collaborate with Anna Wintour on guest lists, décor and the evening’s menu. Co-chairs are also known to take the stage during the dinner portion of the event, which remains off-camera for attendees only. With Beyoncé now part of the leadership for the 2026 gala, anticipation for the event — and the fashion — has never been higher.

Fit & Fabulous

Rihanna Returns to the Red Carpet at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in Effortless Elegance

Tanisha Cardozo

Rihanna made a spectacular return to the spotlight at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, where she accompanied her partner A$AP Rocky, honoured as a fashion icon. The superstar, who recently welcomed her baby girl Rocki Irish Mayers, looked radiant and confident as she walked the red carpet in New York.

For her first public appearance post-motherhood, Rihanna embraced understated glamour. She wore a black floor-length trench coat, cinched at the waist, paired with flowy white trousers and sleek black patent leather heels. Her dazzling diamond earrings perfectly complemented her ensemble, while her natural post-baby glow stole the spotlight. Effortless yet statement-making, the look reflected Rihanna’s timeless approach to fashion — one that balances strength, sophistication, and authenticity.

A$AP Rocky, the man of the moment, coordinated his look with precision. The rapper wore a sharp tailored suit layered with a yellow V-neck sweater and cream-and-black dress shoes — a refined yet playful combination that perfectly matched Rihanna’s classic style. Together, the couple exuded chemistry, elegance, and confidence without overshadowing one another.

Their appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night, not just for their style but also for the speculation it sparked. Just a week earlier, A$AP Rocky had referred to himself as Rihanna’s husband, sending fans into a frenzy over the possibility of a secret marriage. While neither has officially confirmed the rumours, their synchronized looks and affectionate red-carpet moments added more fuel to the buzz.

For Rihanna, this outing was more than a fashion statement — it was a celebration of strength, womanhood, and effortless power. From global music icon to style leader and now a devoted mother, she continues to redefine what it means to own every chapter of life with grace and individuality.

As the flashes dimmed and the applause settled, one truth remained undeniable: Bad Gal RiRi is back — and she’s shining brighter than ever.

Fit & Fabulous

IBFW 2025 Wraps Up 11 Iconic Years with Power-Packed Designer Showcases and Timeless Fashion

Tanisha Cardozo

Timex India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW) 2025 concluded its milestone 11th edition with a spectacular showcase of resort and beach fashion at the Hilton Goa Resort. Over two dynamic days, Asia’s premier destination for resort wear once again pushed creative and cultural boundaries — spotlighting top designers, emerging labels, innovative brand collaborations, and a forward-looking fashion ecosystem.

The runway came alive with diverse styles and unforgettable moments. Abhishek Sharma’s grand finale, presented by Timex India, stole the show with “Analog Life” — a tribute to elegance and the passage of time, brought to life by a sculptural installation of 1000 Timex watches and model Prathamesh Maulingkar as the showstopper. Live music by Cyrus Rodrigues and his Coastal Collective added an immersive energy that defined the spirit of analog living in a digital world.

Campus Shoes joined forces with label EESUM and youth icon Srishti Kaur for “The Pulse of Youth” collection, powered by a high-voltage runway presence from actor Fatima Sana Shaikh. Rooted in the brand’s ethos of movement and self-expression, the showcase celebrated individuality and energy through vibrant athleisure, redefining footwear as both statement and comfort.

The collaboration between grooming brand Gatsby and menswear label Toffle brought a bold, modern twist to men’s streetwear. Led by Kunal Thakur, the collection celebrated precision, movement, and effortless confidence — with style expressed not just in appearance, but in attitude.

Other standout designers included Bhawna Rao with her glittering “Night Cocktail” line featuring Mukti Mohan; Asmita Marwa, who infused mindful, sustainable design into luxurious silhouettes; and Pria Kataaria Puri, whose unapologetically glamorous “Resort Luxe” line embodied global jet-set energy. MANACA Streetwear, REANA, Samia Khan, Sakshi Bindra by Aerocidade, Mia Magell, KIINARA, Kamakhya, NoorGhar and many others rounded out a lineup that was vibrant, experimental, and globally resonant.

Beyond the runway, IBFW 2025 continued to champion fashion as a platform for dialogue and progress. The Future Fashion Conclave, powered by Dive Collective and led by Dr. Archana Bhatnagar, hosted a compelling panel that examined the role of design in shaping sustainable, inclusive futures for fashion in India.

Founder & CEO Pallav Ojha described the event as more than a fashion week — a cultural hub of design innovation, storytelling, and industry evolution. Neha Asthana, Co-Founder, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the craft-meets-culture narrative that IBFW has successfully nurtured for over a decade.

Timex India’s Managing Director Deepak Chhabra added that the partnership brought to life the watchmaker’s belief in timeless design and meaningful collaborations — blending heritage with a modern lens.

From design showcases to live music, thought leadership to trendsetting fashion, IBFW 2025 brought together the best of India’s resort fashion industry in one stunning celebration. As the sun set on its 11th edition, India Beach Fashion Week reaffirmed its status not just as a showcase — but as a movement in the global fashion conversation.