Get Ready With Misty Copeland For The 2026 Met Gala
Misty Copeland is the embodiment of grace and poise. And not just because of her out-of-this-world dance abilities that have blazed a trail in the world of ballet. This undeniable […] The post Get Ready With Misty Copeland For The 2026 Met Gala appeared first on Essence.
Black News 
By Akili King ·Updated May 5, 2026 < /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… Misty Copeland is the embodiment of grace and poise. And not just because of her out-of-this-world dance abilities that have blazed a trail in the world of ballet. This undeniable elegance also follows her wherever she goes—including last night’s Met Gala. With this year’s theme being Fashion Is Art, the artist and muse made the perfect guest. When it came to what excited her most about the evening? “Seeing the fashion,” of course, as she tells ESSENCE exclusively. “It feels like being completely immersed in a feast of art for the eyes. I love how everyone interprets the theme in their own way. It’s really inspiring.”
Her interpretation of the theme called for a brown Michael Kors dress. “It was a dream to work with Michael Kors and Karla Welch,” she says. “It felt light, fun, and really collaborative from start to finish. Everyone was aligned on the vision, which made the whole process feel easy and really enjoyable,” she adds. “There’s a romantic, Degas-inspired softness, juxtaposed with a cool, changemaker, barrier-breaking energy,” she says. “Black girl magic. It also connects to movement and lineage in a way that feels personal to me.”
Meanwhile, Effy Jewelry pieces added a sophisticated touch. “I wanted something classic that wouldn’t overpower the look, just complement it in a really effortless way,” Copeland says. “These pieces feel timeless and let everything else breathe.”
When it came to the glam, Copeland tapped hair stylist Miles Jeffries and makeup artist Mali Boykin to create a look rooted in “natural beauty with a sense of elevation,” Copeland says.
Boykin also leaned into “the beauty of brown,” as she tells us. “Warmth, richness, luminosity,” she adds. “I wanted everything to feel intentional and beautifully considered without ever overpowering Misty herself,” Boyskin says. “She already has such an incredible presence, so for me, it was about creating skin that felt radiant and alive, with depth and softness that still made a statement.”
Consider the mission accomplished, especially thanks to a little help from products like Merit’s Great Skin Instant Glow Serum. “It’s really about building skin in a way that still feels like her, just elevated,” she says of the beloved product. Additionally, Merit’s Flush Balm in Lusitanio was utilized “for a peachy flush to keep everything soft.”
On the hair front, Edgar Degas’ Tiny Dancer was what anchored Jeffries’ styling choice, “even before I saw the look,” he shares. With that sculpture being the inspiration, and Jeffries wanting to complement the Kors clean aesthetic, naturally, “a low ponytail with a little something extra was the right thing,” he says.
Jeffries reminds us that all great hair>Olaplex No. 3, 4, 5, 7 & 9. “It’s really important to know how each product works and allow them time to do their job! Slower is usually faster if you have a plan of action and strategy,” Jeffries notes.
In addition to the glam, the getting ready vibes are of equal importance. Copeland’s process wassrc="https://media.essence.com/vxcjywbwpa/uploads/2026/05/IMG_3842-scaled.jpg" alt="Get Ready With Misty Copeland For The 2026 Met Gala" width="400" height="600" />In the chair with Mali Boykin and Miles Jeffries.
Perfecting the pony.
You can’t go wrong with a touch of Merit blush.
Making magic happen.
No pony is complete without a little tease.
Effy Jewelry for a classic touch. 
Effortlessly elegant.
The finishing touches. 
Tulle skirts and giggles.
The muse is ready.
The post Get Ready With Misty Copeland For The 2026 Met Gala appeared first on Essence.
