Venus Williams and EJAE Dazzle in Bespoke Crystal Creations
On May 6, 2026, Swarovski returned to the Met Gala red carpet for its third year, introducing three one-of-a-kind couture looks envisioned by Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert. The event celebrated the Costume Institute’s Spring exhibition, ‘Costume Art’. Met Gala co-host Venus Williams turned to Swarovski for her stunning ensemble, while Engelbert and Friend of the House, EJAE, attended to honour the theme ‘Fashion is Art’.
Giovanna Engelbert explored the theme ‘Fashion is Art’ by presenting crystals as a medium of artistic expression. She noted, “This year I was inspired by the concept of crystals as art – and how their brilliance can serve as a thread between old world traditions and modern couture innovation.” Her designs honored Swarovski’s role in pop culture, balancing tradition and modernity.
Venus Williams drew inspiration from Robert Pruitt’s ‘Venus Williams, Double Portrait’. Her ensemble featured a Wimbledon plate-inspired necklace, crafted from sterling silver and adorned with 3,800 hand-set stones, taking over 700 hours to create. The necklace highlighted portraits of her parents, sports achievements, and her roots in Compton. Her black gown, designed with a structured corset and built hips, was fully embellished with 52,500 crystals, projecting authority and transforming her presence into a field of light.
EJAE, renowned actress and singer-songwriter, dazzled in a neoclassical-inspired outfit. Her skirt was embellished with 630,000 Swarovski Crystals, and her corset adorned with 60,000 crystals and 1,000 Crystal Pearls. Engelbert remarked, “For EJAE, I wanted to create a crystal sculpture – something that merges classical beauty with her own cultural identity, using crystal to sculpt the body.”
Cher also wore Swarovski jewelry to illuminate her Met Gala attire. Designers Robert Wun and Di Petsa incorporated Swarovski Crystal embellishments into their Met Gala designs, showcasing the brand’s versatility and broad appeal.
Engelbert joined Venus Williams and EJAE at the event, celebrating Swarovski’s return to the Met Gala and its role in the ‘Costume Art’ exhibition. The 2026 Met Gala marked the third consecutive year Swarovski has been part of this prestigious event, continuing to showcase its creativity and innovation in high fashion. Engelbert’s designs offered a fresh perspective on using crystals in couture, combining Swarovski’s rich heritage with forward-thinking design to highlight the brand’s legacy in fashion and art.
