05/08/2026
A closer look at what it took to bring the 2026 Met Gala ceiling to life.
What began as a concept for suspended floral elements quickly became a complex challenge. With no overhead rigging allowed, the entire system had to be rethought and integrated directly into the ceiling panels.
From there, every step built on the last. Designs were adjusted mid-production, netting was tested to support the elements, and full-scale prototypes were developed to refine structure, weight, and visibility. As the solution evolved, printed fabric replaced exposed materials, allowing for a cleaner finish and more reliable performance.
The final system combined printed panels, sewn netting, and controlled openings into one fully integrated solution. After a full-scale mockup confirmed performance, the installation moved into production, resulting in a seamless ceiling with no visible hardware and a clean, uninterrupted visual.
At this level, ex*****on is defined by the ability to adapt. Every phase played a role in delivering a solution that met both the creative vision and the physical demands of the space.
Thank you to Derek McLane, Rochelle Mac, and the team at Derek McLane Studio for the scenic design, Raúl Avila and the team at Raúl Avila Studio for installation, Kadan Productions for their support, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the opportunity to be part of this year’s event.