She certainly made a statement on the red carpet.
Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu brought her own flair to the 2026 Met Gala’s theme of “costume art.” At just 22 years old, she has already claimed two silver medals and a gold at the Winter Olympics held earlier this year. For the Gala, she chose a breathtaking short bubble dress designed by Iris Van Herpen, a Dutch designer famous for her innovative blend of high fashion and technology.
Gu shared some details about her striking outfit, saying, “I have 15,000 glass bubbles. It took 2,550 hours to create. Underneath the dress is technology that merges reality with art. It’s a whimsical play of surrealism and nature.”
Alongside her unique dress, she stepped out in transparent heels. The only visible accessories were tiny earrings, somewhat obscured by her stylish, messy updo, and a whimsical touch—dozens of bubbles floating around her.
When ESPNW asked her what makes sports an art form, Gu remarked, “It’s about self-expression. It’s about pushing boundaries and being true to yourself.”
This was not her first Met Gala. In 2021, she attended donning a romantic black-and-white bubble dress by Carolina Herrera, and the following year, she turned heads in a bold leather Louis Vuitton mini dress that featured a plunging neckline and high black boots.
Despite her youth, Gu has made a name for herself as the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history, having secured six medals across two Winter Olympics. However, her choice to represent China at the Olympics, rather than the U.S. where she was raised, has generated considerable controversy. It’s worth noting that she is majoring in international relations at Stanford University, which adds layers to her narrative.
Earlier this year, Gu faced considerable backlash, stating she had been “physically assaulted” upon receiving threats related to her Olympic representation and was even robbed on campus.
Aside from her athletic accomplishments, Gu has a flourishing modeling career with IMG, featuring in the 2025 issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and has worked with major brands like Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret, and Fendi. She has also graced the covers of various fashion magazines like Cosmopolitan and Vogue China.
