Making his long-awaited debut at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson turned heads at the 2026 Met Gala by blending high fashion with a profound tribute to his heritage. Accompanied by his wife, Lauren Hashian, the actor stepped onto the carpet in a custom black Thom Browne ensemble that challenged traditional Western silhouettes.
The look, which featured a sharp mohair tailcoat and a white vest, was most notable for a pleated skirt worn over trousers—a deliberate choice that sparked immediate conversation among reporters and fashion critics alike.
Johnson also got some extra exposure with his choice of wristwear. “The Rock” wore one of the most expensive timepieces at the Met Gala: a $3.3 million Jacob & Co. Billionaire III.
When questioned about the daring nature of his outfit, Johnson was quick to point out that the concept of a skirt is far from feminine in his home culture. He explained that in Polynesian tradition, men frequently wear lavalavas, noting that the most masculine figures in his community rock skirts with pride.
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The actor recalled being enthusiastic when Thom Browne’s team first presented the illustrations, reassuring the designers that he was more than comfortable with the aesthetic. By incorporating the pleated skirt, Johnson aimed to bridge the gap between contemporary red-carpet art and the timeless customs of the Pacific Islands.
The 2026 gala, themed “Costume Art,” prompted attendees to reflect on the relationship between the human form and the garments that adorn it.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson shared a moment he had with fellow actor Colman Domingo, musing on whether he viewed himself as the “art” or the “artist” for the evening. Johnson concluded that he felt like both, describing the experience as a “walking expression of art” where the body and the clothing become an indivisible unit.
