Just a few months ago in March, we asked a simple question: Is fashion finally over the long-reigning exposed nipple trend? At the 2026 Met Gala, we got an answer: Nope. The nipple quickly (and literally) emerged as one of the most pointed (sorry) trends of the evening.

But there is an evolution happening: This time around, it’s not wearers’ actual nipples on display; instead, we’re seeing faux versions artistically rendered on (or as) the garments themselves. While this year’s gala theme was “Fashion is Art,” the Costume Institute exhibit, “Costume Art,” explores the dialogue between the dressed body and art. So it’s understandable that many designers would choose to explore the female form — and its depictions throughout art history — with their creations.

We initially wondered if Kylie and Kendall Jenner were referencing big sis Kim Kardashian’s controversial 2023 Skims “Nipple Bra” with their flesh-toned nipple moments: Kylie wore a custom Schiaparelli Couture look that mimicked a gown falling halfway off her frame, revealing a moulded body-like corset below; Kendall chose a custom Gap Studio look designed by Zac Posen that swathed her in draped fabric, revealing only one faux Skims-bra-esque nipple (such restraint!).

Kardashian also went with a nipular look herself: She partnered with British artist Allen Jones to create “a nod to his earlier works such as ‘Body Armour,’ which was created in 1978 originally for an unreleased film,” per a press release. Design duo Whitaker Malem worked with Jones to cast the mold to create the breastplate for the look.

Guests outside the Kardashian-Jenner family got in on the trend, too: Hailey Bieber and Heidi Klum went for minimalist and maximalist takes on moulded busts, respectively. Meanwhile, trompe-l’oeil nipples were a big trend of the evening as well. Sabine Getty, Devyn Garcia and Chase Infiniti each wore variations on that theme, incorporating elements such as sequins, rhinestones and paint strokes to really underscore the “art” theme.

There were also a handful of gala attendees who went less overt with their bustiness: Doja Cat chose gold nipple covers beneath her sheer monochrome Saint Laurent look, Irina Shayk wore a skimpy metallic bra and Camila Morrone’s sculpted white bodice featured two especially pointy darts that drew the eye to the nipple area.

If you, like us, are left thinking: Where is the celebration of the male form? Why are women the only ones daring to emphasize their nips? Allow us to turn your attention to Jeremy Pope, who came through for us in a jacket completely covered with pearls arranged to depict a rather resplendent nude male chest.

Keep scrolling to see the many “topless” looks from the evening.

Related: See Every Look From the 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet

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