It Took 500 Hours of Handwork to Complete Sombr’s 2026 Met Gala Cape

Last night, Sombr was one of many stars in attendance who marked their very first time attending the 2026 Met Gala. But the singer—who is building a reputation for embracing his distinct, flamboyant-cool personal look both on the stage and red carpets—was well prepared to deliver a fashion moment on the Met steps. “Growing up in New York and seeing some of the most exciting people in the world on that red carpet, and then having the anticipation of being among those people this year—it was a dream turning into a reality turning into a dream,” says Sombr.

To mark his Met debut, the star wore a custom Valentino look designed by Alessandro Michele. (The Italian label frequently dresses him.) “I wanted to be a ‘canvas with a point of view’ for the creativity of Alessandro Michele,” says Sombr. “Fashion is Art, and art is about expressing emotion. The idea (and the result) was pure emotion.”

Art is a continuum. Photo: Bryce Glenn

The undeniable showstopper was his hand-embroidered tulle and chiffon cape featuring a variety of materials in a dégradé of silver and gray hues, and which took more than 500 hours of work to complete. “The intricacy of the sequins on the cape was sick,” says Sombr. “Every detail was a revelation.”

Paired with the dramatic cape was a lamé lace top, embellished with an asymmetrical crepe de chine and satin motif—creating the effect of ribbon being wrapped around the torso. Given that the Met exhibition this year centers around the clothed (and unclothed) body and its depiction in art, his decision to expose the form was appropriately on theme (and he is no stranger to sheer dressing, after all). His trousers, meanwhile, were also embellished with a braided trim at the waist and sides.

There is no drama in a happy smile. Photo: Bryce Glenn

This evening may have been the singer’s first Met, but Sombr has wasted no time developing a unique fashion sense for the red-carpet scene. One of his fashion signatures has been the glitzy rock-and-roll suit—often designed by Valentino, like the golden one he wore to Vogue World 2025: Hollywood.

Last nights Met Gala look? Clearly, it was a continuation of tradition, and rightfully so: The glam-rock outfit looks good on him. “When I actually saw the look in reality, and could touch it and talk about it with Alessandro—for me this was magic,” says Sombr. “Oh, and saying hi to Anna Wintour.”

This article was originally published on Vogue.com. 

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