Behind the spotlight, the celebrities, and the extravagant outfits, there is a key figure shaping the most important stage in global fashion: Raul Avila. This Colombian designer and decorator has spent more than 18 years in charge of the scenography of the Met Gala, one of the most influential cultural events in the world.
Avila arrived in New York in the 1980s, where he trained alongside renowned event designer Robert Isabell. His talent and vision led him to work on high-profile projects until, in 2007, he was invited by Anna Wintour to oversee the gala’s design and ambiance. Since then, he has become the creative director behind each edition, leading a team of approximately 300 people capable of transforming the Metropolitan Museum of Art in less than 24 hours.
His work goes beyond design; it also involves a complex logistical operation that must be executed flawlessly. For months, Avila and his team plan every detail, only to install the entire scenography in under 18 hours, all while preserving the integrity of one of the world’s most important cultural institutions.
Raul Avila, the Colombian behind ‘Fashion is Art,’ the concept of the 2026 Met Gala
The 2026 edition of the Met Gala centered on the theme “Fashion is Art,” inspired by the “Costume Art” exhibition from the Costume Institute. Under this concept, Avila created an immersive experience that explored the dressed body as a bridge between different artistic disciplines, bringing together nearly 400 pieces spanning more than 5,000 years of history.
The scenography embraced an ethereal and elegant aesthetic: A white carpet replaced the traditional red one, while clusters of wisteria hung from the ceiling, creating a cascading floral effect. The space was complemented by clay pots, decorative hedges, and carefully designed lighting to highlight both the artworks and the guests’ outfits.
The event also featured an artistic opening with live music and dance, setting the tone for a gala that reaffirmed the connection between fashion and art. Among the attendees, figures such as Heidi Klum, Bad Bunny, and Anne Hathaway stood out with creative interpretations of the theme, turning their looks into true performative pieces.
A Colombian signature on the global stage
One of the defining elements of Avila’s work is the influence of his roots. His childhood in Colombia, surrounded by tropical landscapes and flowers, is reflected in his aesthetic sensibility. In the 2026 edition, this connection was evident through the inclusion of Colombian flowers, especially roses and orchids from regions such as Antioquia and the Bogota savanna.
Beyond their ornamental value, these flowers added volume, texture, and freshness to the scenography, while also serving as a nod to the designer’s identity. Colombia, one of the world’s largest flower exporters, thus secured a prominent place in one of the most exclusive events in the cultural industry.
Although his name does not usually make headlines, Avila is considered by many to be the “silent architect” of the Met Gala. His ability to transform a museum into an immersive experience has been essential in establishing the event as a spectacle that transcends fashion and becomes part of the contemporary cultural imagination.