As an honorary chair and sponsor of the Met Gala 2026, Lauren Sanchez drew attention in a navy silk mermaid gown by Schiaparelli at the event on 4/5 (5/5 Hanoi time). The form-fitting, floor-length gown featured a loose, pearl-studded strap and a row of buttons down the back.

Sanchez, creative director Daniel Roseberry, and stylist Law Roach conceived the design after a conversation. With the theme of Costume Art, Sanchez wanted the outfit to subtly reflect the connection between art, fashion, and the body. The team chose to recreate one of the most famous portraits in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection: "Madame X" by John Singer Sargent.

Lauren Sanchez wore a Schiaparelli mermaid gown inspired by the famous "Madame X" painting. Photo: AFP

According to Vogue, Sargent's 1883 masterpiece has a scandalous history. The original portrait depicted French socialite Pierre Gautreau in a form-fitting black dress with a strap slipping off her shoulder. This detail caused intense controversy at the time, forcing Sargent to repaint the strap upright. According to AFP, when it debuted in the 19th century, the work was deemed vulgar and indecent, earning it the title "the most scandalous painting in the world". The gown in the painting was also categorized among the "most scandalous outfits" in fashion history.

Amid fierce backlash, Sargent kept the painting hidden for three decades. He eventually sold the work to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, calling it the best thing he had ever done. Since then, "Madame X" has become one of the museum's most popular attractions.

John Singer Sargent's "Madame X" painting after the strap was repainted. Photo: OverstockArt

Sanchez told Vogue she was drawn to this story. "When you stand in front of the painting now, you just see a beautiful woman. For me, this image shows how fashion and cultural norms can shift over time," she said.

For Sanchez's gown, the strap was placed off the shoulder, adorned with crystals and pearls, identical to Sargent's original painting. Daniel Roseberry created the remaining details. Sanchez wanted to accentuate her waist, so she asked seamstress Laura Basci to tighten it with a corset hidden beneath the seams, while allowing the wearer to sit and move easily.

The Amazon founder's wife accessorized her look with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, including 60-carat pear-shaped pearl and diamond earrings and a 35-carat Marquise Golconda diamond ring. For makeup, she opted for a light, fresh style with neutral tones.

To fit into the gown, Sanchez underwent rapid weight loss by participating in a New York Fire Department training course. The exercises included wearing protective gear, crawling through a smoke-filled obstacle course, and practicing rescue techniques. She enjoyed the unique training and lost 2 kg.

Sanchez wore her hair in a side part with large waves, opting for natural makeup to create a youthful look. Photo: Vogue

Over the past year, Sanchez found success in the fashion industry. Following her wedding in 6/2025, the couple partnered with the CFDA through the Bezos Earth Fund on The Next Thread Initiative. "I am learning more and more about fashion every day. One thing I have learned is that materials are everything. So, we have partnered with scientists who are cultivating fibers from bacteria," Sanchez said.

Lauren Sanchez, born in 1969, worked as a reporter and television host for about 20 years. Throughout her career, she won an Emmy Award and hosted several popular shows on KTTV Fox-11, such as Good Day LA. Additionally, Lauren is the owner of Black Ops Aviation and a children's book author. According to People, the former TV host wishes to have a child with Bezos, despite their age.

Sao Mai (via Vogue)