Dwayne Johnson made one of the most talked-about fashion statements of the night at the 2026 Met Gala—and he had a meaningful reason behind it.
The actor arrived on the red carpet on Monday, May 4, alongside his wife, Lauren Hashian, wearing a bold custom design by Thom Browne.
All About the Bold Look
The ensemble featured a black tailcoat, a bow tie, and a pleated skirt that immediately sparked conversation online and among attendees.
According to the designer, the look incorporated over 1,148 feet of hand-pleated silk ribbons arranged in a skeletal-style composition, blending high fashion with intricate craftsmanship, according to Variety.
But for Johnson, the outfit went beyond style—it carried personal and cultural significance.
“I feel great!” Johnson said when asked about the daring look.
He explained that when Browne’s team first approached him with the design, they checked to see if he’d be comfortable wearing a pleated skirt.
His response was rooted in his heritage.
“First, [Thom Browne’s team] sent the illustrations over and [asked], ‘Hey, is Deej going to be cool with this pleated skirt?’ And I was like, ‘Look, in our culture, Polynesian culture, we rock lavalavas, we rock skirts.’ The most masculine men, not that I’m one of them, but the most masculine men wear lavalavas and skirts.”
The reference to traditional Polynesian garments resonated with many fans, particularly those familiar with Pacific Islander customs.
Social media quickly filled with supportive comments highlighting the cultural context behind the look.
“So many people in these comments apart from Pacific Islanders have no idea about Polynesian culture! What he is wearing is called a ‘la Faitaga’ it’s our traditional attire!” one person wrote. “It’s equivalent to wearing a suit on special occasions… It’s a big part of our Samoan culture.”
Johnson Posted About the Look Prior to the Big Night
Before stepping onto the red carpet, Johnson had already teased the moment on Instagram, sharing his excitement about attending fashion’s biggest night.
“Meeting the man himself @thombrowne (and his amazing team) as we prepare for the biggest night in fashion THE MET GALA,” he wrote. “Lauren and I have been blessed and inspired to be a part of some very cool things—and this is one of coolest ever. We’re pumped to step out and have fun, and honored to rock Thom Browne all night with some edge, some mana—and vibe.”
Fans echoed that enthusiasm once the look was revealed.
“He looks so good,” one wrote, while another added, “King energy.” Others praised the couple together, with one comment reading, “They both look lovely.”
Johnson’s fashion choice also aligns with his broader message about redefining masculinity, according to Variety.
Earlier this year at CinemaCon, while promoting Disney’s live-action “Moana,” he spoke about what “real masculinity” means to him.
“The hero of our story is not a princess. She’s a warrior,” he said, referring to the film’s central character. “All men of all ages, we should empower and support and champion all women. That’s what real masculinity looks like.”
By blending cultural pride with high fashion, Johnson’s Met Gala appearance didn’t just turn heads—it sparked a broader conversation about identity, tradition, and how masculinity can be expressed in powerful, unexpected ways.
