TIME100 Gala 2026: Jennie, Keke Palmer & More Red Carpet Looks You Simply Can't Miss

The TIME100 Gala 2026 lit up New York City on 24 April, bringing together some of the most influential figures from entertainment, culture, business, and activism.

Hosted by TIME magazine, the annual celebration honours the TIME100 list. It's a definitive roll call of individuals shaping global conversations and redefining their industries in real time.

But beyond the prestige and powerful speeches, it's the atmosphere on the ground that truly captures attention. Its red carpet has evolved into one of fashion's most closely watched stages of the year, where every arrival feels like a statement moment.

Jennie Kim

Jennie from BLACKPINK made one of the most talked-about appearances of the night, thanks to her stunning look. As the only reported K-pop guest at the TIME100 Gala 2026, her arrival immediately stood out.

There was a quiet confidence to Jennie's red carpet presence—never overstated, yet always unmistakably intentional.

Her avant-garde ensemble featured a sculptural, strapless corset with a semi-translucent finish and a distinctive deep U neckline. The bodice was paired with a long black velvet skirt, separated by a sheer mesh midriff panel that created a striking naked illusion.

A thin black leather belt with a gold buckle sat low on the hips to anchor the silhouette. Meanwhile, statement teardrop crystal earrings and a sleek architectural updo provided a polished, high-fashion finish.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer's look played with texture in a way that instantly drew the eye. The singer-actress' outfit was anchored by a structured black satin corset with a scoop neckline and visible boning that gave the silhouette a sculpted, almost architectural feel.

From there, the outfit shifted into a dramatic textured maxi skirt, seemingly crafted from plush patterned faux fur or a sheared material. A delicate lace-trimmed slit broke up the volume just enough.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne leaned fully into a retro-glam mood. She wore a copper-toned maxi dress with a deep plunging neckline that immediately set a bold tone. Beneath it, a contrasting charcoal-glitter bralette peeked through.

She finished the look with sheer black tights and velvet Mary Jane heels, while her voluminous curly red hair added a final hit of rock-and-roll decadence.

La La Anthony

La La Anthony, meanwhile, opted for a string-detailed design that added movement and visual intrigue under the gala lighting. The look unfolded like a masterclass in high-glamour motion, centred on a champagne-gold gown constructed almost entirely from shimmering metallic fringe.

A structured, sheer-paneled corset bodice anchored the silhouette, while asymmetrical draped fringe across the chest connected seamlessly into a choker-style neck accessory.

Maura Higgins

TV personality Maura Higgins delivered a quintessential Old Hollywood moment reimagined through a modern, high-shine lens.

The floor-length strapless gown was fully saturated in micro-crystals. The silhouette was shaped by a structured corset top with a pointed sweetheart neckline and cone-shaped bust details that gave it a vintage, mid-century feel.

Anok Yaiv

Anok Yai took things in a completely architectural direction when she appeared in a hyper-structured ensemble.

The model's strapless dress was crafted from a deep olive-green crocodile-embossed material, moulded into an exaggerated hourglass silhouette with rounded volume at the bust and hips. The proportions felt almost surreal, narrowing sharply at the waist before flaring into a knee-length hem with a subtle train.

What Is TIME100 Gala?

This annual event celebrates the individuals featured on the TIME100 list, recognising the world's most influential people across entertainment, politics, business, science, and culture. It's the kind of global gathering where you'll see figures from completely different worlds in the same room, all being acknowledged for shaping the year in their own way.

Rather than feeling like a traditional awards show, the focus stays firmly on recognition and impact. Honourees are celebrated through speeches, tributes, and appearances that highlight influence.

And without the pressure of 'best dressed' rankings or category wins, guests often lean into personal expression in a more relaxed way.

Personal Style on Display

Red carpet fashion continues to matter because it captures style at its most visible and expressive. These are not just outfits for a single evening. They often influence broader fashion trends, filter into high-street interpretations, and set the tone for seasonal styling ideas.

There's also something inherently relatable about watching how different personalities interpret formal dressing. You might find yourself recognising elements you would never normally combine, yet somehow they work in context. That's the appeal—seeing how creativity plays out in real time, under pressure, in front of millions.

The TIME100 Gala 2026 once again proved that red carpet fashion is less about perfection and more about presence. Whether through texture, colour, structure, or sheer confidence, each look contributed to a broader visual story that went beyond the event itself.

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