New York City Ballet’s Spring Gala: Best Street Style, Status Symbols

“This is the real Met Gala.”

I was at the New York City Ballet’s 2026 Spring Gala inside the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, sharing a cocktail table with two other art lovers and fashion enthusiasts.

It was a fair assessment, considering that over the decades, this event has transformed from an arts fundraiser to a fixture on the New York City social calendar.

Ballet, here, is not just a performance. It’s a gathering of philanthropists, celebrities, artists, and even tech founders, as former ballerina turned the founder of Mirror, Brynn Putnam, was one of the gala’s chairs. She was joined by honorary chair Mick Jagger and members of a host committee, including Stephen Colbert, Claire Danes, Ashley Graham, Nicole Ari Parker, and Christian Siriano.

Around the room, Business Insider spotted looks that were deserving of their own curtain call. Take a look.

Yellow is very now

Diamonds are forever

Peachy keen looks

It’s the shades

Yes, we’re blushing too

Chic florals

A flower in bloom

Monogrammed perfection

A couple that slays together

Bustles are back

How to make black interesting

Flowers in the spring

Come for the green, stay for the Chanel

The case for orange