Lena Dunham Returns to Met Gala After 7 Years, Wears Valentino Inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi

In 2026, Lena Dunham returned to the Met Gala red carpet after a seven-year hiatus, participating as a member of the host committee. She donned a bespoke Valentino gown crafted by Alessandro Michele, drawing inspiration from Artemisia Gentileschi's 1620 artwork 'Judith Slaying Holofernes.' Previously, Dunham, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, attended the gala in 2017 during her recovery from endometriosis surgery and in 2018 while in rehab. Her memoir, 'Famesick,' details these experiences, including her return to treatment with her gold Elizabeth Kennedy gown. For the 2026 event, Dunham reached out to Michele with a fan letter, emphasizing the blood spatter motif from the painting, resulting in an asymmetrical red silk georgette gown adorned with sequins and crow's feathers. They first met at the 2019 Met Gala, where Michele was seen with a 3D-printed head of Jared Leto.