Here's the best street style we spotted at the New York City Ballet's Spring Gala 2026

Joi-Marie McKenzie Business 08 May, 2026 Americas

The New York City Ballet hosted its annual Spring Gala at Lincoln Center. Art lovers, philanthropist's, and celebrities were all in attendance.

NYC Ballet Gala fashion — The New York City Ballet was held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater.
Rebecca Smeyne for BI

"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.