Marta Ortega unveils new Zara x John Galliano collaboration at Met Gala 2026. Marta Ortega and Carlos Torretta attended the 2026 Met Gala in New York. The new partnership between Zara and John Galliano was a highlight of the evening. The presence of the Inditex chairwoman underscores the brand's global ambitions.
At the 2026 Met Gala in New York, Marta Ortega, chairwoman of the Inditex board, drew the attention of guests and the press as she appeared on the red carpet with her husband Carlos Torretta. Unlike many guests who chose extravagant outfits, Ortega opted for elegance and confidence in her own brand: for the evening, she wore a navy blue satin gown, specially created for her by John Galliano as part of his new collaboration with Zara. The look was completed with a matching silk cape and Manolo Blahnik shoes.
A Symbol of Change for Zara
Her choice of outfit was not just a fashion statement, but a demonstration of the brand's strategic direction. The Met Gala became a platform for the public announcement of the partnership between Zara and John Galliano, highlighting the brand’s intent to move beyond fast fashion and establish itself in the haute couture segment. That evening, Stevie Nicks also made an appearance, embodying the new collaboration. For Ortega, participating in the Met Gala was not only a personal recognition but also an important step for Zara's image on the global stage.
Public Appearance and New Accents
Marta Ortega and Carlos Torretta's appearance on the Met Gala red carpet was a rare occurrence for the couple, who usually avoid publicity. However, it was this outing in New York, rather than at one of the many Spanish events, that proved significant for the brand. Being present at the Met Gala is seen as confirmation of Zara's status among the leading players in global fashion.
Strategy and Influence
Since Ortega was appointed head of Inditex, the company has consistently worked to reshape the Zara brand image. In recent years, new clothing lines focused on quality and exclusivity have been launched, along with collaborations with renowned designers. Through the MOP Foundation in La Coruña, the brand supports fashion photography exhibitions and develops a specialized library, strengthening Zara's status as a fashion house with big ambitions. The invitation to John Galliano to work on key collections became a logical extension of this strategy.
High-level contacts
Another notable episode was the visit of Anna Wintour, former editor-in-chief of American Vogue and a key figure in organizing the Met Gala, to the Inditex headquarters in Arteixo earlier this year. According to observers, this meeting may have played a role in the emergence of the new collaboration at the Met Gala. Such steps reinforce Zara’s position on the international stage and confirm that the Spanish brand is able to compete with leading fashion houses.
In the context of discussing the evening's main events, it should be noted that the 2026 Met Gala in New York became not only a venue for fashion experimentation, but also a platform for strategic alliances. As highlighted in the piece on the most talked-about looks of the evening, the event surprised with bold choices and new faces on the red carpet..
