Blake Lively's unique 2026 Met Gala purse features art by her 4 kids

Blake Lively's appearance at the 2026 Met Gala paid a heartfelt tribute to her four children.

The 38-year-old actress carried a purse featuring designs by her kids at Monday's fashion gala on May 4, hosted at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The theme was "Costume Art," with a dress code stating "Fashion is Art."

She made her entrance at the gala wearing a classic Atelier Versace dress from spring 2006, as reported by Vogue. 

Her halter gown included a bodice adorned with dazzling stones and a full, ruffled skirt, boasting spring hues like pink, yellow, and lilac. She accentuated her look with custom jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz.

Lively sported a personalized Judith Leiber clutch that displayed artwork by her four kids: James, 11, Inez, 9, Betty, 6, and Olin, 3, whom she shares with Ryan Reynolds.

"Initially, we considered featuring a renowned piece of art to frame. But then I thought, ‘Why not use my kids' artwork if it's custom?'" she explained to Vogue on the red carpet.

"Each of my children painted a small watercolor piece. Therefore, I carry them with me because I get a bit shy too, so having the kids close feels nice. Isn't that lovely?” she continued, humorously adding, "I could have fit them under my dress, honestly—I should have smuggled them in there."

Jana Matheson, the chief creative officer at Judith Leiber Couture, expressed to Vogue that working with Lively is delightful.

“Her fondness for glam and a bit of playfulness makes her an ideal client,” she remarked, noting, “This season’s handbag, featuring her children’s drawings, adds a personal touch. We used a new clutch shape featuring four panels, displaying each of her children's artworks.”

Just hours before the gala, it was disclosed that Lively settled her It Ends With Us lawsuit with Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, right before the trial’s scheduled start in two weeks.

Lively attended the Met Gala previously in 2022, where she co-hosted alongside Reynolds.