Met Gala 2026 turned into more than just a showcase of high fashion when Dwayne Johnson made a powerful cultural statement on the red carpet. The Hollywood star drew attention not only for his bold outfit but also for his candid take on masculinity, making it clear he does not consider himself among the “most masculine” men. Speaking during his red carpet appearance, Johnson offered a deeper perspective rooted in his heritage.

“In our culture, Polynesian culture, we rock lavalavas and we rock skirts. The most masculine men, not that I'm one of them, but the most masculine men wear lavalavas and skirts,” he said at the Met Gala 2026 red carpet as per Variety, reframing the narrative around traditional menswear.

For the evening, Johnson wore a custom ensemble by Thom Browne, pairing a structured black mohair tailcoat with a pleated skirt layered over trousers. The look balanced classic tailoring with a modern silhouette, subtly challenging Western fashion norms while honoring Polynesian influences.

The intricate design elevated the outfit further, with the tailcoat featuring over 350 meters of hand-pleated silk ribbons arranged in what the designer described as a “skeletal composition.” Walking hand-in-hand with his wife, Lauren Hashian, Johnson exuded confidence, proving that fashion can be both expressive and culturally grounded.

That message about redefining masculinity did not begin at the Met, Johnson has been vocal about it long before stepping onto the iconic steps.

Dwayne Johnson on “Real Masculinity” during Moana promotions

Earlier this year at CinemaCon 2026, Dwayne Johnson shared a similar perspective about masculinity while promoting Moana. He emphasized that masculinity is not about dominance or appearance but about support, respect, and empowerment, especially toward women.

“The hero of our story is not a princess. She’s a warrior,” Johnson told a CinemaCon crowd, adding that his role as Maui is to guide and empower the titular heroine.

“All men of all ages, we should empower and support and champion all women. That’s what real masculinity looks like,” he added.

His remarks also highlighted a broader shift in how male characters are portrayed on screen, particularly in family-oriented storytelling. By positioning Maui as a supportive ally rather than the central hero, Johnson underscored the importance of men uplifting women’s narratives instead of overshadowing them.

From the Met Gala red carpet to global film stages, Dwayne Johnson continues to challenge outdated ideas of masculinity. By blending cultural pride with modern style and thoughtful messaging, he’s reshaping what strength and confidence look like in today’s world.

What do you think about Dwayne Johnson’s take on masculinity and his Met Gala look? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Karishma Dasgupta

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui