Paige Bueckers is used to suiting up for major events, but not usually in a bespoke Coach tuxedo. At last night’s Met Gala, the WNBA All-Star and Coach ambassador took to the red carpet in a three-piece tuxedo, custom-designed by Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers.

With loosely cut fabric and a draping silhouette, the look was inspired by the mid-20th-century tailoring Coach showcased in its Fall 2026 collection. The Gala’s theme, “Costume Art,” was reflected in the splotches of paint applied organically across the black wool-and-satin blazer, long-cut trousers, and Tabby 20 handbag. To highlight the brushstrokes, Vevers adorned the paint with embroidered beads, sequins, and Swarovski crystals. On the right sleeve, Bueckers’ jersey number, five, was embroidered in purple thread.

“This is my first time at the Met Gala, and it’s such an honor to be invited, especially to be here with Stuart and the incredible team at Coach, who dressed me
tonight,” said Bueckers. “They’ve been amazing collaborators, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the process with my look; the artists, the team, and the
courage it takes to bring a vision to life.”

Where other pieces reflected a finished artwork, Bueckers’ look represented the process of making art. It embodied the natural beauty of messiness inherent in working with paint.

“I thought about the theme through the idea of making — especially making in New York, which feels very true to Coach,” said Vevers. “It’s about the work behind the work: the craft, the process, the people who shape it. This was a chance to bring that forward.”

This was the shared vision of Bueckers and Vevers, who worked closely throughout the process of creating the look. To bring that vision to life, Coach hired a team of NYC artisans. The resulting product was a perfect unification of Bueckers’ love for refined tailoring with an artistic and immaculately colorful zing.