A beautiful display of elegance and poise at New York City Ballet’s 2026 Spring Gala. The evening’s performance opened with a premiere of Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole in D Minor, as choreographed by Principal Dancer Tiler Peck. Joining the NYCB orchestra for this event was world-renowned violinist Hilary Hahn, supporting a cast of over 30 dancers. A special presentation took place between ballets from the honorary chair of the evening, Mick Jagger (and surprise guest Jimmy Fallon). Then, the second and final ballet of the night was George Balanchine’s “Diamonds”, a 30-minute grand finale for Balanchine’s “Jewels”, set to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3, presented in celebration of its upcoming diamond anniversary in 2027.

The David H. Koch Theatre in Lincoln Center was bursting with beautiful ensembles, the pre-gala red carpet embodying the essence of spring with every look. There were many big names in attendance, all stunning for this evening’s celebration, so let’s look at some red-carpet highlights.

Hilary Hahn and Tiler Peck 

Hahn and Peck are stunning on the red carpet before the performances, both beautifully dressed for spring. Hahn was an accompanying violinist for the evening, performing with the orchestra. Peck choreographed the first ballet of the evening and her second ballet with NYCB, getting to watch the fruits of her labour from the audience in a beautiful red Dolce & Gabbana gown.

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Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick

Honorary Chair and Event co-Chair, Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick (respectively), walked the red carpet together. Hamrick wore the most stunning ombré metallic gown by Jenny Packham. Jagger wore matching navy pants and a shirt, topped with a black blazer with some fun white lace trim along the hem, sleeves, and lapel.

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Norman Reedus and Diane Kruger

Actor and actress couple Norman Reedus and Diane Kruger are serving polar opposite energies. Reedus wears a sleek full black suit, while Kruger wears a feathery spring extravaganza. Her outfit is from Erdem’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, rocking look 34 from the runway at London Fashion Week in February.

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Emmy Rossum

Actress and singer Emmy Rossum wore a beautifully glittering Julie de Libran couture sequin gown with a small leather flower at the bust. This sparkling dress only rivals Melanie Hamrick’s.

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Hari Nef

Actress and model Hari Nef wore this beautiful cream balloon gown from couturier Miss Claire Sullivan. It may be a basic piece, but it expertly contrasts the tight silhouettes that you expect to see at the ballet.

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Fran Drescher

Actress and NYCB host committee member for the evening, Fran Drescher, wore a beautifully fitted black lace gown radiating elegance head-to-toe.

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Ashley Graham

Model and another member of the NYCB host committee, Ashley Graham, stood out vibrantly in a custom bright orange Jason Wu gown, embodying the vivid beauty of spring.

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Afiya Bennett

Model Afiya Bennett wore this incredible gown by Rahul Mishra. The structured top resembles a flower, and she is absolutely blooming. This was by far one of the best looks of the night, in our humble opinion.

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Jean Shafiroff

Philanthropist and author Jean Shafiroff showed up and showed out for the Spring Gala. This absolutely stunning pastel Ese Azénabor gown screams spring, securing her spot in our hearts as best dressed for the evening.