Full Breakdown
Dwayne Johnson’s Met Gala Debut: A Skirt, a Billion-Dollar Watch, and a Cultural Statement
5/5/2026, 12:38:57 PM
The Historic Appearance
On May 4, 2026, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson attended the Met Gala at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for his first appearance. The theme, “Costume Art,” was co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour. Johnson arrived with wife Lauren Hashian in a custom black mohair tailcoat, white vest, bow tie and matching pleated skirt by Thom Browne, featuring a spinal-cord-like ribbon back and a Jacob & Co. “Billionaire III” watch.
Cultural Inspiration and Masculinity
Johnson said the skirt honors his Polynesian heritage, where “the most masculine men wear lavalavas and skirts.” He linked the garment to his view of masculinity, expressed at CinemaCon 2026 as empowering women and portraying heroines as warriors rather than princesses. By wearing a traditional-style skirt on a global stage, he aimed to broaden visual ideas of strength and celebrate his culture.
Design Details and Statistics
The tailcoat’s back was sewn from over 350 meters of hand-pleated silk ribbons, a “skeletal composition” that required 50 artisans and more than 2,000 hours. The matching skirt mirrored the coat’s cut. Johnson’s Jacob & Co. “Billionaire III” watch measured 54 mm, held 714 white diamonds totaling 129.61 carats, and has been reported at $3.3 million in some outlets and $3.5 million in others. He also wore black-rimmed glasses, a brooch and a white vest.
Official Statements and Responses
Johnson said the skirt reflects Polynesian tradition and expressed enthusiasm for the look. Stylist Ilaria Urbinati noted she had long awaited his Met debut and praised the collaboration with Thom Browne for its craftsmanship. Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co., called the “Billionaire III” watch a crown-jewel piece that underscores the wearer’s presence. The Met Institute’s press release described the “Costume Art” theme as an exploration of how fashion articulates human body across life stages.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources disagree on the watch’s price: GQ lists $3.5 million, People reports $3.3 million, and other outlets repeat $3.5 million, with no official confirmation from Jacob & Co. The exact number of silk ribbons remains unspecified despite the “over 350 meters” description. All articles have reliability scores around 41 %, indicating limited verification and leaving open questions about precise costs and production details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The most masculine men, not that I’m one of them, but the most masculine men wear lavalavas and skirts.” — Dwayne Johnson, actor (Met Gala interview)
- “I feel great!” — Dwayne Johnson, actor (Met Gala interview)
- “Collaborating with Thom Browne felt like a natural choice—no one approaches the Met with quite that level of craftsmanship and originality.” — Ilaria Urbinati, stylist (GQ interview)
- “The Billionaire III is the crown jewel of Jacob & Co., a true masterpiece, created for those who command presence at the highest level. Seeing it on Dwayne tonight is a powerful expression of what we do best.” — Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co. (press release)
