The Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City was transformed into a runway of global influence on Thursday night, April 23, 2026. The annual TIME100 Gala , celebrating the world's most influential figures, delivered a red carpet for the history books.
From K-pop royalty to Hollywood icons, the evening was a masterclass in high-fashion storytelling, where every silhouette spoke of power, impact, and a bold new era of style.
Blackpink's Jennie, the only K-pop artist named to this year's prestigious list, was undoubtedly the woman of the hour. She made a daring entrance in a structured Schiaparelli couture gown that redefined 'party chic.' The dress featured a corset-style bodice with a dramatic cutout neckline, seamlessly blending into a luxurious velvet skirt. A sheer panel at the hip line subtly highlighted her silhouette, while oversized gold earrings added a touch of surrealism. Having recently topped the Billboard charts with her 'Dracula' remix, Jennie's presence was a powerful reminder of her reign as a global 'Titan' of culture.
Hollywood's Dakota Johnson leaned into a more cinematic aesthetic, wearing a silver-grey Valentino gown from the Fall/Winter 2026 collection. The strapless column dress was paired with a matching floor-length cape, secured at the neck with an intricate, silver-embellished collar—a look that felt both regal and modern.
Meanwhile, Hailey Bieber chose to stick to her signature 'sultry-minimalist' vibe. Clad in a custom, see-through lace gown by Saint Laurent, she balanced romantic floral detailing with a sharp, modern edge. The custom lilac-hued piece, featuring delicate spaghetti straps and a structured scalloped hem, was instantly hailed by stylists as one of the night's most talkable moments.
Beyond the fashion, the gala was a celebratory reunion of the year's icons. Zoe Saldaña channeled demure elegance in a one-shoulder Givenchy midi dress with silver lace embroidery, while Anok Yai turned heads in a petroleum-crocodile leather dress from Ashi Studio. The event, which also featured luminaries like Nita Ambani, MrBeast, and Rauw Alejandro, served as a vibrant conclusion to TIME's 2026 influence week. As the stars mingled inside Frederick P. Rose Hall, the message was clear: in 2026, fashion is the loudest way to signal a global impact.