2026 Met Gala dress code; you can now prove you found an artist first; meet the next generation of standout designers; and more
Welcome Digest [2.23.26]
Welcome To February 23rd
Today’s Important Headlines
2026 Met Gala dress code dropped: “Fashion Is Art”
The dress code for the Met Gala has been unveiled as “Fashion Is Art,” continuing the trend of increasingly broad themes in recent years. While the framing feels overly broad, it gives attendees wide creative freedom and could encourage more experimental, boundary-pushing looks rather than overly literal interpretations. The 2026 gala will be co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.
This app lets you prove you found an artist first
A new app called Scene Data is tracking real time monthly listener growth and loss for more than 300 underground artists including Pz, skaiwater, 2slimey, and more. The platform functions like a prediction market without gambling, letting users “buy” artists by timestamping their stats and generating proof cards as their numbers rise to prove you found an artist before they blew up. Essentially the final evolution of screenshotting an artist’s monthly listeners.
Meet this year’s standout class of new designers from Central Saint Martens
Central Saint Martins opened London Fashion Week with its autumn winter 2026 MA showcase, a launchpad that has historically produced designers like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. This year’s graduating class includes Arielle Uno, Finnerty Mackay, Grey Buscemi, Maxina Brewer, Jaeyoung Bae, Gemma Dolan, Oli Clarke, and Mé Mé Yin, with collections exploring addiction, glitch feminism, and post-industrial romanticism. The show remains one of the most closely watched scouting moments on the global fashion calendar.
Denzel Curry formed a rap supergroup, album otw
Denzel Curry has announced Strictly 4 The Scythe, a new album from his collective The Scythe, set to release March 6, 2026. The group includes Curry alongside 6 others, most notably including A$AP Ferg, Bk the Rula, and LAZER DIM 700, with production from Working on Dying. The eight-track project features additional appearances from Juicy J, Smino, 454, and Rich The Kid.
New Evangelion anime series announced
With a teaser premiering at the 30th anniversary celebration of Neon Genesis Evangelion, a new Evangelion anime series has officially been announced, to the public’s disbelief. The series will be directed by Yoko Taro, the legendary creator of NieR: Automata, with music composed by the game’s celebrated composer. Fans are ecstatic that someone like Taro, whose work explores dark existential philosophy, will be taking the helm.
See the best hand-painted helmets of the Olympics
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, many skeleton athletes are racing in custom airbrushed helmets that have become one of the most striking visuals of the Games. In a sport where athletes’ faces are covered and barely visible at 80 mph, the helmet has become the primary canvas for identity, with designs ranging from Venom-inspired graphics to national symbols and personal emblems.
Headline curation and words by Mikail Haroon (@mvkail)
Moodboard 036
Today’s inspiration supplement. Click through to view.
From The Archive
An extra piece of content from the Welcome Archive for Magazine subscribers only.
Men In Heels by Pietro d’Azzo (2025)
The studio photo series showcases men wearing traditionally feminine high heels across different styles including slingbacks, platform pumps, and stilettos.
Each image is tightly cropped from the calf down, focusing on posture and the physical tension created by the shoes.
