After coming off a whirlwind press tour for the biopic Michael, Jaafar Jackson—the singer and actor who portrays his moonwalking, single-gloved uncle in the film—is heading from one media frenzy straight into another: the 2026 Met Gala.
“It was a bit last-minute for me, given everything going on with Michael, so I wasn’t able to start from scratch,” the 29-year-old said. “But I wanted to approach it in a way that felt not just visually striking, but intentional. With Ralph Lauren and [stylist] Ilaria Urbinati involved, the conversation was about blending timeless elegance with something that pushes the narrative forward. We focused on selecting a look that subtly honors the theme while still feeling effortless and true to my identity.”
For the occasion, Jackson chose look 28 from the brand’s buzzy fall 2026 show, featuring a velvet blazer and contrast taping inspired by English sporting culture, a classic waistcoat, a pleated tuxedo shirt and bowtie, and high-waisted trousers. “Ralph Lauren has this ability to make something feel powerful without overcomplicating it,” the actor said. “The tailoring, the fabric, the way everything moves—it all felt very specific. It didn’t feel like I was wearing a costume.”
Despite the abridged timeline, Jackson was able to work directly with the iconic American brand, which was itself a highlight of the process. “Honestly, the collaboration was my favorite part,” he said. “Sitting with the Ralph Lauren team and refining every detail—it felt very personal. Nothing was rushed. Every decision had intention behind it, from the cut to the smallest finishing touches.”
The process had the added effect of helping to calm Jackson’s nerves as he prepared for fashion’s biggest night. “Being in a room where everyone is interpreting the same theme in completely different ways is exciting to me,” he said. And while he wanted to make sure to honor the night’s dress code, “Fashion Is Art,” his Ralph Lauren look is, in part, a way to make him feel grounded during a chaotic moment. It’s also a chance to reveal a different side of himself after portraying one of the world’s most famous performers. “What excited me most,” he said, “was the opportunity to show up as myself, but elevated.”