BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The runway belonged to everyone Sunday night at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, where the 2026 People’s Ball turned Grand Army Plaza into a celebration of style, imagination and public expression.
Held May 3 on the eve of the Met Gala, the free event offered Brooklyn’s answer to gala culture: open doors, a public runway and a room full of New Yorkers dressed on their own terms.
Inside the library’s iconic lobby, “The People’s Ball” and “A Runway for All” set the tone. Participants walked, posed and performed across the runway as the crowd cheered, phones rose into the air and photographers worked from the edges of the room.
For Corrie M., known as @saynotoscrunchies and the 2025 NYCC Crown Champion, the night captured what makes the event different.
“This was my first time attending The People’s Ball, and I loved it. It really is the antithesis to the Met Gala. Everyone had the opportunity to walk the runway and showcase their creativity and style. It was a real community event with everyone cheering each other on.”
— Corrie M. (@saynotoscrunchies)
The fashion ranged from elegant to theatrical, handmade to sculptural, playful to political. Corrie arrived in an elaborate mushroom-inspired gown, one of the night’s standout looks.
“I was a little worried showing up in a very costumey mushroom gown. The overall vibe was joyful and celebratory. It felt like a cosplay runway event for people that don’t know they love cosplay yet.”
— Corrie M. (@saynotoscrunchies)
Corrie said one of the most memorable parts of the night was the range of people who took part.
“I was most struck by the diversity in age of the attendees. The age range was 4 to 84.”
— Corrie M. (@saynotoscrunchies)
The evening also connected Brooklyn’s public runway to a larger fashion legacy. The 2026 People’s Ball honored Bethann Hardison, June Ambrose and Patricia Michaels, three figures whose work has shaped American fashion, representation and style. Souleo, who co-curated the event, helped guide the night’s mix of ceremony, fashion and community celebration.
Melba Moore, the legendary Tony Award winner and three-time Grammy nominee, brought star power to the stage in a bright yellow look, while DJ Fritzo kept the room moving.
At its best, the People’s Ball showed what public culture can look like when the invitation is wide open. It was stylish, joyful and unmistakably Brooklyn — a runway built not for exclusivity, but for everyone willing to step forward.
More From Brooklyn’s 2026 People’s Ball
Runway looks, portraits, atmosphere and stage moments from the free public fashion celebration at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, Grand Army Plaza.
