ENDORA: March 2026 High Tea Edition
Fashion Is Art: A Guide to the 2026 Met Gala & Chicago’s Bridgerton-Era Summer
The March 2026 issue of Endora has arrived, and it is a love letter to the power of craft. From the hallowed halls of the Met Museum to the most elegant tea rooms in Chicago, we are embracing a season where fashion isn’t just something you wear—it’s the story you tell.
The 2026 Met Gala: "Fashion Is Art"
The fashion world is buzzing following the announcement of this year's Met Gala theme: "Fashion Is Art." Taking place on May 4th, 2026, the exhibition will pay respect to the ethos of costume art and the human body.
This year’s host committee features a powerhouse lineup of icons who have redefined the intersection of mind, body, and success:
Beyoncé
Nicole Kidman
Venus Williams
Anna Wintour
Expect the red carpet to be a gallery of living masterpieces as guests interpret the human form through the lens of high-concept couture.
Spotlight on The Designer: Lydia Endora
At the heart of this movement is Lydia Endora, a multifaceted creative, fashion designer, and costumemaker. Through her business, Alterations by Lydia Endora, she has built a reputation for technical mastery and imaginative storytelling.
"In a fashion world often driven by speed, Lydia Endora represents something enduring: the power of craft and the beauty that emerges when imagination meets the discipline of making."
Whether she is tailoring a classic garment or constructing a custom avant-garde piece, Endora advocates for a deeper appreciation of the labor and skill behind every stitch. For those looking to embody the "Fashion Is Art" ethos, Endora’s work is the gold standard.
The Summer of "Tea and Dancing"
The Bridgerton effect is in full swing, bringing back a sense of whimsy and yearning to our social calendars. This summer is all about the "daytime fete"—an excuse to gather your girls, don your best ballroom dresses, and indulge in the lost art of the dance card.
Where to Experience the Best Chicago Teatime
If you’re looking to sneak into the "first ball of the season," Chicago offers some of the most decadent tea services in the country. Perfect for gossip and glamour, here are our top picks:
Afternoon Tea at Warwick Allerton: For a classic, historic feel.
Afternoon Tea at The Langham: The height of modern elegance.
Palm Court High Tea at The Drake: A Chicago staple for "diamonds and pearls" attire.
Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula: Refined luxury for the true "Diamond of the Season."
How to Dress the Part
Whether you are attending a Met Gala viewing party or a ballroom fete, the look is clear: more is more. * The Hair:Towering updos adorned with silk roses.
The Accessories: Masquerade masks, lace fans, and opera gloves.
The Gown: Think floral brocades, layered tulle in pastels (lavender and sky blue), and structured corsetry.
