The Met Gala arrives, as it always does, at an hour that feels personally offensive to the UK. It's the early hours of the morning, alarms are set with optimism, and we're all blinking into our phones, tea in hand, ready to judge couture with the authority of Anna Wintour. And stealing the spotlight this year comes Sabrina Carpenter with a beauty look we're crowning the best yet!

Now, Sabrina did not, let's be clear, take the scissors to her signature lengths. No dramatic chop, no hairdresser-induced heartbreak. Instead, she served something far less impulsive, but way more clever: hair illusion. Stepping out onto the blue carpet, the singer debuted a 1950s pin curl bob so convincing it almost fooled me... Shame, I'm eagle-eyed, hey Sab.

The style is pure Marilyn retro!

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Dimitrios Kambouris//Getty Images

To create the look, the genius behind the style – Sabrina's longtime hairstylist, Evanie Frausto – coaxed her long golden lengths into rolled curls and tucked and pinned them into place with what we can only imagine were hundreds of pins.

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Michael Buckner//Getty Images

Not to mention the jewelled circlet, reminiscent of a 1920s flapper headband. The shimmering tendrils are almost like a bejewelled fringe, framing her face with equal parts ease and glamour.

While there's no doubt that this shoulder-skimming bob nails the Met Gala's 'Fashion is Art' theme, it's also proof that sometimes, the masterpiece is all smoke, mirrors and a very good can of hairspray.

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Headshot of Lia Mappoura
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.