Hailey Bieber sets the TIME100 Gala red carpet on fire in a daring silver lace gown—amid ongoing Justin Bieber marriage rumors, what is really going on?

The annual TIME100 Gala once again transformed New York City into a convergence point of global influence, where figures from entertainment, politics, business, and culture gathered to celebrate those shaping the modern world. Held at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the event honored the individuals featured on TIME’s 2026 list of the 100 most influential people, blending prestige with spectacle as the red carpet unfolded.

Among the most closely watched arrivals were Hailey Bieber and Dakota Johnson, who led the evening’s A-list presence. Both women embodied distinct interpretations of contemporary glamour, capturing attention not only for their fashion choices but also for their evolving roles within the cultural landscape. Their presence underscored the intersection of celebrity visibility and broader influence that the TIME100 list seeks to recognize.

Hailey Bieber appeared in a silver lace gown that combined delicacy with precision tailoring, its form-fitting silhouette reflecting a carefully curated public image that has become synonymous with her brand. The design, featuring thin straps and a subtle train, emphasized understated elegance while maintaining a degree of boldness. Her styling remained consistent with her established aesthetic: loose, natural waves and a restrained makeup palette that highlighted rather than transformed her features. In recent years, Bieber has refined this visual identity into a recognizable signature, one that aligns closely with her ventures in beauty and fashion.

Her appearance came shortly after a high-profile weekend supporting her husband, Justin Bieber, during his headline performances at Coachella. The shows, which reportedly generated significant revenue, also featured surprise appearances from major artists, reinforcing Justin Bieber’s continued relevance within the global music scene. Hailey’s visible support during the performances offered a counterpoint to recent online speculation surrounding their marriage, particularly after she publicly addressed criticism directed at their relationship. By attending the TIME100 Gala alone, however, she once again demonstrated her ability to command attention independently of her husband’s presence.

Dakota Johnson, meanwhile, arrived early in the evening in a light gray gown distinguished by a plunging neckline and an ornate cape adorned with vine-like jeweled embroidery. The look reflected her preference for classic silhouettes enhanced by subtle but distinctive detailing. Her styling—soft waves and her signature fringe—maintained continuity with her long-established red carpet persona, one that favors restraint over overt experimentation. As the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, Johnson’s relationship with Hollywood has been both inherited and self-defined, allowing her to navigate fame with a degree of familiarity.

Johnson’s inclusion on the 2026 TIME100 list further reflects the trajectory of her career, which has evolved significantly since her breakthrough role in the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise. While that series established her global recognition, her subsequent choices have demonstrated a deliberate shift toward more nuanced and varied roles. Her participation in the gala, including her interview conducted by Taylor Swift—named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2023—highlighted her position within a network of influential cultural figures.

The evening also brought together a diverse array of honorees and guests, each contributing to the event’s layered narrative. JENNIE, recognized for her transition from K-pop group success to a prominent solo career, appeared in a black strapless gown with a sheer bodice. Her interaction with Johnson, including shared laughter and a brief embrace, illustrated the increasingly global nature of contemporary celebrity culture, where artists from different industries and regions intersect.

As host of the evening, Nikki Glaser brought a distinct presence to the gala, her appearance in a flowing blue gown with a midriff cutout reflecting a balance between playfulness and sophistication. Known for her sharp comedic voice, Glaser’s inclusion on the TIME100 list as an innovator signals the growing recognition of comedy as a form of cultural influence, particularly in an era shaped by digital media and evolving audience expectations.

Elsewhere on the red carpet, Hilary Duff embodied a more traditional elegance in a pale yellow gown complemented by a sheer cloak. Her career, spanning from early television success to music and later projects, has undergone a gradual transformation that mirrors the broader shifts in celebrity longevity and reinvention. Her presence at the gala underscored her enduring relevance within the entertainment industry.

Zoe Saldaña, recognized among the year’s “titans,” opted for a black velvet gown with silver lace accents, a choice that aligned with her established red carpet aesthetic. With a career that includes major roles in globally successful franchises, Saldaña represents a form of influence rooted in both commercial success and cultural visibility. Her appearance reinforced the gala’s emphasis on individuals whose impact extends beyond traditional boundaries.

The event also highlighted long-standing partnerships within the industry. Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor appeared together in coordinated attire, reflecting a relationship that has endured within a notoriously unstable industry. Similarly, Claire Danes attended alongside Hugh Dancy, their presence offering a quieter counterpoint to the more attention-grabbing moments of the evening.

Among the more eclectic appearances was Natasha Lyonne, whose gold ensemble and recent public controversy added an additional layer of intrigue to her attendance. Her explanation regarding a recent incident—attributed to sleeping medication—illustrates the complex relationship between public perception and personal narrative that many celebrities must navigate.

Fashion remained a central theme throughout the evening, with attendees such as Kate Hudson embracing a more overtly dramatic aesthetic, while others opted for experimental or unconventional designs. Anok Yai’s crocodile-textured green ensemble exemplified this latter approach, demonstrating how the red carpet continues to function as a platform for creative expression.

The presence of figures beyond traditional entertainment further broadened the scope of the gala. MrBeast, representing the growing influence of digital creators, attended in a classic tuxedo, signaling the normalization of online personalities within elite cultural spaces. Similarly, athletes such as Chloe Kim highlighted the expanding definition of influence that TIME seeks to capture.

At its core, the TIME100 Gala serves as both a celebration and a reflection of contemporary power structures. The red carpet, while visually captivating, functions as an entry point into broader conversations about cultural impact, visibility, and legacy. The juxtaposition of established figures with emerging voices illustrates an ongoing shift in how influence is defined and recognized.

For Hailey Bieber, the evening represented more than a fashion moment. It marked her continued evolution from model to entrepreneur and public figure, navigating both admiration and scrutiny in equal measure. Her ability to maintain a consistent personal brand while adapting to changing expectations has positioned her as a figure of sustained relevance.

For Dakota Johnson, the gala reinforced her transition from franchise star to respected actress within a more selective and critically engaged sphere. Her presence among the TIME100 honorees reflects not only her professional achievements but also her capacity to shape conversations within the industry.

As the evening concluded, the TIME100 Gala once again demonstrated its unique role within the cultural calendar. It remains a space where visibility and influence intersect, where personal narratives converge with public recognition. Through its blend of celebration and symbolism, the event continues to offer insight into the individuals shaping the present moment, while hinting at the directions in which global culture may evolve.