In a night that celebrated the intersection of fashion and culture, the 2025 Met Gala showcased the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," honoring the rich tradition of Black Dandyism. Yet, amidst the glamour and creativity, controversy erupted as former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly took to her podcast to criticize the event and its theme.
Kelly, known for her provocative statements, labeled the gala's theme as "leftist, academic gobbledygook" and accused it of being a mere act of pandering. Her remarks came as celebrities like Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna graced the red carpet, embodying the essence of Black Dandyism—a cultural movement that celebrates elegance, resistance, and self-expression through fashion.
The Met Gala, held annually to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, has become synonymous with high fashion and cultural significance. This year's event raised an impressive $31 million, making it the most successful fundraiser in the institution's history. The funds are crucial for maintaining the museum's extensive collections, which require specialized care.
Kelly's comments were met with backlash, as many pointed out the significance of Black Dandyism in reclaiming fashion spaces historically dominated by exclusion. The gala's theme was not just a celebration of style but a recognition of the creativity and ingenuity of Black individuals in fashion. Michael Henry Adams, a cultural historian featured in the exhibit's catalog, emphasized the importance of this style tradition, stating, "The ingeniousness and ingenuity and creativity of Black people, so far as fashion was concerned, it’s always been with us."
As the night unfolded, attendees displayed a range of bold and artistic outfits, reflecting the theme's celebration of Black culture. The gala's dress code, "Tailored for You," encouraged guests to embrace personal style, leading to a vibrant display of individuality. Leonardo DiCaprio made a rare appearance at the gala, supporting his girlfriend, supermodel Vittoria Ceretti, who dazzled in a navy pinstripe Moncler x EE72 dress. This marked DiCaprio's first Met Gala, despite his history of avoiding the spotlight.
The event's exclusive guest list, curated by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, featured approximately 600 attendees, including notable figures such as Zendaya, Kamala Harris, and Rihanna. The selection process for the guest list remains a closely guarded secret, with speculation suggesting that attendees are chosen based on cultural relevance and recent achievements.
In the wake of the gala, a viral video falsely claimed that former President Donald Trump expressed outrage over being banned from the event, criticizing the presence of Kamala Harris. The video, which circulated online, was later debunked as a manipulated clip. A White House spokesperson labeled it "fake news," emphasizing that the original footage depicted Trump discussing American investments.
Despite the controversies surrounding the gala, the celebration of Black Dandyism continued to resonate. Experts and enthusiasts highlighted the importance of creativity and self-expression in fashion, emphasizing that dandyism is not confined to high couture but can be embraced in everyday life. Guy Wood, co-owner of Harlem Haberdashery, noted that confidence is key to embodying the dandy spirit, stating, "Fashion’s a sense of personality. Two guys can go to the same store and get the same outfit and look totally different."
The exhibit "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" opened to the public on May 10, 2025, and will run through October. It is the first menswear-focused exhibit to exclusively showcase Black designers, further solidifying the importance of representation in the fashion industry.
As discussions about the gala continue, many are left to ponder the role of fashion in societal narratives. The Met Gala serves as a platform not only for artistic expression but also for cultural dialogue, inviting guests and viewers alike to engage with the complexities of identity and representation.
Ultimately, the 2025 Met Gala was a testament to the power of fashion as a form of storytelling, challenging outdated notions and celebrating the beauty of diversity. As the conversation surrounding the event unfolds, one thing is clear: Black Dandyism is here to stay, and its influence on fashion will only continue to grow.
