The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, dazzled attendees with its theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrating the cultural influence of Black dandyism. This year's event raised a record-breaking $31 million, surpassing last year's total of $26 million, marking the first time the gala crossed the $30 million threshold.
The gala's dress code, "Tailored For You," invited guests to explore classic menswear silhouettes while allowing room for creative expression. Co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Vogue's Anna Wintour led the event, with Wintour, unfortunately, missing the gala due to a knee injury. This year also marked the first Met show to focus exclusively on Black designers and the first in over two decades to highlight menswear.
Among the standout arrivals was Rihanna, who revealed she is expecting her third child while gracing the blue carpet. Cardi B and Halle Berry walked side by side, showcasing their unique styles, while Kim Kardashian, a regular at the gala, posed for photos, adding her signature flair to the event. New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara also made an appearance, along with fashion designer Stella McCartney and singer Mary J. Blige, both of whom walked the blue carpet together.
Other notable attendees included Lizzo, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Usher with his wife Jennifer Goicoechea Raymond, and actor Jeff Goldblum. Alicia Keys, a New York City native, also attended, alongside Gayle King, Colin Kaepernick with Nessa Diab, and A$AP Rocky, who confirmed he and Rihanna are expecting their third child.
As the night unfolded, fashion experts noted the significance of Black dandyism, which emphasizes style as a means of expression and identity. Complex Editor-in-Chief Aria Hughes explained, "It's really someone who is dedicated to dress, like they see dress as a discipline... it shows up in tailored clothes, but... it's become more casual and... more free and fluid." This year's theme drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity," which explores the historical context of Black fashion.
As guests mingled and posed for photos, many showcased their interpretations of the theme through their stunning outfits. Colman Domingo made a statement in a grand blue cape inspired by a church choir robe, later revealing a custom Valentino ensemble reminiscent of 1940s zoot suits. Pharrell Williams donned a double-breasted jacket embellished with pearls, emphasizing the dandyism theme while accessorizing with Tiffany & Co.'s "Coronation" ring.
Other fashion highlights included Kerry Washington's custom Jonathan Simkhai look, which featured a sheer A-line skirt topped with a tailored jacket. Sadie Sink turned heads in a Prada gown crafted from black tec satin, while La La Anthony embraced the masculine-feminine vibe with a structured tulle gown over tailored tuxedo pants.
Zendaya, a perennial Met Gala favorite, arrived in a sharp cream suit, while Zoe Saldaña stunned in a black-and-white tuxedo gown that required 10,000 hours of handwork and 2.7 million white bugle beads. Diana Ross, attending the gala for the first time since 2003, made a grand entrance in a bejeweled gown with an 18-foot-long train, accompanied by her son Evan Ross.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny brought a playful Puerto Rican twist to the evening, donning a custom espresso brown suit by Prada, while Sabrina Carpenter wowed in a merlot pinstripe bodysuit and cropped blazer. Cynthia Erivo's floral-embellished dress and Mindy Kaling's power suit-dress also garnered attention, showcasing the diverse interpretations of the theme.
As the night progressed, the gala's atmosphere buzzed with excitement, creativity, and a shared appreciation for fashion. The combination of celebrity glamour and cultural significance made the 2025 Met Gala a night to remember, where the past and present of Black style were celebrated in spectacular fashion.
With the Met Gala's storied history dating back to 1948, this year's event continued to push boundaries, offering a platform for artists and designers to express their identities through fashion. As the stars ascended the iconic Met steps, they not only showcased their individual styles but also honored the rich legacy of Black dandyism and its impact on contemporary fashion.
