The 2025 Met Gala showcased an extravagant display of fashion and cultural significance, with celebrities donning stunning outfits that celebrated Black identity and style. This year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," emphasized the importance of tailoring in expressing cultural heritage, as well as the evolution of dandyism in fashion.
Among the notable attendees was rapper Doechii, who made headlines not just for her fashion but also for her interaction with her team before the event. A clip surfaced on social media showing Doechii demanding multiple umbrellas to shield her look from the prying eyes of fans and paparazzi. "I need four f*** umbrellas, because they're gonna try to stick their f*** cameras in here," she was heard saying in the video, which sparked criticism about her treatment of her team.
In response to the backlash, Doechii took to TikTok, lightheartedly addressing the situation with a video set to the Commodores' song "Easy." She wrote, "God forbid a girl needs more umbrellas," and added in the caption, "This was the night we all dreamed of and my team killed it (umbrellas aside)." She expressed her excitement about the gala, stating, "We've been dreaming about this Met for a long time and the theme this year is in such alignment with who I am and what I stand for."
The Met Gala, held on May 5, 2025, was not just a fashion show but a cultural event that generated significant media impact, with last year’s gala valued at USD 1.6 billion through digital press and social media engagement. The event’s dress code, "Tailored for You," paid homage to menswear traditions while allowing attendees to reinterpret tailoring through a personal lens.
This year’s gala featured a range of fashion statements, with celebrities embracing the theme in unique ways. Teyana Taylor’s look, co-created with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, epitomized the theme and dress code. Her ensemble, adorned with the phrase "Harlem Rose" referencing her song, celebrated her roots in burlesque and music.
Rihanna also made a striking impression, wearing a Cartier high jewellery masterpiece that included an 18k white gold sautoir necklace featuring a mesmerizing 10.36-carat pear-shaped diamond. The design ingeniously integrated a detachable watch, allowing for versatility in styling. Halle Berry debuted a new high jewellery set from Cartier, while Anna Sawai showcased a Cartier Baignoire Bangle paired with a Dior suit.
Zendaya turned heads in a custom Louis Vuitton zoot suit, styled with a Serpenti brooch cleverly pinned at the back. Lupita Nyong'o’s baby blue Chanel suit demonstrated refined tailoring, while Demi Moore’s surrealist dress by Thom Browne resembled a gigantic necktie, showcasing the playful side of dandyism.
In addition to the fashion, the gala served as a platform for luxury watchmakers and jewellery houses to unveil their latest designs. Priyanka Chopra wore Bvlgari’s Magnus Emerald necklace, featuring a stunning 241.06-carat emerald, while Colman Domingo dazzled in a constellation of high jewellery pieces that highlighted the evening’s elegance.
The Met Gala also sparked discussions about cultural representation and identity. Critiques of the event noted that while attendees wore outfits inspired by Black culture, many conversations surrounding race were glossed over in favor of focusing solely on the tailoring aspect of their looks.
As the night unfolded, attendees like Diljit Dosanjh and S.Coups of SEVENTEEN proudly wore outfits that reflected their heritage, showcasing Sikh and Korean roots through tailored designs. This blending of cultural identity and high fashion underscored the evening’s theme, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity within the fashion industry.
As the stars exited the Met Gala, many were seen returning to their everyday lives, with Gigi Hadid spotted in a casual yet stylish outfit just days after the event. Hadid had made a statement on the red carpet in a dazzling gold Miu Miu gown, styled as a tribute to iconic Black designer Zelda Wynn Valdes. Her quick transition back to casual wear demonstrated the balance between glamour and everyday style.
The Met Gala continues to be a pivotal moment in the fashion calendar, merging high fashion with cultural commentary. As celebrities like Usher and Gigi Hadid navigate their post-gala lives, the impact of the Met Gala resonates far beyond the red carpet, influencing fashion trends and discussions around identity for years to come.
