The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5, has sparked widespread discussion and debate, primarily centered around its theme of celebrating Black fashion and style. This year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," was inspired by professor Monica L. Miller's book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. As the event unfolded, it became clear that the gala was not just a showcase of fashion but also a platform for political and cultural expression.
Fashion critics and commentators, including J Wortham and Tyler Foggatt, engaged in discussions about the Gala's significance on the CBC podcast, Commotion. They analyzed how well the theme was interpreted by attendees and which stars made the most impactful statements on the blue carpet. The gala, often referred to as the Super Bowl of fashion, has a history of raising money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute since 1948, and this year was no exception.
However, not all responses were positive. Megyn Kelly, a prominent political commentator, used her platform on the "Megyn Kelly Show" to criticize the event the day after it took place. She described the theme as "leftist academic gobbledygook nonsensical talk" and accused the Met Gala of pandering to Black culture. Kelly's scathing remarks highlighted a growing divide in perceptions of the event, suggesting that it has lost its prestige and relevance in the fashion world.
"The Met Gala is officially over. Dead. Done," Kelly declared, comparing it unfavorably to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and claiming it has become a "sad sack D-list past its prime wannabe version of its old self." She also took issue with actress Lisa from The White Lotus, who faced backlash for allegedly wearing images of civil rights icon Rosa Parks on her attire. After clarification from a representative for the designer Henry Taylor, it was confirmed that the image was not of Parks but rather one of Taylor’s neighbors.
On a more positive note, the blue carpet showcased a variety of beauty trends that complemented the theme of the evening. Attendees were seen sporting vintage hairstyles reminiscent of the '20s to '40s, with kiss curls, finger waves, and pin-up styles making a strong comeback. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Serena Williams, and Lana Del Rey embraced these styles, demonstrating how beauty and fashion can intertwine to create a cohesive look.
Smokey eyes also made a statement on the blue carpet, with Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edibiri showcasing different iterations of the classic look. Meanwhile, nude lips emerged as a popular choice among stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Zendaya, and Gigi Hadid, who lined their lips for a more structured appearance. The emphasis on detail extended to embellishments, with Lupita Nyong’o and Diana Ross incorporating crystals into their makeup, further enhancing their outfits.
Angela Bassett, attending her first Met Gala, expressed her excitement about the event and its theme. "You know, when you hear 'superfine,' just the connotation is extraordinary, fun, and exuberant," she told Vanity Fair. Bassett collaborated with Burberry’s chief creative officer, Daniel Lee, and her stylist, Jennifer Austin, to create a striking look that included a blue-and-black vine-jacquard velvet tuxedo cape, waistcoat, and tailored trousers. This partnership not only marked her debut at the gala but also showcased her commitment to the theme of Black dandyism, which emphasizes creativity, fearlessness, and impeccable style.
Law Roach, a well-known image architect, was brought in as a consultant for Burberry, ensuring that the looks presented at the gala were cohesive and aligned with the overarching theme of opulence and luxury. Roach noted, "There’s an overarching theme of opulence and luxury that is told through textile and fabric…. It’s beautiful. It’s luxury. These fabrics are based on the elegance and opulence of antique furniture." This attention to detail was reflected not only in Bassett's outfit but also in the styles worn by other Burberry-clad attendees, including Cardi B and Jodie Turner-Smith.
The Met Gala has always been an event that thrives on surprise, with celebrity arrivals kept under wraps until the last moment. This year, arrivals began at 5:30 p.m. EST, and while the event was not televised, it was live-streamed by Vogue on their YouTube channel. E! also provided coverage of the red carpet arrivals, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars.
As the event wrapped up, it was clear that the 2025 Met Gala would be remembered for its bold exploration of Black fashion and its cultural significance. With voices like Megyn Kelly criticizing the event while others like Bassett embraced its themes, the gala highlighted the ongoing dialogue about race, identity, and representation in the world of fashion.
In the end, the Met Gala remains a unique blend of art, politics, and celebrity culture, continually evolving to reflect the times. Whether viewed as a celebration of Black dandyism or criticized as a political spectacle, the event undeniably serves as a platform for expression and creativity, ensuring its place in the annals of fashion history.
