On May 5, 2025, the Met Gala once again dazzled fashion enthusiasts around the world with its grand celebration of style and culture. This year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," honors the legacy of Black dandyism and the significance of fashion in shaping Black identities. A$AP Rocky, a co-chair of the event, made a striking entrance that was as much about personal expression as it was about high fashion.
Rocky, 36, arrived on the iconic red carpet donning a classic black suit paired with a custom AWGE-designed double-breasted parka in technical wool. This unique piece was inspired by Marmot jackets that he grew up seeing in Harlem, a nod to the cultural heritage of his youth. "Marmots are a Harlem tradition; in the winter, everyone has a Marmot on," Rocky explained to Vogue during his fitting. The jacket, reimagined with a formal twist, featured coated snaps and velcro detailing, showcasing how he blends streetwear with traditional tailoring.
Accessorizing his outfit, Rocky carried a custom Briony Raymond umbrella encrusted with 90 carats of diamonds. This extravagant accessory sparked conversations on social media, with fans speculating that its shape resembled a gun, a reference to his recent legal troubles surrounding a shooting incident. "Lol ASAP got a gun on the end of his cane, too soon," one user remarked on X, formerly Twitter. Despite the controversy, Rocky maintained a confident demeanor, stating, "This is literally designed by me," as he showcased his ensemble.
While Rocky stole the spotlight on the carpet, his partner Rihanna made headlines of her own earlier in the evening. The singer revealed her growing baby bump at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City, confirming that she is pregnant with their third child. Rihanna, 37, had previously attended the gala in 2023 while expecting their second child, wearing a stunning white floral Valentino gown. This year, she opted for a more understated appearance, yet her presence was felt even in her absence from the red carpet.
The 2025 Met Gala was co-hosted by a star-studded lineup that included actor Colman Domingo, race car driver Lewis Hamilton, and Louis Vuitton designer Pharrell Williams, with NBA superstar LeBron James serving as an honorary chair. This marked a return to the tradition of having an additional host committee for the first time since 2019, featuring notable figures such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Simone Biles, and Spike Lee, among others.
The gala not only celebrated individual style but also highlighted the importance of clothing in forming Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. The theme drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's 2009 book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." This year also marked a significant moment for the Costume Institute, as it was the first exhibition focused on menswear since 2003.
Following the gala, the exhibition will be open to the public starting May 10, 2025, and will run until October 26 in the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall. Curated by Miller alongside the Costume Institute’s Andrew Bolton, William DeGregorio, and Amanda Garfinkel, the exhibition promises to explore the rich history and evolution of Black style.
The Met Gala has always been a platform for stars to showcase their fashion creativity, and this year was no exception. Attendees, including actors, musicians, and athletes, spent weeks preparing their looks to align with the gala’s dress code of "Tailored for You." A$AP Rocky's outfit was a clear reflection of his personal style, merging contemporary and traditional elements, something he expressed pride in. "This is my favorite style era of mine," he remarked, adding that becoming a father has influenced his fashion choices.
This year marked Rocky's fifth attendance at the Met Gala, a journey that began in 2014 with the Charles James-themed exhibition. Each appearance has solidified his status as a fashion icon, often making headlines alongside Rihanna, with whom he has shared many memorable moments on the red carpet.
As the night unfolded, the excitement and energy surrounding the Met Gala were palpable. With its rich history and cultural significance, the event continues to evolve, celebrating not just fashion but also the stories and identities woven into the fabric of society. A$AP Rocky, with his bold choices and creative vision, exemplified this spirit, reminding everyone that fashion is not just about clothing—it's about identity, heritage, and expression.
