On May 5, 2025, Cardi B dazzled at the Met Gala, showcasing her unique fashion sense with a striking green velvet Burberry suit designed by Daniel Lee. The rapper, known for her bold red carpet appearances, embraced the event's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," with a look that combined modern elegance with historical inspiration.
Styled by Law Roach, Cardi's outfit featured a plunging neckline and intricate details that drew from Victorian aesthetics. Lee explained the thought process behind the design, stating, "For Cardi’s look, we liked the idea of a tailored, feminine dandy. Cardi gives main character energy, and her look reflects this." He further elaborated on the inspiration, mentioning, "We looked at Victorian dress and corsetry. There was one particular image we found of an emerald green gown from the 19th century: The back of the gown had a circular cutout, which, for the time, would have been controversial. We liked this idea of non-conformity, keeping with the spirit of Dandyism."
Before arriving at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cardi managed to keep her outfit a secret, leaving her hotel under the cover of twirling Burberry umbrellas. This year marked her sixth appearance at the Met Gala, a journey that began in 2018 when she made headlines while pregnant with her daughter, Kulture, in a jewel-encrusted Moschino gown.
In 2023, Cardi made waves by showcasing four different looks at the event, raising the stakes for her fashion choices each year. "Every single time that I go to the Met, it's fun of course," she said in a behind-the-scenes video. "But after my first time going to the Met, I always get anxiety. And the anxieties just grow and grow and grow. Maybe because my looks are so spectacular that people just expect every year to be more amazing than the last."
This year, Cardi opted for a more refined silhouette, incorporating a sheer ruffled undershirt and a pear-shaped diamond pendant necklace to complete her ensemble. Her makeup echoed the color of her outfit, featuring a sleek swatch of pale green eyeshadow, and she sported matching green contacts, adding to the overall cohesive look.
Cardi's stylist, Kollin Carter, has been instrumental in shaping her red carpet persona. Reflecting on their collaborative journey, Carter noted, "We’ve given look after look, year after year. We’ve reached into archives that are impossible to reach into. We caused a cultural shift. I don’t think there were many women like Cardi who existed in the fashion space. Now, there are a ton of other rap females who aspire to be in that space because they see what’s possible. We set trends."
As the Met Gala continues to be a platform for artistic expression and cultural commentary, Cardi B's presence highlights the evolution of fashion within the music industry. Her ability to blend personal style with thematic elements of the event has made her a standout figure in the world of celebrity fashion.
This year's gala was co-chaired by a diverse group of influential figures, including A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, and Pharrell Williams, with honorary co-chair LeBron James. The event's focus on Black men's style was a significant nod to the contributions of Black designers and artists in the fashion realm.
During her time at the event, Cardi also addressed her current endeavors beyond music. She is preparing to release her sophomore album, a follow-up to her groundbreaking 2018 debut, "Invasion of Privacy." In an interview with ELLE, she expressed her determination to juggle her music career with her responsibilities as a mother and businesswoman, stating, "Right now, I’m overwhelmed but focused. I’m prepping to drop my album, launch two businesses, and still be there for my kids. It’s a lot—but I’ve seen other women do it, and I know I can too."
Cardi is also set to launch a fashion and beauty brand in partnership with Revolve Group, following the success of her Whipshots line. "They know I don’t want anything cheap," she emphasized. "I want everything to feel good, look good, and still be accessible." This ambition reflects her commitment to creating high-quality products that resonate with her audience.
As the night unfolded, Cardi B's look was met with widespread admiration, reinforcing her status as a fashion icon. The combination of her tailored suit, historical references, and personal flair created a memorable moment on the red carpet, showcasing her evolution as both an artist and a style leader.
With each Met Gala appearance, Cardi B continues to redefine expectations, proving that she is not just a participant but a significant player in the ongoing dialogue about fashion, identity, and cultural representation. Her journey from a first-time attendee to a fashion trendsetter exemplifies the impact of celebrity culture on the fashion industry and the importance of representation in high-profile events.
