Damson Idris made a dazzling impression at the 2025 Met Gala, showcasing a stunning transformation that perfectly embodied the evening's theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The British actor, known for his role in the acclaimed series Snowfall, arrived in a full APGXP racing suit, a nod to his upcoming film F1, and quickly turned heads with a dramatic outfit reveal.
Idris pulled up to the red carpet in a race car straight from the film set, wearing a fully custom Tommy Hilfiger racing suit complemented by a spectacular helmet encrusted with more than 20,000 Swarovski crystals. The helmet, a striking piece of craftsmanship, was designed to catch the light and amplify the moment, according to Tommy Hilfiger himself. “It was bold, unexpected, and a perfect example of what we call the Tommy twist,” Hilfiger told ELLE.
As he stepped onto the blue floral carpet, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Idris's grand entrance was not just about the racing suit; it was a carefully crafted statement that fused fashion with high-octane glamour. The actor's helmet became a luxury accessory, described by Swarovski's creative director Giovanna Engelbert as “the ultimate luxury accessory—sculptural, cinematic, and rooted in pop culture.”
The reveal didn’t end there. After making an entrance worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Idris dramatically shed the racing suit to unveil a bespoke deep red suit that perfectly aligned with the evening's dress code, "Tailored For You." The suit was adorned with gold accessories and complemented by red leather gloves, earning him high praise as one of the best dressed at the gala.
Idris, who became a brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger’s menswear line in 2023, was not alone in representing the brand at the Met Gala. Fellow guests included Sofia Richie Grainge and Hilfiger’s daughter, Dee Hilfiger. The collaboration between Idris and Hilfiger was a match made in fashion heaven, with the designer emphasizing the need for the Met Gala entrance to reflect the cinematic energy of the film.
“Damson Idris stars as Joshua Pearce, a driver for the fictional APXGP team, and we wanted his Met Gala entrance to reflect the same cinematic energy,” Hilfiger stated. The anticipation surrounding the film F1 has been palpable, especially with its release set for June 27, 2025. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski—famous for his work on Top Gun: Maverick—also stars Brad Pitt, further heightening interest in the project.
Idris's role in the film came about after an intense audition process that saw him driving at speeds of up to 180 miles per hour. “The feeling I felt before was absolute fear,” he recalled. “But at the end of it, driving up to 180 miles per hour, going from track to track around the world, is an opportunity that I never could have dreamed of.”
The actor's experiences during filming have been nothing short of exhilarating. “It was insane,” he shared, recalling a day at Bedford Autodrome where he had to navigate a race car while cameras captured the action. “They put me behind the wheel, and I had some driving experience – I’ve driven fast cars before – but it’s unlike anything that we’re doing right now.”
Idris's dedication to authenticity in portraying a Formula 1 driver was evident, especially with the involvement of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 champion and co-chair of the Met Gala. Hamilton, who is also a producer on F1, played a crucial role in ensuring the film's realism. “There’s no better person to teach you about F1 than Lewis Hamilton,” Idris remarked at an IWC event, highlighting the invaluable insights Hamilton provided during production.
As co-chair of the Met Gala, Hamilton expressed his excitement about the theme and his collaboration with Anna Wintour, stating, “I was so, so excited. And then she asked me to be the co-chair. And in that moment, for sure, I couldn't believe it—I was like, 'I'm gonna say no?'” His enthusiasm for the event and the representation of Black designers was palpable, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Idris's transformation from a racing driver to a dapper gentleman in a tailored suit was a highlight of the Met Gala, drawing admiration from attendees and viewers alike. The dramatic reveal not only showcased his fashion prowess but also served as a promotion for his upcoming film, blending the worlds of cinema and high fashion seamlessly.
In a night filled with memorable moments, Damson Idris's entrance stood out as a perfect example of how the Met Gala allows celebrities to make bold statements through fashion. His ability to merge the themes of speed, glamour, and style resonated with the audience, making him a highlight of the evening.
As the anticipation builds for the release of F1, fans are eager to see how Idris's character unfolds on screen. With the film's soundtrack recently revealed and the buzz surrounding its release, Idris's Met Gala appearance has undoubtedly set the stage for what promises to be an exciting cinematic experience.
