The 2025 Met Gala, themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," marked a historic moment for rapper Doechii as she made her stunning debut on the red carpet. On May 5, 2025, she arrived in a striking ensemble designed by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton, which included a white logo monogrammed jacket and matching checkered Bermuda shorts.
Doechii, 26, showcased her unique style with a bold look that also featured rich burgundy accents. Her outfit was complemented by knee-high socks, burgundy loafers, and an elegant silk scarf tied in a bow. Adding to her glamorous appearance, she adorned herself with exquisite jewelry from Tiffany & Co., including a Jean Schlumberger-designed brooch, earrings with 4-carat yellow diamonds, and an Eternity watch.
Speaking on the carpet to hosts Teyana Taylor and Ego Nwodim, Doechii expressed her excitement and nerves about attending her first Met Gala. “This is one of the biggest nights in fashion, and for it to be so Black? I’m present. I’m here,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of the event and its theme.
This year's Met Gala is notable for being the first in over 20 years to focus on menswear, with a theme that highlights the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. The gala is co-chaired by prominent figures including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, with Doechii also serving on an A-list host committee that features stars such as André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Simone Biles, and Regina King.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is showcasing an exhibition that explores the theme of Black dandyism, inspired by the book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity" by Monica L. Miller, who is the guest curator of the exhibit. The exhibition delves into how fashion has played a crucial role in the expression of Black identity.
Doechii's look was not only a tribute to the theme but also an homage to her Grammy-winning album, "Alligator Bites Never Heal," which draws heavily from '90s rap influences. She revealed that she turned to Miller’s book for inspiration, particularly the character Julius Soubise, to reinterpret the essence of Black dandyism through her fashion choices.
In the lead-up to the gala, Doechii made headlines by arriving at the event in a large white box, creating an air of mystery that captivated fans and photographers alike. Emerging from the box, she puffed on a cigar, further showcasing her bold aesthetic.
Throughout the weekend, Doechii had been teasing her Met Gala look, paying homage to the late fashion icon André Leon Talley in a full Louis Vuitton ensemble that included a tracksuit and LV-logo embellished accessories. Her stylist, Sam Woolf, noted that their collaboration is always a mix of vision and creativity, pushing boundaries in fashion.
While many stars dazzled on the red carpet, some notable absences were felt. LeBron James, who was named an honorary chair for the event, could not attend due to a knee injury sustained during the NBA playoffs. His wife, Savannah James, represented him at the gala.
The Met Gala is often referred to as the Oscars of the East Coast, attracting the biggest names in entertainment and fashion. This year, the guest list included A-listers like Rihanna, Sydney Sweeney, Hailey Bieber, and Zendaya, alongside fashion legends such as Donatella Versace and Vera Wang.
As the night unfolded, Doechii's fashion choices and her impactful statements on the red carpet resonated with the audience, marking her as a rising star not just in music but also in the fashion world. Her debut at the Met Gala has set a high bar for future appearances, and her commitment to honoring Black culture through fashion is a testament to her artistry.
With the gala raising significant funds for the Costume Institute, it continues to be a pivotal event in the fashion calendar, celebrating creativity and cultural expression. Doechii's presence and style at this year's event highlight the ongoing evolution of fashion as a powerful medium for storytelling and identity.
