Emma Chamberlain stole the spotlight at the 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5, 2025, with a stunning ensemble that perfectly embodied the evening's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The annual event, a highlight in the fashion calendar, showcased a blend of traditional menswear influences with modern interpretations, and Chamberlain's look was a standout example of this trend.
The young influencer and Vogue host arrived wearing a sleeveless, backless pinstriped blazer designed as a maxi dress. This unique take on suiting was complemented by sheer gloves layered with silver rings and bracelets, '90s style rectangular silver frame glasses, and a stack of earrings. Notably, she opted to forgo a necklace, allowing the bold elements of her outfit to shine. Chamberlain's spiky pixie cut and striking mauve lip, paired with a smokey eye, added to her edgy yet sophisticated appearance.
Speaking about her role at the gala, Chamberlain expressed her excitement, saying, "Every time they ask me back, I’m like, ‘C’mon, you sure?’ I really love the fast-paced dynamic nature of doing the red carpet interviews. The cool thing about the Met is it’s celebrating fashion, at the end of the day." She emphasized her curiosity while interviewing guests, stating, "It’s almost more fun to discover with the audience in a way and genuinely be curious, authentically be curious. Like, if I don’t know everything about somebody, then I’m authentically curious about what they’re gonna tell me."
The Met Gala's theme this year drew inspiration from Black dandyism, a cultural expression that celebrates individuality and style, particularly within the Black community. The dress code, "Tailored for You," encouraged attendees to explore the historical significance of tailoring and suiting through this lens. Chamberlain was not alone in her interpretation; many other attendees also embraced the menswear aesthetic.
Zendaya, a previous co-host of the gala, made a statement in a perfectly tailored white trouser suit paired with a matching wide-brim hat. Teyana Taylor turned heads with her dramatic Zoot Suit look, featuring a red, feather-adorned top hat and a lavish cape adorned with flowers and bling, showcasing her collaboration with renowned costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
Colman Domingo, one of the evening's hosts, donned a pleated, gold-adorned cape over a grey and black suit, echoing the style of the late Andre Leon Talley, a fashion icon and former editor at Vogue. Lewis Hamilton brought a jaunty flair with an ivory tuxedo featuring a cropped jacket and matching beret, while Pharrell Williams opted for a double-breasted, beaded evening jacket, a piece that took an impressive 400 hours to construct and featured 15,000 pearls arranged in a pinstripe design.
Other notable looks included Diana Ross, who commanded attention in a huge white coat over a gold dress, and Monica L. Miller, who wore a bejeweled cropped cape over a cowrie shell-adorned dress, a nod to her book that inspired the evening's theme. Coco Jones embraced the menswear trend with an ivory tuxedo coat over matching trousers, while Sarah Snook sported a two-button, double-breasted jacket fashioned into a tailcoat-like train.
Gigi Hadid, in contrast, opted for a more feminine approach, donning a shimmery gold halter gown by Miu Miu that paid homage to the spirit of Josephine Baker. Each of these looks contributed to the evening's celebration of fashion, identity, and cultural heritage.
The Met Gala is not only a showcase of fashion but also a significant fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. This year, the gala raised a record $31 million, surpassing last year's total of over $26 million. This achievement marks the first time the fundraiser has crossed the $30 million threshold, highlighting the continued importance and impact of the event.
As the event unfolded, Vogue livestreamed the gala starting at 6 p.m. Eastern time, providing fans with a front-row seat to the festivities. The Associated Press also streamed celebrity departures from the Mark Hotel and the gala carpet on delay, while E! began live coverage at the same time. The accessibility of the event through various platforms allowed fashion enthusiasts worldwide to engage with the spectacle.
Emma Chamberlain's presence at the Met Gala, whether walking the red carpet or hosting, has become synonymous with the event's vibrant energy and fashion-forward spirit. Her ability to blend curiosity with style allows her to connect with audiences, making her a beloved figure in the fashion community. As she continues to evolve her style, her impact on the Met Gala and the broader fashion landscape is undeniable.
The 2025 Met Gala not only celebrated the artistry of fashion but also served as a platform for cultural expression, highlighting the importance of representation and the rich history of Black dandyism. As the attendees embraced the theme, they showcased a commitment to honoring the past while looking boldly toward the future of fashion.
