The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 in New York City, dazzled attendees with a vibrant display of fashion and creativity, all under the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This year’s event, which celebrated Black dandyism and menswear, saw a blend of traditional and modern styles that paid homage to the rich history of Black fashion. The dress code, "Tailored for You," encouraged guests to showcase their personal flair while embracing the evening's central theme.
Among the standout figures was Halle Berry, who made a triumphant return to the Met Gala after an eight-year hiatus. The actress, now 58, wore a stunning custom gown designed by LaQuan Smith. Described as a sheer striped design, the gown featured daring cutouts and took an impressive 1,445 hours to create. Berry paired the gown with a fitted black jacket, a sparkly statement necklace, and a cap adorned with a black veil, perfectly encapsulating the theme of the evening.
Halle expressed her excitement about the outfit, stating, "It was so fun and so easy. He showed me some sketches. I chose two that I really liked, so he made two dresses." She further revealed that she asked Smith which gown he preferred, leading to her decision to wear his favorite for the gala.
Other celebrities also embraced the sheer trend on the red carpet. Savannah James, for instance, turned heads in a burgundy pin-striped outfit by Hanifa, featuring oversized French cuffs and dramatic cutouts with illusion sheer paneling at the midriff. Serena Williams, the renowned tennis champion, opted for a custom gown by Moncler that showcased a sinuous sheer panel on the skirt, curated by stylist Edward Enninful.
Kylie Jenner, known for her bold fashion choices, wore a custom Ferragamo dress that included sheer black paneling at the waist, while Laura Harrier made a statement in a custom Zac Posen ensemble featuring exaggerated wide-leg cream silk trousers and billowing sheer sleeves.
The gala's co-chairs included notable figures such as Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, each contributing to the event's vibrant atmosphere. The evening was not only a showcase of fashion but also a celebration of Black culture, with the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibit highlighting the significance of Black style in the fashion world.
Stevie Wonder's surprise performance added an unexpected delight to the night, with attendees, including Halle Berry, expressing their astonishment. "That was just like a jaw-dropping moment," she shared. "I had no idea that we’d get to see a show like that. He has such a good voice and form. It was a real treat." The performance was a fitting complement to the evening's celebrations.
The 2025 Met Gala not only marked a return for Halle Berry but also highlighted a shift in red carpet fashion, where daring and revealing outfits were embraced alongside more conservative styles. While many guests opted for tailored menswear-inspired looks, a select few, including Berry and Jenner, chose to showcase their individuality through bold, revealing designs.
In a nod to the evening's theme, the gala also paid homage to the influence of Black dandyism, a style movement that celebrates the elegance and flamboyance of Black men’s fashion. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” the event served as a reminder of the importance of representation in the fashion industry.
As the night came to a close, Berry indulged in a post-gala treat at Raising Cane’s, celebrating her successful return to the Met Gala after years away. "The Cane’s sauce here is the bomb," she remarked, reflecting on her enjoyable evening. The combination of stunning fashion, powerful performances, and a celebration of Black culture made the 2025 Met Gala a night to remember.
With the evening's theme resonating deeply within the fashion community, the Met Gala once again proved to be a pivotal moment for designers and attendees alike. The sheer trends, daring outfits, and the celebration of Black style will surely be discussed for years to come, setting a high bar for future events.
