Halle Berry made a stunning return to the Met Gala on May 5, 2025, after an eight-year absence, captivating attendees with a daring and bold look that perfectly embodied this year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The actress, known for her iconic fashion choices, walked the red carpet in a custom LaQuan Smith gown that featured a sparkling black sequined design with sheer panel details creating a striped pattern.
Berry's gown, which showcased a plunging neckline and sheer cutouts from her waist to her knees, left little to the imagination, leading some fans to humorously declare that the look "needs a warning." Accompanying her striking dress, she wore a cropped black satin jacket with structured shoulders and lapels, a pillbox hat adorned with a black mesh veil, and sparkling diamond earrings that added to her glamorous appearance.
This year’s Met Gala theme pays homage to Black dandyism and the evolution of Black men's style, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." The event's co-chairs included prominent figures such as Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, all contributing to the celebration of Black culture and fashion.
Berry, who first attended the Met Gala in 2017 in a nearly sheer Atelier Versace jumpsuit, has always been known for her bold fashion statements. This year, she walked the red carpet with her partner Van Hunt and designer LaQuan Smith, turning heads and sparking conversations among attendees and viewers alike.
While many praised her look, social media reactions were mixed. Some fans expressed their admiration, calling her look "absolutely stunning," while others were less enthusiastic, with comments like "What the Halle Berry" and "girl no." One particularly intense response suggested, "put her stylist in jail," highlighting the polarizing nature of her outfit.
Despite the mixed reactions, Berry's fashion choices consistently reflect her desire to push boundaries and embrace her identity. She has previously stated, "It might feel good to have everybody look at you, but it’s always been a hollow win for me because I had nothing to do with how I came here looking." This sentiment underscores her belief that there is more to her than just her appearance.
In addition to her striking gown, Berry accessorized with a statement diamond necklace from Cartier, further elevating her look. The actress has often collaborated with LaQuan Smith, who also dressed other notable attendees such as Jordan Roth, Ciara, and Babyface for the gala.
Smith has recently partnered with Samsung to launch the Galaxy AI Atelier, an innovative platform that employs AI technology to enhance fashion design. This collaboration is particularly significant, as it allows for a more creative and interactive approach to fashion, showcasing how technology and style can intersect.
The Met Gala, held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is renowned for its extravagant displays of fashion and celebrity. This year's event not only celebrated the artistry of Black designers but also aimed to inspire attendees to interpret the "Tailored for You" dress code creatively.
Berry's return to the Met Gala marks a significant moment in her fashion journey, as she continues to make statements through her wardrobe choices. The actress, who shares a daughter, Nahla, 17, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry and a son, Maceo-Robert, 11, with ex-husband Olivier Martinez, has often spoken about her desire to be recognized for more than just her looks.
Reflecting on her career and the passage of time, Berry has noted, "I’ve always known that I’ve been more than this face and more than this body. So when that starts to go, maybe for the first time in my life, people will focus on the other aspects of me that I think are way more interesting." This perspective adds depth to her appearance at the Met Gala, as she embraces both her fashion choices and her evolving identity.
As the evening unfolded, Berry's look certainly made waves, proving once again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. The Met Gala continues to be a platform for bold expressions of style, and Berry's daring gown is a testament to the power of fashion as a form of self-expression.
Whether loved or critiqued, Halle Berry's appearance at the 2025 Met Gala will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the evening, showcasing the intersection of fashion, identity, and cultural celebration.
