On Monday, May 5, 2025, Jenna Ortega made a stunning appearance at the Met Gala, showcasing a unique metallic dress crafted from steel rulers, designed by Balmain's creative director, Olivier Rousteing. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated Black dandyism and tailoring, and Ortega’s outfit perfectly embodied the evening’s dress code, “Tailored for You.”
Ortega's eye-catching gown, which was sculpted to her body, shimmered under the lights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the prestigious event took place. “Jenna’s look is an ode to the art of craftsmanship, to couture, and the atelier where hands work meticulously, shaping fabric into magic,” Rousteing told WWD. He further elaborated, “No symbol captures it more poetically than the metallic meter, a quiet tribute to craft and precision.”
The actress paired the striking dress with Christian Louboutin’s Nenecheritza silver platform heels, amplifying the metallic theme. She accessorized with diamond rings and earrings from Hearts On Fire, completing her glamorous look with a diamond-encrusted collar necklace by Grown Brilliance. Ortega’s stylist, Enrique Melendez, curated her look, ensuring every detail was meticulously planned.
The Met Gala is renowned for its extravagant displays of fashion, and this year was no exception. Co-chairs for the 2025 event included notable figures such as Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour. The gala not only serves as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute but also as a platform to highlight significant cultural themes. This year’s focus on Black tailoring was particularly poignant, drawing inspiration from the 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Barnard College professor Monica L. Miller.
Andrew Bolton, the head curator at the Met, expressed the importance of this exhibition in diversifying the museum's collections and exhibitions. “I feel that the show itself marks a really important step in our commitment to diversifying our exhibitions and collections, as well as redressing some of the historical biases within our curatorial practice,” Bolton stated. He emphasized that this exhibition is the first since 2003 to focus solely on menswear, highlighting the evolution and significance of Black dandyism in fashion.
Ortega, who attended her first Met Gala in 2023 wearing a gothic Thom Browne ensemble, has quickly become a fashion icon. This year, she exuded Old Hollywood glamour with her soft retro waves and impeccable makeup, making her one of the standout stars of the night. As she arrived, she was seen in a structured black coat, which she later removed to reveal the full sculpted silhouette of her gown.
As buzz builds around Ortega's fashion choices, excitement also surrounds her upcoming projects. The trailer for the second season of her hit series Wednesday recently dropped, and fans are eager to see the character’s evolution. In a previous interview, Ortega expressed her desire for her character to take on a darker tone, stating, “I think I want it to continue down an antihero stream rather than a typical hero.”
Ortega has also been vocal about her experiences on set, particularly regarding her collaboration with Lady Gaga, who is set to appear in the new season. She shared with Entertainment Tonight that Gaga’s arrival transformed the set, with new tents and a grand walkway for her entrance. “I remember showing up to set and they completely changed everything. We had a normal functioning set, and I remember pulling up to work the day of, and suddenly there was like truck, after truck, after truck,” Ortega recounted. “They had rolled out this walkway for her to exit from the trailer to the tents.”
Reflecting on the experience, she noted, “I wanted her to be on set even more, but part of it was because the water was really nice.” The admiration Ortega has for Gaga is palpable, as she described her as “so sweet, so humble, just a normal person,” while also acknowledging the intimidation that comes with working alongside someone so talented.
As the evening at the Met Gala unfolded, Ortega not only shone on the red carpet but also solidified her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry. With her sights set on directing, she revealed plans to bring a script she has been developing for nearly a decade to life. “I have a script that I’ve known that I was going to make for almost 10 years. It’s weird because it’s something that I thought of when I was younger and when I first started out in this field, and it’s only now that I’m actually starting to take the steps to get it made,” she shared with V Magazine.
Ortega’s journey from a young actress to a fashion icon and potential director showcases her versatility and ambition. As she continues to navigate her career, her appearances, like the one at the Met Gala, highlight not only her fashion sense but also her commitment to her craft and the stories she wants to tell.
The 2025 Met Gala will be remembered for its celebration of Black tailoring and dandyism, with Jenna Ortega’s unique and bold fashion choices serving as a highlight of the evening. Her ability to blend fashion with personal expression resonates with many, making her a figure to watch in both the fashion and entertainment worlds.
