Kendall Jenner made a striking impression at the 2025 Met Gala held on May 5, showcasing her modeling prowess in a standout suit that perfectly aligned with the event's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The 29-year-old star of The Kardashians wore a gray blazer and a matching fitted skirt crafted by the independent British designer Torishéju Dumi, accentuated by a statement diamond necklace. This year marked Jenner's 11th appearance at the illustrious event, where she has consistently delivered memorable fashion moments.
Since her debut at the Met Gala in May 2014, Jenner's style evolution has been remarkable. Over the years, she has donned a variety of eye-catching looks, from a champagne-colored mermaid dress to an iconic orange feathered outfit in 2019, and even sky-high black sparkly boots in 2023. Last year, she captivated audiences in a Givenchy gown featuring a plunging neckline and fringed sleeves, continuing to solidify her status as a fashion icon.
For the 2025 gala, Jenner's choice of Torishéju Dumi reflects a conscious effort to embrace new talent within the fashion industry. "I had a vision of being very minimal and tailored for this Met, and I went on the hunt to find something interesting and fresh and super-exciting to me. Finding a new, young designer was the vision," Jenner explained. Dumi, whose designs have garnered attention from celebrities like Zendaya and Naomi Campbell, was introduced to Jenner by stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson.
Inspired by the queer nightclub singer Gladys Bentley, who is known for her bold sense of style during the Harlem Renaissance, Dumi crafted a skirt suit that emphasizes the female form with a nipped-in waist and elongated torso. "The pieces that Gladys wore were tailored to her body, and it was a sense of style and a sense of personality that she also brought about within that look," Dumi noted. Bentley's legacy resonated with Dumi, who aimed to reinterpret tailoring through a feminine lens.
Jenner's look was not just about the suit; it also included a focus on natural beauty. Ahead of the gala, she practiced her makeup for the event during a L'Oréal shoot, aiming for a fresh-faced and dewy appearance. "We wanted to lean really minimal, very fresh-faced and dewy—more just enhancing natural beauty," she shared. This approach allowed Jenner's elegance to shine through without overshadowing the intricacies of her outfit.
The meticulous design of Jenner's suit involved nearly 100 feet of deadstock fabric and took 242 hours to construct, showcasing Dumi's commitment to sustainability. "It’s all about using what you have," the designer emphasized. The suit's elegant silhouette and sophisticated details not only highlighted Jenner's curves but also paid homage to the rich history of Black dandyism.
Despite the glamour of the evening, Jenner's Met Gala experience was not without controversy. During a red carpet interview with Vogue correspondent La La Anthony, she claimed to be the “first human” to wear a 1999 archival piece designed by the late Alexander McQueen. This statement sparked debate online, as fashion enthusiasts quickly pointed out that actress Winona Ryder had previously worn the same dress in a 1999 photoshoot. Photographer Warwick Saint, who captured Ryder in the dress, confirmed its authenticity with a post on Instagram.
While a source later clarified that Ryder wore a replica of the original dress, the incident reignited discussions about fashion history and the narratives surrounding iconic pieces. Ryder herself addressed the situation in a July 2024 interview, recalling her own experience wearing the dress and the significance it held for her. "I do remember that photo shoot. It was with my dear friend [and makeup artist] Kevyn Aucoin," she stated, highlighting the importance of her memories associated with the garment.
Jenner's Met Gala journey also included a second look for the afterparty, where she donned another vintage Givenchy piece. This time, she opted for a white dress featuring a structured bodice and a flowy, high-low skirt, further showcasing her versatility and appreciation for fashion history. In an Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude to Givenchy for allowing her to wear such special archival pieces, stating, "Wearing this dress was a complete honor!"
As the Met Gala continues to serve as a platform for fashion innovation and cultural commentary, Kendall Jenner's choices this year reflect a broader trend of embracing emerging designers and honoring the legacies of those who came before. By spotlighting Torishéju Dumi and drawing inspiration from influential figures like Gladys Bentley, Jenner not only made a fashion statement but also engaged with the deeper narratives that shape the industry.
Ultimately, the 2025 Met Gala was a celebration of style, identity, and the evolution of fashion. With each appearance, Jenner reaffirms her place in this ever-changing landscape, reminding us all that fashion is not just about clothing—it's about storytelling, artistry, and the power of self-expression.
