The Met Gala 2025, held on the first Monday of May, was a dazzling affair that not only celebrated fashion but also showcased the creativity and style of numerous celebrities at the accompanying afterparties. As the stars transitioned from the grand red carpet to the vibrant nightlife of New York City, they swapped their elaborate gowns and tailored suits for more daring and playful outfits. With the theme of this year's gala being 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' and the dress code set as 'Tailored for You', the celebrations continued well into the night.
Among the most notable attendees were icons such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Cardi B, and Zendaya, all of whom made headlines with their stunning looks at both the gala and the afterparties. Rihanna, who revealed her pregnancy in a striking ensemble by Marc Jacobs, wore a cropped jacket paired with a wool bustier bodysuit and a pinstripe skirt. Meanwhile, Zendaya dazzled in a dramatic zoot suit, embodying the gala's theme with her unique flair.
After the main event, many stars flocked to various exclusive afterparties scattered across the city. One of the most talked-about gatherings was hosted by GQ at Café Zaffri, co-hosted by Will Welch and musician André 3000, alongside fashion luminaries Grace Wales Bonner, Law Roach, and Anok Yai. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, cocktails, and dancing, as celebrities mingled and celebrated the night away.
Hunter Schafer, a standout at both the gala and its afterparty, made a bold fashion statement. At the Met Gala, she wore a custom black-and-white layered suit by Prada, which she elegantly paired with a white beret and leather gloves. "I feel like I knew what a Prada girl was, but I found her inside of myself. I am a Prada girl. I feel it," Schafer told Vogue, reflecting on her transformation through fashion.
For the afterparty, Schafer changed into a stunning ivory corset dress designed by Dilara Findikoglu. This eye-catching piece featured intricate details such as exposed boning, silver grommets, and a scalloped hem adorned with ruffled chiffon strips. Her look was completed with a matching ribbon in her hair and peep-toe Louboutin heels, perfectly capturing the gothic-meets-romantic vibe.
Hailey Bieber also embraced the corset trend at the afterparties, wearing a custom corseted minidress by Findikoglu as she attended GQ's bash. The designer's creations were a popular choice among attendees, showcasing a shift from the naked dress trend that previously dominated afterparty fashion.
Kim Kardashian opted for a fitted black dress with sheer inserts, also designed by Findikoglu, further emphasizing the popularity of corsetry among the stars. Julia Fox, on the other hand, turned heads in a blue leather corset embellished with flowers, paired with a denim skirt, showcasing her unique style.
Alex Consani, a rising star in the fashion world, made her Met Gala debut in a breathtaking Swarovski crystal-encrusted suitdress, adorned with 32,900 crystals. This stunning outfit not only highlighted her fashion-forward thinking but also paid homage to the legacy of Black dandyism in fashion. Speaking to British Vogue, she emphasized the importance of educating oneself on the history of fashion, stating, "Let this be a lesson for everybody to educate themselves on the history of fashion, because it runs so much deeper than what we see online."
At the gala, the co-chairs, including Emmy award-winner Colman Domingo, Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, musician Pharrell Williams, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, set the tone for a night of celebration and style. The event not only honored the achievements of Black designers but also provided a platform for diverse voices in the fashion industry.
As the night unfolded, the afterparties became a canvas for self-expression, with celebrities showcasing their individuality through their outfits. From Hunter Schafer's tailored Prada look to Rihanna's stunning reveal, the Met Gala and its afterparties proved to be a celebration of creativity, culture, and the evolution of fashion.
With a mix of high fashion and playful designs, the Met Gala 2025 afterparties reflected a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere where stars could let loose and enjoy the night. As the music played and the cocktails flowed, the event became a memorable highlight in the fashion calendar, leaving attendees and fans alike eager for what the next year's gala will bring.
In a night filled with glamour, the Met Gala 2025 and its afterparties not only showcased the best of fashion but also highlighted the importance of representation and diversity in the industry. As celebrities embraced their unique styles, they reminded us that fashion is not just about clothing; it's a powerful form of self-expression.
