On May 5, 2025, the Met Gala made headlines once again, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Co-chaired by rapper A$AP Rocky, Vogue's Anna Wintour, and Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, the event showcased the subversive style of Black dandyism, a fashion movement with deep historical roots that has evolved over centuries.
The gala, often dubbed the "high-fashion Super Bowl," attracted A-list celebrities from Hollywood, music, and sports, all donning eye-catching ensembles. Domingo paid tribute to the late André Leon Talley, Vogue’s first Black creative director, in a royal blue Valentino cape, while fellow co-chair Lewis Hamilton sported a cream suit paired with a matching backwards cap. Musician Pharrell Williams dazzled in a pearl-encrusted white jacket, setting the tone for a night of sartorial excellence.
Among the standout attendees was Teyana Taylor, who embraced the theme with a striking black suit featuring red pinstripes and a matching coat emblazoned with "Harlem Rose." Rapper Doechii turned heads in a logo-heavy Louis Vuitton shorts suit, while Sabrina Carpenter opted for a bold crimson bodysuit, also by Louis Vuitton. Zendaya, a perennial favorite at the gala, stunned in a slim white suit and dramatic brimmed hat, showcasing her unique style.
Rihanna, who revealed her pregnancy during the event, arrived cradling her baby bump in an all-black ensemble. A$AP Rocky confirmed the happy news on the red carpet, stating, "I’m glad everybody’s happy for us because we’re definitely happy." The couple's first two children, RZA and Riot, both have names starting with 'R,' and Rocky confirmed their third child will follow suit, saying, "For sure."
As the night unfolded, the conversation shifted to the gala's theme, which celebrates the rich history of Black dandyism, a style that has challenged social norms and cultural hierarchies. The exhibition accompanying the gala was inspired by Monica L. Miller's book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity," which explores how Black men have historically used fashion as a means of empowerment and identity.
Wintour, who has been at the helm of the Met Gala for decades, noted the significance of this year's theme, especially in light of contemporary discussions surrounding race and representation. "Obviously, this exhibition was planned many years ago, and we didn’t know what would be happening in the political arena, but it’s taken on a new sense of importance and purpose," she told AFP.
In a lighter moment, A$AP Rocky recounted his initial reaction when Wintour invited him to co-chair the gala. He thought it was a prank, saying, "I tend to get these prank calls and I said, 'Nah, this can’t be real.' But it was a dream come true." Wintour humorously remarked that choosing the co-chairs this year was easy because all four men on her list agreed to participate.
As the night progressed, the duo discussed some of the most talked-about looks from the gala, including Diana Ross' show-stopping white dress with a massive train. Wintour reminisced about Ross' last appearance at the gala 22 years ago, where she performed in a stunning red dress. Janelle Monáe's eye-popping double outfit also garnered praise, with Rocky calling it "stunning," while he admitted to being envious of André 3000's piano ensemble, which he deemed a show-stealer.
Amidst the glamour, the Met Gala also faced criticism. Kinsey Schofield, host of the "To Di For" podcast, described the event as "pretentious" and claimed it, along with Wintour, had passed its "sell-by date." She remarked on a visible stain on Wintour's dress, questioning the event's relevance in today's fashion landscape.
The Met Gala, which began in 1948, has transformed from an exclusive gathering for New York high society into a global spectacle that raises funds for the Costume Institute. This year, the Manhattan museum expected to rake in an impressive $31 million, underscoring the event's continued significance in the fashion world.
As the evening came to a close, the Met Gala reaffirmed its status as a cultural touchstone, blending fashion, art, and social commentary. The celebration of Black dandyism not only pays homage to a rich history but also invites conversations about identity, representation, and the ongoing evolution of style.
While the glamour of the night dazzled attendees and viewers alike, the underlying themes of empowerment and cultural significance resonated deeply, reminding everyone that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about identity and expression.
