The Met Gala will return for 2025 with a theme rooted in cultural history: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, often hailed as fashion's biggest night, will this year focus on the aesthetic and political roots of Black dandyism—a style shaped by culture and resistance.
The 2025 Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 5, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As usual, the event is scheduled for the first Monday in May and serves as the celebratory launch for the Costume Institute's annual spring exhibition. The theme for this year's Gala and accompanying exhibition is "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," inspired by Monica L. Miller's 2009 book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." The exhibit will open to the public on May 10, 2025, and run through October 26, 2025.
The exhibition is organized into 12 thematic sections—such as "Champion," "Respectability," "Cosmopolitanism" and "Heritage"—highlighting how Black individuals have used style to shape identity and challenge societal norms. The Met describes the show as exploring "style as a mode of distinction and resistance—within a society impacted by race, gender, class, and sexuality." In preparation for the event, Miller noted, "Black style is really related to thinking about how fashion and power connect." This year's Gala aims to showcase the elegance, creativity, and versatility of Black men in fashion.
Among the co-chairs for this year's event are actor Colman Domingo, British race car driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and music producer Pharrell Williams, with NBA star LeBron James serving as honorary chair. The host committee includes a diverse group of figures from various sectors, including Simone Biles, Janelle Monáe, Spike Lee, and André 3000, among others.
Attendees will hit the iconic Met stairs beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET on May 5, with coverage of the carpet from the official Met livestream and other media outlets kicking off at 6 p.m. ET. While the actual gala portion isn't filmed—guests must abide by a no-phone policy—the red carpet event will be available for viewing, allowing fans to witness the latest fashion statements.
This year's theme not only celebrates Black dandyism but also acknowledges the historical significance of Black style in America. The term dandyism, traditionally associated with a man who is meticulously dressed, has evolved into a broader representation of identity, culture, and self-expression. The Met Gala's spotlight on Black men means everything to those who have long been part of the fashion industry, as noted by celebrity stylist Avon Dorsey. "Knowing that this exhibit focuses on Black men specifically and the style of Black men is an amazing thing, especially with the way that the world is right now," Dorsey remarked.
The Met Gala's focus on Black dandyism is a significant departure from an industry where Black culture has historically been underrepresented. The event serves as a platform for Black men to demonstrate their versatile and globally influential fashion sense on the red carpet. Miller's book highlights the transformational power of style, especially during the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated life and self-expression during challenging times.
Fashion icons such as Dapper Dan, Janelle Monáe, and the late André Leon Talley have all contributed to the evolution of Black dandyism. Dapper Dan, who opened a 24-hour store in Harlem in 1982, emphasized the power of dressing well regardless of socioeconomic status. He recalls, "Even if the clothes weren’t mine, nobody knew how poor my family was. And for me, that was the birth of dandyism, because I saw the power of transformation that could take place with your clothes."
As the Met Gala approaches, anticipation is building around who will attend and what they will wear. While the official guest list is tightly curated and invitation-only, rumors suggest that celebrities like Zendaya and Kim Kardashian may make appearances. The event's exclusivity adds to its allure, with individual tickets reportedly costing $75,000 each.
In addition to the celebration of Black style, the Met Gala has also sparked discussions about the role of fashion in society. Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, has publicly declared a boycott of the 2025 Met Gala, criticizing the event's extravagance amid global crises. He stated, "I love to party, and I've been to the Met Gala before. I had a great time. But this year, with so much happening around the world and at home, I cannot in good conscience go to the Met Gala." This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the social implications of such high-profile events.
As the fashion world prepares for this year's Met Gala, the focus will be on celebrating the contributions of Black men to high fashion and recognizing their historical significance. The event promises to be a night of elegance, creativity, and cultural reflection, highlighting the ongoing evolution of Black dandyism and its impact on fashion.
With all eyes on Fifth Avenue, the 2025 Met Gala is set to be a historic celebration of style, culture, and identity, showcasing how far the fashion industry has come and the work that still lies ahead.
