The 2025 Met Gala has arrived, and with it, a celebration of style and culture that left the fashion world buzzing. Held on May 5, 2025, this year’s event was co-chaired by a star-studded lineup: Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and the ever-influential Anna Wintour. The theme, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' aims to explore the rich sartorial history and cultural significance of Black men’s fashion.
In a historic first, the main exhibition at the gala focuses on menswear, a move that has been met with enthusiasm across the industry. LeBron James served as the honorary chair for the evening, further emphasizing the event's cultural importance. The host committee featured an impressive array of creatives and influencers, including André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jordan Casteel, Dapper Dan, and many more, making it a true celebration of Black artistry and influence.
The Met Gala is renowned for its extravagant dress codes, and this year was no exception. The official dress code, 'Tailored for You,' encourages attendees to interpret the theme in a way that reflects their personal style. This guidance allows for a diverse range of interpretations, promising to showcase a variety of tailored looks, from classic menswear staples to innovative designs that challenge traditional norms.
As guests arrived at the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they were greeted by a stunning display of daffodils, an artistic touch by Cy Gavin that set the tone for an evening dedicated to fashion and expression. Among the first to make their appearance were the co-chairs, each donning outfits that exemplified the evening’s theme. Anna Wintour chose an elegant ivory dress paired with a sapphire blue silk overcoat by Louis Vuitton, while Colman Domingo dazzled in a glittering Valentino cape adorned with Boucheron jewelry. Domingo later revealed a pearl-embellished checked blazer that showcased his flair for high-style menswear.
Lewis Hamilton turned heads in a custom ivory cropped jacket suit designed by Wales Bonner, while Pharrell Williams showcased his own design from Louis Vuitton. A$AP Rocky, soon to be a father of three with partner Rihanna, also made a statement with a self-designed suit that captured the essence of the evening.
The red carpet was not solely dominated by menswear. Sydney Sweeney stunned in a coal-black, beaded gown by Miu Miu, and Gigi Hadid opted for a striking gold lamé gown from the same designer. Diana Ross made a grand entrance in a feathered white ensemble with an extensive train, proudly embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren. “My son persuaded me — he said Mum, you gotta go,” Ross shared with reporters, highlighting the personal significance of her appearance.
Zendaya, known for her bold fashion choices, wore a cinched, silk three-piece suit complete with a matching hat, embodying the theme while keeping her look understated yet elegant. The White Lotus stars also made waves, with Aimee Lou Wood opting for Priya Ahluwalia for her first Met Gala, while Patrick Schwarzenegger and Walton Goggins chose Balmain and Thom Browne, respectively, for their red carpet debuts.
Damson Idris brought drama to the occasion, revealing a tailored red suit by Tommy Hilfiger hidden beneath racing gear, a nod to his upcoming film F1. Supermodels Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber arrived in complementary styles, with Jenner donning Torishéju and Bieber in a classic Saint Laurent tuxedo. Kylie Jenner’s deconstructed tailored dress by Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo was a standout, along with Kim Kardashian’s daring leather fedora and croc-effect gown by Chrome Hearts.
The evening took a heartwarming turn when Rihanna confirmed her pregnancy by cradling her baby bump while wearing a Marc Jacobs corset top, pinstripe skirt, and tuxedo jacket. This revelation added an extra layer of excitement to the gala, making it a night to remember.
While many stars dazzled on the carpet, a few notable absences were felt. Naomi Campbell announced that the 2024 Met Gala would be her last, and both Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds opted out of the event. The couple’s absence was noted, particularly given their status as past attendees. Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham also missed the gala, raising eyebrows amid rumors of family tensions.
The Met Gala continues to serve as a platform for cultural expression and artistic collaboration. This year’s theme, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, delves into the historical and contemporary significance of Black dandyism and its role in shaping identities through fashion. The accompanying exhibition features an array of garments, drawings, decorative arts, and multimedia presentations, all curated to highlight the importance of sartorial style in the Black diaspora.
Max Hollein, the Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO, noted, “The Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition will explore—with remarkable scale and breadth—the importance of sartorial style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora.” This exhibition promises to celebrate the power of style as a means of rejecting stereotypes and accessing new possibilities.
In total, the gala raised a record-breaking $31 million for the Costume Institute, surpassing last year’s total of $26 million. This remarkable achievement underscores the event's significance as both a cultural landmark and a charitable endeavor.
As the Met Gala continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the power of fashion in shaping identities, fostering dialogue, and celebrating diversity. With its focus on Black style and the contributions of Black designers, this year's event not only honored the past but also paved the way for future generations to express themselves through fashion.
