As the fashion world gears up for the highly anticipated Met Gala on May 5, 2025, all eyes are on the event's theme: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This year, the gala will not only showcase stunning couture but also serve as the opening night for the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition, which explores the intersection of dandyism, race, masculinity, and the underrepresentation of black creativity in fashion.
The exhibition, set to open to the public on May 10, 2025, aims to highlight how black men in America and Europe have utilized clothing as a form of self-expression. The event is particularly significant given the current political climate in the United States, where the Trump administration has faced criticism for its stance on diversity and inclusion.
Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, will host the gala alongside co-chairs A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and honorary chair LeBron James. Wintour's leadership at Vogue has been marked by vocal support for Democrats, making her a pivotal figure in the ongoing conversation about diversity in fashion.
The Met Gala has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, drawing attention not just for its fashion but also for the social commentary it inspires. This year’s dress code, "tailored for you," encourages attendees to embrace bespoke suiting, pocket squares, and cravats, ensuring a strong representation of black designers on the red carpet.
Colman Domingo expressed the importance of style for people of color, stating, "Style has been key to our survival as people of color to imagine ourselves in a different situation. It’s not just about clothes. It’s about how we – men, women, people of color – sort through the world to find images that allow us to exist in spaces that aren’t always available to us." Domingo, known for his flamboyant fashion sense, is collaborating with Alessandro Michele, the Italian creative director of Valentino, on his red carpet looks.
As anticipation builds, celebrity stylists are reportedly feeling anxious about how to respectfully dress for an event that celebrates black culture. Notable figures like Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are expected to make a significant impact on the red carpet, with Williams predicting they will "come through with a blowtorch." Meanwhile, Hamilton has expressed hope that the gala will spark conversations about the deep connection between fashion and self-expression within black culture.
Tickets to the Met Gala are priced at around $75,000, attracting America’s wealthiest individuals. While some, like Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, have opted to skip this year’s event in favor of wedding preparations, observers are keenly watching the guest list to see if Wintour extends invitations to Trump’s inner circle.
The exhibition itself is a collaboration between Andrew Bolton and guest curator Monica L. Miller, inspired by Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The book chronicles how dandyism has developed as both an aesthetic and a strategy, pushing against social and cultural hierarchies. Miller notes that "dandyism can seem frivolous, but it often poses a challenge to or a transcendence of social and cultural hierarchies."
As the Met Gala approaches, the fashion community is buzzing with excitement and speculation. The event promises to be a stunning showcase of creativity and a powerful statement on the importance of diversity in the fashion industry. As Doja Cat, who has made headlines for her memorable Met Gala appearances in the past, prepares for this year’s event, she raises the bar yet again.
Doja Cat, known for her bold fashion choices, has attended two Met Galas previously. In 2023, she paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved cat Choupette, with makeup artist Ernesto Casillas aiming for a feline yet soft look. The standout feature of her look was a jeweled "third eye," described by her creative director Brett Alan Nelson as a "million-dollar diamond." Her debut at the gala was nothing short of iconic.
In 2024, Doja Cat took a different approach, showcasing bold mascara tears created by celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath. This unconventional look, paired with a towel wrapped around her head, gave off a glamorous yet relaxed vibe. McGrath described the look as "shimmering, enchanted tears of joy" that added to Doja's unique style.
As the countdown to the Met Gala continues, the fashion world eagerly awaits to see how Doja Cat and other celebrities will interpret the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The event promises to be a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and the rich history of black culture in fashion.
