NEW YORK (AP) — Rihanna stole the spotlight at the Met Gala on May 5, 2025, showcasing her baby bump in a stunning pinstripe ensemble while announcing her pregnancy with baby No. 3 earlier that day. The pop icon's look, designed by Marc Jacobs, featured tied sleeves of a men's suit that created a bustle effect, perfectly aligning with the evening's theme of men’s suiting and tailoring.
As the last celebrity to walk the red carpet, Rihanna’s appearance was highly anticipated. Her hair cascaded down her back in a mermaid twist, adding an elegant touch to her already striking outfit. The Met Gala, known for its extravagant fashion statements, raised a record $31 million before the event even began, with proceeds benefiting the Costume Institute.
This year’s exhibition, titled "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," explores 300 years of Black style in the Atlantic diaspora, placing the dandy at its center. Co-curated by Andrew Bolton and Monica L. Miller, the exhibition promises to offer rich insights into the evolution of fashion.
The dress code for the night, "Tailored for You," allowed guests to express individuality while adhering to the theme. Many attendees embraced this opportunity, with a plethora of styles reflecting traditional men's tailoring. Emma Chamberlain, Zendaya, and Teyana Taylor were among those who opted for traditional men's detailing, showcasing their unique interpretations of the theme.
Janelle Monáe epitomized the evening’s aesthetic in exaggerated pinstripes crafted by Thom Browne, while Lauryn Hill honored menswear with a butter yellow suit that resonated with themes of Black empowerment. Alicia Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, made a bold statement in red pinstripes, with Keys sporting a head of bejeweled braids and Beatz donning a do-rag.
Doja Cat, known for her fearless fashion choices, donned a Marc Jacobs bodysuit adorned with orange and black wildcat detailing, complemented by broad-shouldered pinstripes. Taylor Swift turned heads with a Zoot Suit look, featuring a red, feather-adorned top hat and a lavish cape dripping with flowers and bling, created in collaboration with renowned costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
The night also saw Madonna, a long-time advocate of gender-bending fashion, arriving in a monochrome taupe tuxedo while clutching a cigar. Kylie Jenner embraced the theme with a gray and black corseted look by Ferragamo, while her sister Kim Kardashian opted for an embossed black leather dandy outfit by Chrome Hearts, characterized by its low-slung design and broad straps at the back.
Other notable appearances included Megan Thee Stallion in a floral lace-embellished Michael Kors gown and Dua Lipa, who channeled flapper vibes in a black Chanel ensemble. Miley Cyrus showcased her femininity in a custom cropped black crocodile jacket paired with a long black taffeta skirt designed by Alaïa. Diana Ross stole the show with a dramatic white train, escorted by her son, Evan Ross, while Lizzo debuted a striking blonde look alongside her pink and black Christian Siriano gown.
Cardi B, known for her bold fashion choices, stunned in a low-cut Burberry pantsuit, showcasing a new hairstyle and appearing to wear green contacts that matched her ivy-colored look. The men’s fashion also made waves, with co-host A$AP Rocky donning a custom suit designed by his creative agency, AWGE. He confirmed the exciting news of Rihanna's pregnancy, expressing how happy they were to share this moment with their fans.
“It feels amazing, you know,” Rocky said. “It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up. And I’m glad everybody’s happy for us ’cause we definitely happy, you know.” He added, “Honestly, it’s a blessing nonetheless.”
Pharrell Williams, another co-host, showcased a double-breasted, beaded evening jacket that took an impressive 400 hours to construct, adorned with 15,000 pearls arranged in a pinstripe design. Fellow co-chair Lewis Hamilton made a statement in an ivory tuxedo embellished with cowrie shells, emphasizing the cultural significance of his attire.
Colman Domingo, one of the evening's hosts, wore a striking pleated, gold adorned cape over a gray and black suit, a tribute to the late André Leon Talley, the fashion icon known for his contributions to Black representation in fashion. Walton Goggins, a guest from “The White Lotus,” turned heads in a deconstructed suit with a pleated skirt.
As the night concluded, many guests dispersed into the rainy New York night, ready to celebrate at the after-parties. The Met Gala continues to be a platform for creativity and self-expression, with each year bringing new themes and trends that push the boundaries of fashion.
For full coverage of the Met Gala, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/met-gala.
Associated Press writers Gary Hamilton, Beatrice Dupuy, Jocelyn Noveck, and Maria Sherman contributed to this story.
