Sabrina Carpenter made a bold statement at the Met Gala 2025, captivating the audience with a daring outfit that left many in awe. The American singer and actress strutted down the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, donning a Louis Vuitton ensemble designed by Pharrell Williams that notably lacked pants. This audacious choice came under the theme of this year's gala, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," which paid homage to the legacy of Black tailoring and dandyism reimagined.
Carpenter's look featured a burgundy striped bodysuit paired with a matching tailcoat jacket adorned with crystal buttons and an extra-long train. The outfit was a striking blend of classic sophistication and rebellious spirit, emphasizing the female form in a historically male-dominated context. The ensemble was completed with burgundy heels, pearlescent makeup from Prada Beauty, and her signature loose blonde hair, reminiscent of a music video star.
As expected, social media erupted when Carpenter stepped onto the red carpet. Alongside the praise, there were also criticisms and viral edits suggesting how she "should" have dressed. One of the most shared edits depicted a more modest version of her outfit, complete with digitally added pants. Rather than remaining silent, Carpenter responded with characteristic irony on X, posting the edited image with the caption: "damn i fked up…" accompanied by a smiling emoji. This witty retort not only defused the criticism but also reinforced her image and gave her narrative more control.
This year marked Carpenter's third appearance at the Met Gala, showcasing her evolving style. She made her debut in 2022 wearing a gold design by Paco Rabanne, followed by a black dress with blue details by Oscar de la Renta in 2024. Her bold choice in 2025 solidifies her status as one of the most daring and relevant figures on the red carpet.
Adding to the evening's excitement was Carpenter's unexpected reunion with actor Barry Keoghan, her date from the previous year's gala. The two, who ended their relationship in late 2024, were spotted together on the red carpet, sparking rumors and memes. Observers noted the contrast between Carpenter's confident demeanor and Keoghan's somewhat uncomfortable expression, as he refrained from making any comments.
With a flourishing music career, an international tour underway, and a steadily growing public image, Sabrina Carpenter is undoubtedly in her prime. Her appearance at the Met Gala 2025 not only cements her as a style icon but also as a figure who uses fashion to convey messages beyond mere presence; she asserts, "I am in charge."
Meanwhile, Georgina Rodríguez, partner of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, also made waves at the Met Gala 2025. Attending her first Met Gala, Rodríguez was seen mingling with stars like Zendaya and Lewis Hamilton. She wore a striking lingerie-inspired dress, complemented by a dazzling diamond necklace, capturing the essence of the evening's high fashion spirit.
The Met Gala, renowned for its extravagant displays of fashion and celebrity, showcased a myriad of styles and statements this year. Among the highlights was a viral video featuring a consumer showcasing the Mexican brand Cuidado con El Perro at the event. The video depicted a young man arriving at the gala, confidently stating, "Arriving today at the Met Gala with my powerful look from Cuidado con El Perro." This moment exemplified how consumers are increasingly becoming brand ambassadors, leveraging social media to share their unique fashion narratives.
According to a study by Sprout Social, 57% of social media users reported sharing brand-related content in the past six months, highlighting the power of audiences in disseminating commercial messages. The video from the Met Gala garnered over 4,000 views and sparked comments like, "Better than Anne Hathaway.. you completely understood the concept," showcasing the growing trend of user-generated content in digital marketing.
At the annual pre-Met Gala party hosted by Cartier, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as exclusive guests prepared to celebrate the Costume Institute Benefit themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." Ayo Edebiri, a member of the Met Gala organizing committee, reflected on the diverse perspectives surrounding dandyism and its significance. "There were so many different perspectives: I'm half Nigerian, grew up in the church, I'm Black. I thought about how women's and queer experiences intersect," she shared with Vanity Fair.
Edebiri donned a black leather trench coat, adorned with Cartier jewelry that paid homage to her roots. Miley Cyrus, in a leather crocodile-print top and a skirt by Alaïa, wore a necklace from Cartier's 1988 collection, reminiscing about her mother's influence. Kelvin Harrison Jr. expressed Black dandyism through his double-breasted Prada suit, while Jon Batiste honored jazz legends with his Tom Ford suit, adorned with a gardenia and a brooch from Cartier.
Andra Day made a statement in a pink tuxedo designed by Jérôme LaMaar, showcasing Cartier jewelry that embodied the spirit of afrofuturism. Henry Golding opted for a gold three-piece suit by Ozwald Boateng, representing knowledge through Adinkra symbols. Aimee Lou Wood, making her Met Gala debut, wore a custom tuxedo inspired by the Sapeurs of Congo, reflecting her personal style and heritage.
Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, stepped out of his comfort zone in a Gucci suit adorned with a Cartier High Jewelry brooch, emphasizing individual expression through fashion. Dapper Dan, a Harlem fashion innovator, made a grand entrance in a black and white Zoot Suit tuxedo, symbolizing the rich history of Black dandyism and the importance of fashion in cultural expression.
This year's Met Gala and its pre-party highlighted not only the glamour of celebrity fashion but also the deeper narratives surrounding identity, culture, and the power of self-expression through style. As the stars gathered to celebrate Black tailoring and dandyism, they reminded us that fashion is not just about aesthetics; it's about storytelling and heritage.
