The 2025 Met Gala, held in celebration of the Costume Institute’s "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition, showcased a stunning array of fashion statements, with celebrities like Rihanna, Zendaya, and Dua Lipa stepping onto the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year’s theme, inspired by Monica L. Miller's book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity," was reflected in the dress code, "Tailored for You," encouraging guests to explore the concept of dandyism through their outfits.
As the night unfolded, the excitement didn’t stop on the red carpet. Instead, it transitioned to various after-parties around New York City, where stars continued to make bold fashion choices while celebrating the night. A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Colman Domingo co-hosted separate after-parties that went on until the early hours of Tuesday morning, May 7, 2025.
At A$AP Rocky's after-party held at Jean's bar, the rapper, who is also the creative director for Ray-Ban, celebrated not only the success of the gala but also the news that he and Rihanna are expecting their third child. The venue was transformed into a tailor shop, fitting for the gala’s theme, complete with dress forms and glass cases filled with ribbons. A live band played jazz standards, a nod to Rocky's love for the genre.
Rihanna made a grand entrance around 4 a.m., glowing in an all-black ensemble that accentuated her baby bump. She posed for photos in front of framed images of iconic Black figures, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Louis Armstrong. The party atmosphere was lively, featuring low red lighting, a packed dance floor, and an abundance of Casamigos tequila.
Meanwhile, at Pharrell Williams' after-party, attendees enjoyed an elevated Uno tournament, a fun twist that included prizes such as a Richard Mille watch and Tiffany & Co. diamond earrings. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Keke Palmer, and Simone Biles were spotted mingling, while Kim showcased her fashion prowess in a midi-length skirt and sheer boned corset, leaving behind her red carpet leather hat.
Jenna Ortega and Sabrina Carpenter were among the stars who drew significant attention during the after-parties. After dazzling on the Met Gala red carpet, where Ortega wore a metallic dress styled with Old Hollywood waves and Carpenter sported a burgundy bodysuit, the duo changed into new outfits for the after-party. Carpenter donned a tailored black ensemble with a white shirt and black tie, while Ortega opted for a tuxedo-inspired bodysuit adorned with a gold flower brooch.
Photos of the pair together quickly went viral on social media, showcasing their camaraderie and stunning fashion choices. Their friendship has been in the spotlight since Ortega starred in Carpenter's 2024 music video for "Taste," making their appearances together even more notable.
As the night progressed, the author of a personal account from the after-parties shared their experience of feeling like the least famous person in the room. They began their evening at a gathering hosted by Willy Chavarria, Wayman + Micah, and Don Julio at The Mark, where they enjoyed the best French fries of the night. The atmosphere was described as homey and inviting, a welcome contrast to the high-profile events that followed.
Afterward, the author ventured to the annual event at BOOM (formerly Boom Boom Room), where they spotted celebrities like Central Cee, Halle Bailey, and Nick Jonas. The excitement of mingling with A-listers was palpable, and the author reflected on the thrill of being part of such a vibrant scene.
Other notable after-parties included the APRÈSMET party hosted by Alex Consani, Carlos Nazario, and Paloma Elsesser at WSA, and the Samsung x Laquan Smith gathering at Ludlow House, where Brooks Nader checked out the latest technology. Ayo Edebiri's party at People’s, co-hosted with Janicza Bravo and others, was recognized for its iconic photo spot, though the author lamented missing the chance for a picture with Keke Palmer.
As the night wore on, Richie Akiva’s 11th annual “The After” party at Casa Cipriani drew a crowd, including stars like Doja Cat and Colman Domingo. The author described the scene as surreal, with moments of excitement and surprise, such as encountering Stevie Wonder and mingling with other celebrities.
The Met Gala and its after-parties not only highlighted the creativity and artistry of fashion but also served as a reminder of the connections and friendships forged within the industry. As the stars celebrated their successes, the world watched in awe, eager to see what would come next in the realm of fashion and celebrity.
