The 2025 Met Gala, described as the biggest night in fashion, took place on Manhattan's Upper East Side, captivating audiences with its star-studded guest list and stunning outfits. This year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," marked a significant milestone as it was the first Met Gala since 2003 to focus exclusively on menswear. Vogue describes the exhibition's subject as the "black dandy," which examines the importance of clothing and style to the formation of black identities in the Atlantic diaspora.
Co-chairs for the night included Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, actor Coleman Domingo, and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton. The event saw a plethora of celebrities gracing the red carpet, including Zendaya, Doechii, Shah Rukh Khan, and Bad Bunny, each showcasing their unique interpretations of the theme.
Fashion guru Law Roach, who styled Zendaya for the gala, had a memorable moment when he spotted first-time attendee Anna Sawai in a nearly identical white suit and wide-brim hat while she was giving an interview on the red carpet. Roach remarked in a TikTok video, "I am dying ‘cause she’s got on Zendaya’s look," highlighting the striking similarity between the two outfits. While both ensembles featured white suits, they were distinct in their designs; Zendaya’s three-piece Louis Vuitton zoot suit included a vest, whereas Sawai’s Dior outfit showcased wide-leg trousers and unique pocket detailing.
Zendaya, 28, added a personal touch to her look by wearing her engagement ring from fiancé Tom Holland, which she first showcased publicly at the 2025 Golden Globes. Meanwhile, Law Roach debuted a striking blonde pixie cut at the gala, explaining, "This is such a special night, and I wanted to change it up a bit." He complemented his new look with a custom Burberry velvet suit featuring ruffled cuffs, stating, "This Met Gala is personal, not only for myself, but also for all the people like me."
Among other notable attendees, Cardi B turned heads with a new hairstyle and eye color, while Kendall Jenner, 29, wowed in a cleavage-bearing Torishéju skirt suit. Kim Kardashian made a bold statement in a head-to-toe leather Chrome Hearts ensemble. Colman Domingo, who co-chaired the event, stunned in a floor-length bedazzled cobalt blue cape by Valentino, later switching to a gray-and-white suit from the same designer.
Jaden Smith, 26, made waves with a plaid cape and all-black suit combo, while Pamela Anderson debuted a chic bob hairstyle to complement her sparkly long-sleeved gown by Tory Burch. Other standout looks included Sabrina Carpenter’s burgundy pantsless outfit custom-made by Louis Vuitton and Diana Ross’s show-stopping custom design co-created with her son Evan Ross and designer Ugo Mozie.
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, also made a significant impact at the gala. His expertly tailored Prada suit was adorned with a traditional Puerto Rican pava hat, a piece historically worn by rural workers that has evolved into a symbol of cultural pride. Fashion anthropologist Elena Ramirez noted, "By bringing the pava to the Met Gala, Bad Bunny beautifully blurred the lines between luxury fashion and cultural authenticity. It’s like planting a flag that says ‘my heritage belongs here too.'"
Bad Bunny's outfit not only honored the exhibition’s focus on Black dandyism but also infused it with an Afro-Caribbean perspective, earning him universal acclaim. His ensemble featured accessories that amplified his cultural message: an oversized leather bag symbolizing cultural responsibility, pristine gloves nodding to dandyism’s attention to detail, and subtle Puerto Rican-inspired embroidery that only the keenest observers would notice.
The timing of Bad Bunny's appearance was particularly poignant as it coincided with the announcement of his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” World Tour, creating a cohesive narrative between his fashion statements and professional evolution. Celebrity brand strategist Marcus Chen remarked, "Artists of his caliber understand that red carpet moments aren’t isolated incidents – they’re chapters in a larger story they’re telling."
While some guests at the gala focused on the more provocative fashion choices, like Doja Cat’s wet t-shirt, Bad Bunny demonstrated how cultural messaging can resonate powerfully without relying on shock value. His outfit represented a blend of tradition and innovation, celebrating cultural evolution while asserting Puerto Rican identity on a global stage.
In a year when other stars, such as Miley Cyrus, captured attention effortlessly, Bad Bunny's understated political commentary on Puerto Rico’s relationship with mainland America resonated deeply with his community. His fashion choices elevated rural symbolism to high fashion, challenging class divisions and celebrating cultural sovereignty.
As the night progressed, attendees marveled at the diverse interpretations of the theme, with each star contributing to a rich tapestry of fashion and identity. From LaKeith Stanfield's vision in black and white to Gigi Hadid's shimmering liquid gold gown, the Met Gala showcased the power of fashion as a form of self-expression.
Ultimately, the 2025 Met Gala was not just about who wore what; it was a masterclass in cultural representation that challenges the fashion world to embrace authenticity. Bad Bunny’s pava hat was more than an accessory; it was an invitation to recognize that true style honors its roots while constantly evolving. The event left attendees and viewers alike pondering how they might incorporate pieces of their own heritage into their self-expression.
