Sydney Sweeney honored Hollywood actress Kim Novak at the 2025 Met Gala on Monday night, May 5, 2025, with a stunning black beaded gown by Miu Miu. The dress was reminiscent of one Novak wore in the 1967 film The Legend of Lylah Clare, featuring fringe tassels on the sleeves and a peekaboo neckline accented with a gold brooch. This year's Met Gala marked Sweeney's fourth appearance at the event and her third time attending with Miu Miu.
As she walked the red carpet, Sweeney shared her inspiration for the outfit, stating, "This is actually paying homage to Kim Novak, and I'm doing a movie with Colman Domingo, so we wanted to really just bring that to life," while speaking with Vogue. The actress is set to portray Novak in the upcoming film Scandalous, which will explore the real-life, short-lived romance between Novak and singer and actor Sammy Davis Jr.
Colman Domingo, who is making his directorial debut with this film, has a personal connection to the event, serving as one of the co-chairs of this year’s gala. The film aims to depict the complexities of the interracial relationship between Novak and Davis during the racially charged atmosphere of the 1950s.
The Met Gala’s theme this year, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, celebrates the influence of Black dandyism and menswear, a fitting backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Co-chairs for the event included Domingo, along with A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Lewis Hamilton, while NBA superstar LeBron James was set to be an honorary co-chair but withdrew due to a knee injury.
In addition to Sweeney’s homage to Novak, the actress's gown drew parallels to a dress worn by Joan Crawford in the 1937 film The Bride Wore Red. Sweeney’s gown featured an asymmetric cutout and short sleeves with fringe detailing, embodying a modern twist on classic Hollywood glamour.
Speaking about her collaboration with Miu Miu, Sweeney expressed her admiration for the brand, saying, "I always feel that they just bring such beautiful stories to every dress. This is actually paying homage to Kim Novak, and we wanted to really just bring that to life, and I think it's just such a beautiful story." This sentiment resonates with the evening's celebration of fashion as a narrative art form.
The Met Gala not only serves as a platform for high fashion but also as a stage for social commentary. The event is known for its elaborate outfits and the creative interpretations of its themes. This year, the focus on Black dandyism highlights the rich history and cultural significance of Black fashion and style throughout American history.
As part of the gala's festivities, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its 2025 costume exhibit on Black dandyism, showcasing the evolution of style and the contributions of Black designers and artists to the fashion industry. This exhibition aims to educate and inspire attendees and viewers alike about the cultural impact of Black style.
While Sweeney's dress may not have strictly adhered to the theme, it nonetheless sparked conversations about representation and the importance of honoring the legacies of iconic figures like Novak. The actress's choice to celebrate Novak, who is known for her roles in films like Vertigo, illustrates the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of race, gender, and Hollywood.
In the context of their film, Scandalous, Sweeney and Domingo delve into the challenges faced by Novak and Davis during a time when interracial relationships were heavily scrutinized. Their love story, complicated by societal pressures and industry politics, serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles for acceptance and equality that persist today.
As the evening unfolded, Sweeney's homage to Novak became a focal point of the event, drawing attention not only to her fashion choices but also to the deeper narrative of the film she is set to star in. The actress's dedication to bringing Novak's story to the screen reflects a growing trend in Hollywood to highlight the lives of influential figures from the past.
The Met Gala continues to be a significant cultural event, where fashion meets social issues, and where stars can use their platform to advocate for change. This year's celebration of Black dandyism and the artistic expression it embodies offers a fresh perspective on the themes of identity and representation in contemporary fashion.
In summary, Sydney Sweeney's tribute to Kim Novak at the 2025 Met Gala stands as a testament to the enduring influence of classic Hollywood on modern fashion. As she prepares to portray Novak in Scandalous, Sweeney not only honors the actress's legacy but also engages with the complex narratives of race and love that shaped their lives. The evening served as a reminder that fashion is not merely about aesthetics; it is also a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural reflection.
