Inside the 2025 Met Gala’s Monumental Celebration of Black Fashion and Tailored Identity

The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, was a landmark celebration of Black sartorial excellence, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This year's event, co-chaired by Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary co-chair, paid homage to the rich history and contemporary expressions of Black dandyism. Although absent due to injury, Lebron James's influence was felt as the honorary co-chair, representing the fusion of athleticism and fashion.

Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s seminal work, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the Costume Institute's exhibition delved into over 300 years of Black fashion history. It featured 12 thematic sections, including “Ownership,” “Jook,” and “Cosmopolitanism,” each exploring facets of Black identity and style.Notable artifacts included a purple and gold-trimmed coat worn by an enslaved man in the 1770s and zoot suits from the 1940s, symbolizing resistance and self-expression.

The dress code encouraged guests to interpret tailoring through a personal lens, resulting in a diverse array of ensembles that celebrated individuality and heritage. From traditional suiting to avant-garde interpretations, attendees showcased the versatility and depth of Black fashion.

Co-Chairs and Their Interpretations

Pharrell Williams: As Louis Vuitton's Menswear Creative Director, Williams donned a pearl pinstriped Louis Vuitton suit, blending classic tailoring with contemporary flair.

Colman Domingo: Embracing theatricality, Domingo wore a dramatic Valentino cape reminiscent of Othello, highlighting the intersection of fashion and performance.

Lewis Hamilton: The Formula 1 champion paid tribute to African heritage with a Grace Wales Bonner suit adorned with cowrie shell details, symbolizing cultural pride.

A$AP Rocky: Rocky sported a double-breasted technical wool jacket inspired by Harlem’s Marmot jackets, reflecting his personal style and upbringing.

Standout Red Carpet Moments

Teyana Taylor: Teyana Taylor collaborated with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter to create a symbolic ensemble. She wore a tailor-made pinstripe suit accompanied by an extravagant padded cape, with "Harlem rose" stitched into the train. The look was completed with a statement hat and cane, paying homage to Harlem's rich cultural history.

Cardi B: Cardi B made a striking appearance in a plunging green velvet suit by Burberry's Daniel Lee. The ensemble, inspired by Victorian fashion and wallpaper, featured a circular back cutout. Styled by Law Roach, Cardi complemented the look with green eyeshadow, matching contacts, and a voluminous teased lob hairstyle, embodying a "tailored, feminine dandy" aesthetic.

Jodie Turner-Smith: Turner-Smith channeled historical dandyism in a Burberry ensemble, featuring a floor-sweeping transparent tulle dress hand-embroidered with ivory silk organza faux feather flowers, layered over a mesh underdress shimmering with 150,000 faux pearls.

Sabrina Carpenter: Sabrina Carpenter turned heads in a bold Louis Vuitton outfit designed by Pharrell Williams. The ensemble featured a structured burgundy jacket with dramatic suit tails, a matching bodysuit, and high heels—intentionally omitting pants to accentuate her petite frame. Carpenter humorously noted the practicality of the outfit, expressing excitement about finally being able to use the Met Gala bathroom.

Angela Bassett: Making her Met Gala debut, Angela Bassett embodied the theme in a blue velvet jumpsuit layered over a sheer suit and black tie. She accessorized with a silver purse, black cane, shiny black pumps, and a black hat. Her hair, styled in loose curls, complemented the sophisticated ensemble, marking a memorable first appearance at the event.

Jenna Ortega: Jenna Ortega opted for a metallic ensemble resembling medieval armor, designed by Balmain. While the outfit showcased her edgy style, it faced criticism for not aligning with the gala's theme centered on Black tailoring and dandyism, although the details in the dress were inspired by measuring tape. The look sparked discussions about the importance of thematic adherence at the Met Gala.

Honourable Stand Out Looks

Willy Chavarria and Maluma

Designer: Custom Willy Chavarría

Looks: Chavarría complemented Maluma's outfit by wearing a custom pink zoot suit, featuring a wide lapel and a contrasting mint green tie. His ensemble was accessorized with a black hat and red gloves, adding a touch of theatricality to the duo's appearance.

Ayo Edebiri

Designer: Custom Ferragamo by Maximilian Davis

Look: Ayo Edebiri's outfit featured a floor-length white gown adorned with intricate red beading, reminiscent of traditional Edo garments. The gown was complemented by a black leather tailcoat, tailored in the style of a tuxedo, incorporating flowing tails and a high-collared shirt front. This fusion of elements created a contemporary take on classic menswear, aligning with the gala's theme of personalized tailoring.

Tyla

Designer: Custom Jacquemus

Look: Tyla appeared in a clean and classic striped, off-the-shoulder dress with a matching train, showcasing a timeless elegance.

Lupida Nyong'o

Designer: Chanel

Look: Lupita Nyong'o turned heads in a pastel seafoam tailored Chanel creation, featuring a boater hat, corsage, and a chiffon cape that gracefully flowed as she walked.

Tessa Thompson

Designer: Custom Prabal Gurung

Looks: Tessa wore a white coat-inspired dress that cinched at the waist and dramatically flared at the hips, highlighting her tall leather boots. She accessorized with a shiny tie, a top hat, and carried a church fan featuring André Leon Talley's image, paying homage to his legacy in fashion

Doechii

Designer: Custom Louis Vuitton by Pharrell Williams

Look: Doechii wore a monogrammed tuxedo jacket paired with checkerboard Bermuda shorts, embodying a modern take on classic tailoring. She accessorized with a burgundy pussybow, knee-high socks, buckled shoes, and a mini Speedy bag.A Louis Vuitton logo was delicately stamped on her cheek, and she carried an unlit cigar, adding to the dandy aesthetic.

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz

Designer: Moncler x EE72 by Edward Enninful

Look: Alicia donned a custom red pinstripe suit featuring a double-breasted jacket, a structured bustier, and wide-leg trousers. She complemented her outfit with a navy and red striped puffy scarf, black platform boots, and a beaded headpiece, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble. Swizz Beatz matched his wife in a red pinstripe suit, accessorized with a red durag designed by Paul Richards and a silver brooch.

Hunter Schafer

Designer: Custom Prada

Look: Actress Hunter Schafer paid tribute to classic dandyism in an impeccably tailored suit comprising a black jacket and trousers, a white cinched-waist top, gloves, and a cap.

Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab

Designer: Custom Suit, Moncler

Looks: Nessa Diab captivated onlookers with her avant-garde Moncler creation. She wore a sheer black gown paired with a glossy, sculptural puffer-style capelet, merging classic elegance with contemporary edge. Colin Kaepernick complemented Nessa's ensemble with a rich burgundy checkered suit featuring a dramatic cape.

André 3000

Designer: Burberry x Benjamin Bixby (his own label)

Looks: He donned a navy boilersuit adorned with umbrella embroidery, a twisted bolero, and a striped rugby top. Completing the look was a bright red beret, round glasses, and a black trash bag slung over his shoulder. The pièce de résistance was a 75% scale Steinway Model S baby grand piano, crafted by Pink Sparrow from foam and 3D-printed elements, weighing approximately 30 pounds

Taraji P. Henson

Designer: Custom creation by Edward Enninful for Moncler

Look: Taraji donned a white, structured ensemble that included a tailored jacket with exaggerated shoulders and a high-low skirt that cascaded into a dramatic train. She accessorized with a white top hat and carried a white cane, adding a theatrical flair to her appearance. Her look was completed with a pair of black stilettos, and she showcased a set of gold grills, adding a touch of edginess to her elegant outfit.

Usher & Jennifer

Looks: Usher donned a classic black three-piece suit accented with a white scarf draped over his shoulder and a cane in hand. His look was completed with a bowtie, silver button chain, and a glittering brooch, embodying the evening’s theme of refined tailoring. Jennifer complemented Usher’s look in a monochromatic outfit featuring a white blazer adorned with an ornate flower piece on the shoulder.

Zoe Saldaña

Look: She wore a tailored corset gown featuring a black backless bodice with structured shaping, white sparkly fabric for the long sleeves and maxiskirt, and white bobble detailing. The ensemble included white buttons running down the front, creating a thigh-high slit, and was finished with a dramatic bow at the back. Her accessories included silver dangling earrings, a statement ring, and black-and-white Oxford heels.

Tems

Designer: Ozwald Boateng

Look: Nigerian singer Tems wore a deep blue shirt dress adorned with a green print, complemented by a nep tie, hair ribbon, and umbrella. The ensemble paid homage to Black dandyism and Boateng's 2019 womenswear debut at New York’s Apollo Theater.

Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman

Designer: Custom ensemble by Giorgio Armani, Custom Marchesa

Attire: Brody donned a black satin T-shirt paired with draped tuxedo trousers, topped with a tailored black overcoat. His outfit was accentuated with a glittering floral brooch, adding a touch of elegance to the gothic aesthetic. Chapman wore a sculptural duchess satin gown featuring a rose drape detail along the skirt and an exposed illusion tulle corset.

Alton Mason

Designer: Custom BOSS by Marco Falcioni

Look: Mason donned a silver sculpted waistcoat with a heart-shaped chest cut-out, paired with metallic trousers and boots. Over this, he wore a dramatic black overcoat featuring bold shoulders and an elegant train. The ensemble was accessorized with a silver eye patch and a black fedora, paying homage to hip-hop legend Slick Rick. A flowing blue cape added a dynamic flair to the outfit.

Tyler Mitchell

Designer: Wales Bonner

Look: Tyler Mitchell embraced the white suit trend, donning a crisp white suit accented with cobalt blue details. The ensemble was styled with a feather boa, adding a touch of flair and aligning with the evening's celebration of Black dandyism.

Jalen Hurts & Bryonna Burrows

Designer: Burberry

Looks: The couple donned coordinated Burberry outfits designed by Daniel Lee. Hurts wore a classic black velvet double-breasted jacket with floral embroidery, complemented by a black silk tie, studded leather brogues, and a statement hat reminiscent of '80s and '90s hip-hop.

Brian Tyree Henry

Designer: Custom Orange Culture Nigeria

Look: Brian Tyree Henry donned a red suit featuring an opulent cape and knee-high boots. The striking red hue of his suit complemented the dramatic elements of his outfit, aligning with the gala's theme celebrating Black dandyism and tailored style.

Khaby Lame

Designer: Custom BOSS by Marco Falcioni

Look: Khaby donned a grey pinstripe three-piece suit, featuring a crisp white shirt and classic tie. The standout element was his waistcoat, adorned with vintage timepiece faces, symbolizing both the literal concept of time and Khaby's meteoric rise from silent content creator to global fashion icon. Completing the ensemble were black-and-white wingtip shoes, paying homage to traditional menswear.

Savannah James

Designer: Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa

Look: Savannah's ensemble was a custom creation by designer Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa. The gown reimagined classic menswear tailoring into a feminine silhouette, featuring a burgundy pinstripe pattern, a corset bodice, and a full mermaid-style skirt.

Fashion critics and enthusiasts praised the 2025 Met Gala for its cohesive theme and the attendees' commitment to honoring Black dandyism. The event was lauded for its celebration of Black culture, history, and fashion, marking it as one of the most impactful galas in recent years.