The Met Gala has long stood as fashion’s most illustrious night, where creativity and couture converge on the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year, the 2025 Met Gala embraced the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” offering a profound exploration of Black dandyism and its enduring influence on fashion.
Unveiling “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
Curated by Monica L. Miller, a professor of Africana Studies at Barnard College, and Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s curator in charge, the exhibition delves into the rich tapestry of Black dandyism.
Curator of the MET GALA 2025 theme, Monica L. Miller
Drawing inspiration from Miller’s seminal work, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the showcase traces the evolution of Black sartorial expression from the 18th century to contemporary times.
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Through twelve thematic sections, including “Ownership,” “Presence,” and “Cosmopolitanism,” the exhibit highlights how Black individuals have utilised fashion as a means of resistance, identity formation, and cultural affirmation.
The accompanying dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged attendees to interpret the theme personally, resulting in a diverse array of ensembles that honoured the past while embracing modernity.
Our Favourite Looks from the Met Gala 2025
The red carpet was a testament to the theme’s depth, with celebrities showcasing ensembles that blended tradition with innovation. Here are some standout looks:
Zendaya in Louis Vuitton
Zendaya made a striking statement in a custom Louis Vuitton ensemble. Opting for a cream-colored suit paired with a wide-brimmed hat, she exuded modern elegance. The ensemble was completed with a subtle pop of color, her manicured red nails, adding a touch of classic glamour to the monochromatic look.
Sir Lewis Hamilton in Grace Wales Bonner
As a co-chair of the event, Sir Lewis Hamilton collaborated with British designer Grace Wales Bonner. He donned an ivory tuxedo adorned with cultural symbols like cowrie shells, paying homage to Black heritage and the theme’s essence.
Rihanna in Marc Jacobs
Rihanna graced the Met Gala steps in a custom Marc Jacobs creation, revealing her third pregnancy. The ensemble featured early 20th-century silhouettes, echoing the theme’s exploration of historical fashion narratives. Her appearance sparked speculation about expecting twins, adding to the evening’s buzz.
Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie
Legendary singer Diana Ross captivated in a show-stopping white ensemble by Ugo Mozie. The outfit, complete with feathers and a long train requiring assistance, embodied timeless glamour and theatrical flair.
Sydney Sweeney in Miu Miu
Actress Sydney Sweeney wore a custom Miu Miu gown inspired by Hollywood icon Kim Novak’s outfit from the 1967 film “The Demon of Women.” The sparkling black dress featured a keyhole cutout and gold broach, aligning with her upcoming role portraying Novak in a biopic directed by Colman Domingo.
Sabrina Carpenter in Louis Vuitton
Sabrina Carpenter collaborated with Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, to create a burgundy bodysuit that reimagined traditional tailoring. The ensemble featured all the elements of a classic suit, showcasing a playful yet sophisticated approach to the theme.
Colman Domingo in Willy Chavarria
Actor and playwright Colman Domingo paid tribute to André Leon Talley and Chadwick Boseman with a royal blue Valentino cloak. The ensemble featured a double-breasted suit with a dramatic cape, a black feather on the lapel, and a bouquet of white Calla lilies, symbolizing elegance and homage.
Teyana Taylor in Marc Jacobs
Teyana Taylor arrived in a custom Marc Jacobs burgundy cape embroidered with “Harlem Rose,” referencing her 2018 song “A Rose in Harlem.” Accompanied by costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Taylor’s ensemble celebrated Black cultural narratives and personal artistry.
Andre 3000 in Burberry
Andre 3000 turned heads with a Burberry ensemble featuring a navy jumpsuit from his own Benjamin Bixby line, a red hat, and a 30-pound 3D-printed Steinway baby grand piano backpack. Styled by Law Roach, the look symbolized emotional freedom and his new instrumental music project, “7 Piano Sketches.”
Cardi B in Burberry
Cardi B showcased a green Burberry pantsuit, accentuated by matching nails and eye shadow. The ensemble highlighted her bold fashion choices and commitment to pushing sartorial boundaries.
Doechii in Louis Vuitton
Rapper Doechii made her Met Gala debut in a Louis Vuitton ensemble featuring the brand’s monogram on her face, blending fashion with personal branding. The look sparked discussions about the relationship between Black creatives and luxury fashion brands.
Tyla in Jacquemus and Pandora Jewelry
South African singer Tyla shone in a Jacquemus creation, paired with Pandora jewelry, showcasing contemporary African fashion and the global influence of Black style.
Lauryn Hill in Stella McCartney
Iconic singer Lauryn Hill embraced sustainability and style in a Stella McCartney creation, aligning with the designer’s commitment to ethical fashion.
Burna Boy in Ozwald Boateng
Nigerian artist Burna Boy showcased African excellence in a vivid Ozwald Boateng tuxedo, emphasizing the global influence of Black tailoring.
Tems in Ozwald Boateng
Singer Tems’ Ozwald Boateng ensemble blended tradition and modernity, reflecting the theme’s celebration of Black sartorial excellence.
Pharrell Williams in Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
As a co-chair, Pharrell Williams impressed in Louis Vuitton, complemented by Tiffany & Co. jewelry. His ensemble embodied the theme’s essence, blending classic tailoring with contemporary accessories.
Pusha T in Louis Vuitton
Rapper Pusha T embraced the theme in a Louis Vuitton ensemble, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovative tailoring under Pharrell Williams’ creative direction.
Africa in the Room
While many MET Gala looks leaned toward traditional Western luxury, we wanted to give a special shout out to the designers and stars who turned to Africa for inspiration. From Thebe Magugu dressing Aurora James and Ivy Getty, to Indian-Nigerian designer Ahluwalia’s custom pieces for Aimee Lou Wood and gymnast Gabby Thomas, to Orange Culture Nigeria’s Adebayo Oke-Lawal—we love to see African creativity on the global stage. More of this, please!
The 2025 Met Gala was a testament to the enduring impact of Black style on global fashion. Each ensemble told a story, weaving together history, culture, and personal expression. As we continue to explore The Art of Style, these looks serve as a powerful reminder of fashion’s ability to celebrate identity and inspire change.
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