Monday night saw the grand arrival of fashion’s most anticipated annual event — the 2025 Met Gala held at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” marked a powerful return to menswear-focused fashion for the first time since 2003.
Inspired by a new exhibit at the Met’s Costume Institute examining the legacy and cultural significance of the Black dandy across the Atlantic diaspora, the evening was an extravagant celebration of Black elegance, innovation, and identity through tailored fashion.
Celebrities from across music, film, fashion, and sports stepped onto the carpet not just dressed to impress, but to interpret, challenge, and elevate the boundaries of classic menswear with their own distinct flair. The result was a stunning display of artistic fashion that blended sharp tailoring with personal heritage and daring creativity.
Among the first to grab attention was actress Zendaya, who turned heads in a cream Louis Vuitton suit paired with a wide-brimmed hat. Known for her red carpet elegance, she kept things sleek and simple, with the only splash of colour being her bold red nails. It was a minimalist yet memorable look that played with gendered fashion norms.
Kim Kardashian brought her signature edge in a croc-embossed all-black leather ensemble by Chrome Hearts, complete with diamond chains and strings of pearls. Her history with bold Met Gala fashion continued to evolve, following her previous headlines with Marilyn Monroe’s dress in 2022 and the Thierry Mugler wet-look in 2019.
Singer Chappell Roan brought a vibrant burst of colour to the blue carpet in a patchwork hot pink ensemble sourced entirely from eBay. Her look, styled by Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell and topped off with Pat McGrath’s disco-inspired makeup, was a perfect blend of vintage funk and DIY brilliance.
Demi Moore added a dose of theatrical flair with a sculptural black-and-white striped Thom Browne gown fashioned to resemble a men’s tie. This literal take on the theme echoed her past penchant for method dressing, blending sharp tailoring with red carpet drama in a way that stood out from the crowd.
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny showcased cultural pride in a brown Prada suit co-designed with the fashion house months in advance. He elevated the look with embellished gloves, a stylish hat, and a brooch paying homage to his Puerto Rican roots. We did something special,” he said. I feel good, and I hope people think I’m looking good.”
Rihanna, always one of the most anticipated guests, stunned in Marc Jacobs as she debuted her third pregnancy alongside A$AP Rocky, a co-chair of the evening. Her return to the Met steps was both fashionable and deeply personal, glowing with maternal grace and high couture style.
The legendary Diana Ross made a triumphant return to the Met Gala for the first time since 2003, wearing a regal white ensemble complete with feathers and a dramatic train. Her gown, which required two assistants to manage, was embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren a touching personal detail.
Formula One star Sir Lewis Hamilton, who co-chaired the event, looked sharp in a cream suit by Black British designer Grace Wales Bonner. The two have collaborated before, and Hamilton’s presence was not only stylish but symbolic, representing the fusion of sport, culture, and high fashion.
Actress Sydney Sweeney paid homage to Hollywood icon Kim Novak in a custom Miu Miu gown adorned with beaded fringe shoulders and gold detailing. The dress also hinted at her upcoming role as Novak in the film Scandalous, blending tribute with cinematic storytelling.
Dua Lipa exuded luxury in a custom-made Chanel creation, consisting of a chiffon dress, tweed jacket, and organza cape adorned with pearls, feathers, and crystals. Reportedly taking over 2,000 hours to complete, her ensemble was a masterclass in craftsmanship and elegance.
Sabrina Carpenter, styled by Pharrell Williams, wore a tailored burgundy Louis Vuitton bodysuit in lieu of pants, telling reporters that Pharrell joked she was “too short” for trousers. The playful yet polished look brought humor and originality to the evening.
The night also featured strong menswear statements from Barry Keoghan in floral embroidered Valentino, and Colman Domingo in a dramatic two part Valentino ensemble that paid tribute to the late Andre Leon Talley. Domingo’s transformation on the carpet from cloaked royal blue to patterned suit was a highlight of fashion storytelling.
As the event continued, style icons like Teyana Taylor, Emma Chamberlain, Cynthia Erivo, Doja Cat, Tracee Ellis Ross, Madonna, and Andre 3000 all added their own inventive twists to the night’s theme. Whether it was Taylor’s “Harlem Rose” cape, Doja’s oversized shoulder pads, or Andre’s literal piano backpack, the creativity on display reaffirmed the Met Gala as the world’s most theatrical runway.
From sharp suits to sculptural gowns and historically inspired details, the 2025 Met Gala wasn’t just a fashion event — it was a tribute to Black identity, cultural pride, and the transformative power of style. With each outfit telling a story, this year’s Gala truly lived up to its theme, setting a bold new standard for red carpet expression.
