The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, brought together some of the biggest names in art, culture, sports, entertainment, and music. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” honored the legacy and influence of Black dandyism—a historical form of self-expression rooted in individuality, elegance, and resistance to racial stereotypes.
The official dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged attendees to interpret classic tailoring creatively. The red carpet was dominated by suiting, with a strong emphasis on menswear, making it one of the most memorable in the event’s history. Designers were challenged to reimagine traditional tailoring for their female clients while blurring gender norms in fashion.
The theme drew heavily from the concept of Black dandyism, which, according to designer Dapper Dan, began during the Harlem Renaissance when Black artists and creatives dressed as a form of personal and political expression. It continues to celebrate individuality and defiance against conformity.
This year’s event was co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, with LeBron James serving as honorary co-chair. Christian Allaire from Vogue explains that they were all some of the events best dressed, and “each interpreted tailoring in their own original ways.”
Celebrity interpretations of the theme varied widely. Zendaya impressed in a three-piece Louis Vuitton suit, while Lupita Nyong’o turned heads in a conceptual “suit within a suit.” Men embraced bold colors and nontraditional tailoring, stepping beyond the classic black-tie look.
The evening was not without surprises. Rihanna revealed her third pregnancy in a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble, and surprise performances by Stevie Wonder and Usher energized the crowd. The event maintained a sophisticated tone, with many black and white ensembles gracing the carpet. Diana Ross stunned the crowd with an 18-foot train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren, and Anne Hathaway paid tribute to André Leon Talley in a dramatic ball gown suit.
Overall, the 2025 Met Gala pushed creative boundaries, challenged designers to rethink gendered fashion norms, and celebrated the evolution of tailoring through the lens of Black style and cultural influence.
