Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet: Iconic Style, Theme, and Memorable Looks

The Met Gala 2025 was more than just a glamorous event it was a celebration of culture, history, and the transformative power of fashion. Held on May 5, 2025, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the gala brought together the world’s most influential figures to honor the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. This theme delved into the rich history of Black dandyism, showcasing how fashion has been used as a tool for self-expression and resistance.

As fashion icon Rachel Zoe once said, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”

This sentiment was palpable throughout the evening, as celebrities used their attire to tell powerful stories of identity and heritage.

The Met Gala Theme 2025:Tailoring Black Style

The 2025 Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, curated by Andrew Bolton and Monica L. Miller, focused on the evolution of Black dandyism from the 18th century to the present day. The exhibition highlighted how Black individuals have long used fashion especially tailored clothing as a form of self-expression, resistance, and empowerment. It explored how style has been used to reclaim agency, challenge societal expectations, and assert identity and status in powerful ways. The theme honored the deep cultural significance of tailoring in Black communities, showcasing how elegance and craftsmanship have been tools of both personal pride and social commentary.

Key Highlights of the Exhibition:

• Historical Context: The exhibition traced the origins of Black dandyism, emphasizing its roots in resistance and self-expression.

• Cultural Significance: It showcased how fashion has been a medium for Black individuals to assert their identity and challenge societal norms.

• Contemporary Influence: The exhibition highlighted the influence of Black dandyism on modern fashion, featuring works by designers like Virgil Abloh and Grace Wales Bonner.

Celebrity Event Outfits: A Showcase of Style and Statement

This year’s celebrity event outfits were more than glamorous they were deeply symbolic. From historical references to bold, fashion-forward designs, the Met Gala dresses turned the red carpet photoshoot into a cultural masterpiece.

Notable Celebrity Looks

Rihanna

Rihanna made a grand entrance in a deconstructed Marc Jacobs suit, embodying the essence of Black dandyism with a modern twist. Her outfit was a nod to the Harlem Renaissance, featuring bold tailoring and statement accessories. Her look defined what it means to dress to impress at the Met Gala.

Zendaya

Zendaya stunned in a metallic suit-dress combo, channeling the glamour of the 1930s while incorporating elements of Black dandyism. Her look was both futuristic and nostalgic, capturing the theme’s essence.

S.Coups 

Made his Met Gala debut in a custom BOSS ensemble inspired by traditional Korean hanbok, featuring an asymmetrical gray blazer, wide pleated trousers, and a dramatic black duster  a fusion of heritage and high fashion.

 

Pharrell Williams

Co-chaired the event in his signature tailored denim and bolo tie ensemble Western-inspired but sleek, putting a unique spin on the dandy aesthetic.

Colman Domingo

Dressed in a regal three-piece suit with extended lapels and layered textures commanding, elegant, and true to the evening’s theme.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner wore a custom gray skirt suit by Torishéju Dumi with a plunging neckline, inspired by Harlem Renaissance icon Gladys Bentley. She styled it with Chopard diamonds and gray pumps, blending elegance with empowerment.

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner wore a custom Ferragamo gown with a sheer black corset top and gray herringbone skirt featuring a thigh-high slit. She styled it with mesh gloves, diamond earrings, and a black silk stole with a jeweled rose brooch.

 

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid’s ensemble featured a pearl-studded corset paired with structured trousers, inspired by 1940s suiting with a feminine twist. Her look was a sophisticated blend of vintage tailoring and modern glamour. This celebrity event outfit captured both Old Hollywood charm and sharp modern tailoring.

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey returned with a hauntingly beautiful Met Gala dress, a full-length gothic lace gown with corset detailing and spiritual veiling, merging the mystical with historical elegance.

Kim Kardashian

Wore a bold black leather Chrome Hearts dress with pearls and a leather hat edgy, tailored, and glam.

Miley Cyrus

Channeled individuality with a bold, structured ensemble rebellious and elegant.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega made a bold statement by wearing a dress constructed entirely from metal rulers, designed by Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing. The futuristic silver dress was form-fitted and paired with white gold diamond jewelry and a silver necklace. Her Old Hollywood-inspired hairstyle and smoky makeup provided a soft contrast to the structured outfit, showcasing a creative interpretation of the theme. 

Khaby Lame

Rocked a pinstripe BOSS suit with a waistcoat decorated in vintage pocket watches   timeless and iconic.

J Balvin

Turned heads in a custom salmon-pink Marc Jacobs three-piece suit with a matching hat, embodying bold elegance.

Lewis Hamilton

Commanded attention in a custom ivory Wales Bonner suit with a cropped jacket, high-waisted tuxedo-striped trousers, and an embroidered sash adorned with cowrie shells and pearls a powerful homage to Black heritage and dandyism.

Sabrina Carpenter

Embraced the day knicker trend in a burgundy Louis Vuitton bodysuit and cropped blazer designed by Pharrell Williams, featuring a dramatic train and no trousers  a playful and empowering take on the theme.

Lisa

Lisa made a bold statement by embracing the day knicker trend appearing pantless under a tailored Louis Vuitton bodysuit adorned with shimmering black lace and a chain belt. Her look was completed with sheer black tights and a sleek updo, embodying the fusion of modern glamour and historical tailoring. This ensemble sparked conversations about the evolving standards of beauty and empowerment in fashion.

Rose

Rose returned to the Met Gala in an elegant all-black Saint Laurent suit and cape, paying homage to the theme’s celebration of Black dandyism. Her ensemble was complemented by red heeled sandals and a long necklace, with her signature makeup and mermaid-style wet-look blonde hair adding a touch of modern sophistication.

Jennie

Jennie paid tribute to Coco Chanel with a reimagined tuxedo ensemble that featured an off-the-shoulder tuxedo dress, cropped cigarette trousers, a long train, and signature Chanel elements like pearls and a camellia flower. As a Chanel ambassador, Jennie has consistently worn the brand to the Met Gala, but this year’s look was particularly lauded for perfectly blending traditional menswear and Chanel’s timeless aesthetic in a modern context.

Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood’s King, Shah Rukh Khan is a celebrated actor known for his versatile roles and immense international popularity. At Met Gala 2025, Shah Rukh Khan made his debut as the first Bollywood male actor to attend, wearing a custom Sabyasachi ensemble featuring a floor-length Tasmanian wool coat, black silk shirt, and satin kamarbandh. He accessorized with talismanic chains, diamond-studded brooches, and an 18k gold cane. His look was completed with a ₹21 crore Patek Philippe watch, making history at fashion’s most prestigious event.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe made an entrance in a tuxedo-inspired gown with striking geometric patterns and silver accents, paying tribute to Black dandyism’s boldness. Her accessories such as a feathered headpiece added a playful, avant-garde twist.

A$AP Rocky

Known for his avant-garde fashion choices, A$AP Rocky sported a tailored leather jacket with intricate embroidery, showcasing both rebellious and refined elements. His look merged high fashion with street style in a seamless way.

Shakira

Dazzled in a custom bubblegum pink Prabal Gurung gown with hourglass cutouts and a sweeping train, exuding princess-like elegance.

Diljit Dosanjh

Diljit Dosanjh is a renowned actor and singer in the Punjabi and Hindi film industries, known for his unique style and cultural fusion in both music and fashion.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas

The couple wore matching embroidered tuxedo ensembles, blending luxury tailoring with rich cultural elements, paying homage to the theme while creating a powerful duo moment.

Anna Wintour

The fashion icon and Met Gala co-chair, Anna Wintour, wore an exquisite tailored ensemble that expertly combined classic and modern elements, solidifying her status as a trendsetter while paying tribute to the theme of Black dandyism.

 

The Impact of the Met Gala 2025

The Met Gala 2025 was not just another glamorous red carpet event it marked a pivotal moment in the fashion world, setting new standards for inclusivity, cultural representation, and the intersection of fashion and identity. By shining a spotlight on Black dandyism, the event highlighted the rich history and evolution of Black fashion, a movement that has long been a symbol of self-expression, resistance, and cultural pride. The theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was more than just a celebration of clothing; it was a deep exploration of how fashion has served as a tool for Black individuals to reclaim agency, challenge societal norms, and assert their identity.

The focus on Black dandyism at the Met Gala 2025 brought to the forefront the cultural significance of tailored fashion in the African diaspora, a history often overlooked in mainstream fashion narratives. The exhibit and the red carpet looks elevated the conversation around how Black style has shaped and continues to influence global fashion trends. By honoring the historical and contemporary figures who have contributed to this movement, the event empowered a new generation to embrace their heritage through style, while simultaneously redefining what it means to be stylish and powerful in the modern world.

Beyond the event itself, the Met Gala 2025 sparked important dialogues about fashion as a form of resistance and empowerment. It reminded us that clothing is never just about appearance; it’s about identity, heritage, and the stories we choose to tell through our garments. Celebrities and designers showcased their ability to blend history with modernity, using their platforms to make bold, cultural statements that resonated with people globally.

The Gala’s exploration of Black dandyism and the blending of masculine and feminine styles also challenged traditional gender norms in fashion, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for inclusivity. This shift is critical not only for the fashion industry but also for society, as it opens the door for a more fluid understanding of identity and expression.

As a result, the Met Gala 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered as a groundbreaking event that emphasized fashion’s power to not only beautify but also provoke thought, inspire change, and celebrate diversity. Its impact will extend far beyond the night itself, continuing to influence conversations about culture, identity, and fashion for years to come. The event reaffirmed that fashion is not just an industry it’s a platform for cultural dialogue, an art form, and, most importantly, a means of self-expression and empowerment.

Conclusion: Fashion as a Reflection of Identity

The Met Gala 2025, with its theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was not only a celebration of fashion but also a powerful reminder of the role fashion plays in shaping identity, culture, and history. The event brought forward the rich legacy of Black dandyism and its profound impact on global fashion, challenging norms and encouraging self-expression. Celebrities and designers alike used the platform to make bold statements about heritage, empowerment, and the evolving standards of beauty and fashion. As we look back on this iconic night, it’s clear that fashion is more than just a reflection of trends it’s a vehicle for change, a celebration of culture, and an expression of individual identity. The Met Gala 2025 has undoubtedly left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to embrace fashion not only as a means of adornment but as a tool for cultural pride, resistance, and self-expression.