The Met Gala 2025 turned the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a living archive of Black fashion excellence. The theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” depicted black dandyism, and Power, elegance, rebellion, and reverence in every thread spoke volumes.
The hosts this year absolutely set the tone. Lewis Hamilton looked sleek and intentional in custom Wales Bonner, while Colman Domingo made not one but two statements—first in Valentino, then in a second refined Wales Bonner look. Pharrell Williams, dressed in custom Louis Vuitton, channeled cowboy cool through a Black heritage lens. A$AP Rocky flexed his styling skills in a custom ensemble that nodded to streetwear’s roots in tailored rebellion.
Sadly, co-chair LeBron James was missing due to an injury, but his influence lingered in the celebration of Black greatness across the carpet.
Structured suits, strong shoulders, and luxurious fabrics took center stage on the carpet. Teyana Taylor contrasted Zendaya’s white Louis Vuitton ensemble, while Nicki Minaj’s floral sculpture from Thom Browne demanded attention. Doja Cat’s Marc Jacobs look reimagined softness with a sharp edge and Miley Cyrus turned heads in custom Alaia. Kylie Jenner stunned in Ferragamo while Cardi B gave punk-meets-glamour in Burberry.
Kim Kardashian, in a fitted Chrome Hearts look, brought her signature sex appeal through a more constructed leather silhouette. Kendall Jenner looked statuesque in Toritseju Dumi, an exciting Nigerian designer on the rise. Sabrina Carpenter and Doechii brought two distinct visions of modern glamour in Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Lupita Nyong’o exuded grace in Chanel, and Zoe Saldana gave dramatic precision in Thom Browne.
Not everyone wore a suit—but that didn’t make their fashion any less powerful. Laura Harrier was angelic in white, her look striking in its simplicity. Gigi Hadid wore a golden Miu Miu gown inspired by Black design pioneer Zelda Wynn Valdes, balancing vintage reverence with Hollywood dazzle.
Sofia Richie Grainge served quiet richness in Tommy Hilfiger, and Serena Williams stood tall in royal blue. Jenna Ortega’s structured white ruler-inspired dress added an edge to whimsy. Anne Hathaway, Rosalía, Lorde, Sydney Sweeney, and Angel Reese also opted for dresses that played with silhouette and texture while nodding to the theme.
This year, African and diaspora artists didn’t just make an appearance, they defined the carpet. Tems, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy wore Ozwald Boateng, bringing forward Black British tailoring with a distinctly African essence.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was elegance embodied in Prabal Gurung, and Tyla was fresh and fluid in Jacquemus. Cynthia Erivo added theatrical flair, while Damson Idris kept it cool and collected. Khaby Lame, one of the biggest digital stars globally, walked with calm confidence, fully part of the cultural moment.
The Met carpet turned into a runway for some of the best-dressed duos of the night. Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra wore elegant Balmain. Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade served sleekness in matching Prada. Callum Turner and Dua Lipa looked like fashion royalty in Chanel, and Russell Wilson matched Ciara in custom Laquan Smith.
Pharrell and Helen Lasichanh glowed in coordinating Louis Vuitton looks. Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles took the risk in Harbison Studio, and Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz brought New York edge in Moncler by Edward Enninful.
Music icon Lauryn Hill made her first-ever Met Gala appearance, and it was worth the wait. Dressed in Emefa Cole, she embodied ancestral grace, mysticism, and poise. It was a fashion moment and a cultural one.
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As always, Rihanna closed the carpet, this time in an architectural white Marc Jacobs piece that was all curves and drama. But the real headline? She revealed her third pregnancy, stealing the spotlight with quiet elegance and joyful pride.
The Met Gala 2025 wasn’t just another fashion event. It was a reclamation, a celebration, and a rare example of a theme done right. Black designers, African artists, and global icons used the carpet to showcase the range of Black style—from dandy tailoring to divine gowns.
For once, the carpet wasn’t about inclusion for optics. It was about storytelling. And the message was loud, clear, and superfine.
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
