The 2025 Met Gala, held on Monday, May 5, at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, embraced the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This theme celebrated Black dandyism and the role of fashion in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion. (Glamour UK, Page Six)
Theme & Dress Code
The accompanying Costume Institute exhibition, also titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” focused on the Black dandy archetype, examining the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities. The exhibition featured garments, paintings, photographs, and more from artists including Torkwase Dyson, Tanda Francis, André Grenard Matswa, and Tyler Mitchell. (Vogue India, Vogue)
The dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged attendees to embrace their personal style within the theme’s framework, leading to a diverse array of fashion statements. (Page Six)
Hosts & Honorees
The event was co-chaired by Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James serving as an honorary co-chair.
Red Carpet Highlights
Diana Ross made a grand return after two decades, wearing a silver cape embroidered with the names of her descendants.
Rihanna announced her third pregnancy in a striking Marc Jacobs suit dress.
Lewis Hamilton stood out in a silk tailcoat adorned with embroidery, a brooch, beret, and shimmering buckled shoes by Manolo Blahnik, designed by Wales Bonner.
Zendaya wore a white Louis Vuitton suit with a dramatic hat, designed by Pharrell Williams.
Doja Cat stunned in a Marc Jacobs ocelot-print bodysuit.
Janelle Monáe donned a dual-hued illusion ensemble symbolizing time-traveling dandyism.
Teyana Taylor paid homage to Ruth E. Carter with her symbolic ensemble.
Other Looks on the Carpet;
Burna Boy collaborated with British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng. He wore a regal red wool tuxedo paired with an oxblood eelskin cape, a design that deeply reflects Black excellence and Nigerian heritage. The cape symbolizes survival and cultural continuity from his Niger Delta roots.
Ayo Edebiri made a striking appearance in a custom ensemble by Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo, aligning with the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Her outfit featured a floor-length white shirtdress adorned with vibrant red coral beading, inspired by traditional Edo attire from Nigeria, paying homage to her heritage. Complementing the dress, she wore a black leather tailcoat reminiscent of classic tuxedo styles, a nod to the dapper fashion of her father and grandfather.
At the 2025 Met Gala, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie made a memorable debut, embodying the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with a striking ensemble. She wore a custom red ballgown by Prabal Gurung, adorned with feathered accents and bows, capturing both elegance and cultural resonance. Complementing her look, Adichie accessorized with De Beers jewelry, adding a touch of refined sparkle to her appearance .
Tems captivated attendees with a custom ensemble by British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng, perfectly aligning with the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Her outfit featured a structured, deep indigo shirt dress crafted from Ankara fabric, adorned with subtle green patterns. She complemented the look with a matching bow tie, a sculptural headpiece, and a tailored overcoat, embodying modern Black dandyism. This ensemble paid homage to her Nigerian heritage while celebrating the artistry of Black tailoring.
Shaboozey made a striking debut that captivated fashion enthusiasts and critics alike. The 29-year-old genre-blending musician showcased a custom ensemble by designer Robert Wun, seamlessly merging contemporary tailoring with cultural symbolism. His outfit featured a sleeveless turquoise beaded top that highlighted his physique, paired with a cropped black bolero jacket and flared trousers adorned with a distinctive woodgrain pattern. Complementing the ensemble, Shaboozey accessorized with matching turquoise grillz, rings, and a watch, and donned a slanted black boater-style hat—an elegant departure from his signature cowboy aesthetic.
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr made a striking impression in a custom creation by British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng. Her ensemble featured a silky black dress with a vibrant turquoise lining, perfectly complemented by her matching bright blue nails. This sophisticated look seamlessly blended classic tailoring with modern flair, aligning beautifully with the evening’s theme, “Tailored for You,” which celebrated Black sartorial heritage and innovation.
A$AP Rocky: As a co-chair of the event, A$AP Rocky’s rocked AWGE.
Bad Bunny: Also a co-chair, Bad Bunny’s outfit details for the 2025 Met Gala are not detailed in the current sources.
Brian Tyree Henry wore a custom ensemble by Orange Culture Nigeria, a Lagos-based fashion label known for its bold and expressive designs. His outfit featured an ornate red suit and coat, complemented by black leather gloves, boots, and David Yurman jewelry.
Cardi B: Cardi B made a bold fashion statement in a striking Burberry ensemble designed by Daniel Lee. Her outfit featured an embroidered green velvet coat with an open back, layered over a silk devoré shirt with ruffled details, a green satin cummerbund, and matching floral velvet trousers.
Chance the Rapper: There is no specific information available regarding Chance the Rapper’s attire at the 2025 Met Gala.
Coco Jones: Details about Coco Jones’s outfit at the 2025 Met Gala are not provided in the current sources.
Colman Domingo wore a custom Valentino ensemble inspired by Black dandyism, the Moors, and 1940s zoot suits. The outfit included a striking Yves Klein blue zoot suit with a dramatic cape, intricate sequined bolero, and accessories like a custom grill engraved with his late mother’s name, Edith.
Doechi in Louis Vuitton outfit at the 2025 Met Gala.
Halle Berry donned a daring sheer striped gown by LaQuan Smith. The mermaid-style dress featured a plunging neckline and strategically placed stripes, showcasing the actress’s fearless fashion sense.
Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfiger at the 2025 Met Gala.
Details about Lauryn Hill’s outfit at the 2025 Met Gala are not provided in the current sources.
Whoopi Goldberg made a statement through an intricately detailed and historically inspired garment, though specific designer details are not mentioned in the available sources.
Tyla in Jacquemus outfit for the 2025 Met Gala.
Stormzy Iin Tom Ford at the 2025 Met Gala.
Miley embraced the gala’s theme in a custom Alaïa ensemble by Pieter Mulier, featuring a dramatic leather crop top and gold statement necklace, celebrating identity and uniqueness.
The rapper appeared in a custom Thom Browne pinstripe suit dress, embellished with cascading ruffled flowers down her right shoulder, aligning with the evening’s tailoring theme.
As a co-chair of the event, Pharrell wore a bespoke Louis Vuitton ensemble of his own design—a double-breasted blazer adorned with 100,000 pearls, paired with black flared trousers and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
The rapper donned a custom Louis Vuitton suit designed by Pharrell Williams, featuring a burgundy double-breasted silhouette with shimmering beadwork that transitioned into pinstripes.
Exhibition Details
The “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition will be on view at The Met from May 10 through October 26, 2025. (Observer)
