The Met Gala 2025 wasn’t just a night of red carpet glitz—it was a historic fashion moment steeped in legacy, identity, and power. With this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the spotlight turned toward a centuries-spanning tradition: the art of Black dandyism.
And if you’re still asking “what’s a dandy?”—you missed the assignment. But lucky for you, we’re breaking it all down.
The Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
This year’s Met Gala theme, 2025, dug deep into cultural archives, focusing on how Black individuals have long used fashion, especially tailoring, as a form of expression and resistance. Originating in the 18th century and gaining cultural momentum during the Harlem Renaissance, Black dandyism flips the script on Eurocentric fashion norms. It’s about reclaiming elegance, asserting individuality, and turning style into storytelling.
The Costume Institute’s exhibition backed this up with over 250 pieces—garments, photographs, paintings, and archival accessories. Designs by icons like Virgil Abloh, Dapper Dan, Grace Wales Bonner, and Foday Dumbuya showcased how Black creatives have long tailored culture, literally and figuratively.
Best-Dressed at the Met Gala 2025: Who Understood the Assignment
Let’s talk about the guests who nailed the brief—and made the Met Gala 2025 red carpet unforgettable.
Colman Domingo
The co-chair, embodied the night’s message in a regal blue Valentino cape and patterned jacket, a tribute to the late fashion legend André Leon Talley.
Zendaya
Styled by Law Roach, she gave us modern-day Bianca Jagger in a sleek white Louis Vuitton suit with just the right touch of surrealist tailoring.
Rihanna
Announcing her third pregnancy in a pinstriped ensemble, redefined maternity style and Black dandyism in one go—icon behavior.
Teyana Taylor 
A bold, self-designed red outfit with exaggerated silhouettes—pure dandy energy and drama.
Janelle Monáe
If steampunk had a fashion degree, this was it. In a deconstructed Thom Browne suit, monocle and all, Monáe went full avant-garde.
Simone Biles & Jonathan Owens
This power couple honored their second anniversary in peak style—Biles in capri blue Harbison Studio, Owens in a Deji & Kola Harlem Renaissance-inspired suit.
Pharrell Williams
As a co-chair, Williams impressed in a pearl pinstripe Louis Vuitton suit, blending classic tailoring with contemporary flair.
Lewis Hamilton
The Formula 1 champion, donned a white suit by Grace Wales Bonner, complete with a beret, epitomizing modern dandyism.
Doechii
The rapper turned heads in a custom Louis Vuitton suit, presenting a modern androgynous look that paid homage to hip-hop culture.
Lupita Nyong’o
Nyong’o dazzled in a Chanel ensemble, seamlessly blending elegance with the theme’s emphasis on Black style.
Diana Ross
Making a grand return, wore a glittering gown with an 18-foot train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren, celebrating family and legacy.
Cynthia Erivo
Erivo’s shimmering Givenchy jacket and ball skirt ensemble was a nod to classic tailoring infused with modern glamour.
Tracee Ellis Ross 
Ross embraced the theme with a custom Marc Jacobs oversized jacket and pants, accented by a hot pink bow, exuding animated joy and artistry.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Turner-Smith stunned in a custom Burberry look, showcasing the power of tailored fashion.
Bad Bunny
The artist embraced the theme with a fashion-forward ensemble highlighting his unique style.
Keke Palmer
Palmer’s Vera Wang deconstructed tuxedo gown, inspired by Dorothy Dandridge, was a showstopper, blending classic and contemporary elements.
Missed the Mark: When Fashion Forgot the Theme
Even the brightest stars can have an off night. Here’s who fell short of the “Superfine” spirit:
Rosalía
Her mermaid-style Balmain gown? Gorgeous, yes. Thematically connected? Not so much.
Shakira
A bubblegum-pink Prabal Gurung look made a splash—but didn’t say “tailoring Black style.”
Jenna Ortega
Metallics and medieval armor? That’s another movie. Not this Gala.
Precious Lee
A leopard-print robe and jumpsuit combo that didn’t quite land in the realm of bespoke elegance.
Kim Kardashian
Kardashian’s ensemble lacked the tailored elements central to the theme, resulting in a look that felt disconnected from the event’s focus.
Hailey Bieber
Bieber’s basic black blazer was seen as too simplistic for the occasion, failing to capture the grandeur expected at the Met Gala.
Anne Hathaway
Hathaway’s outfit was criticized for being underwhelming and more suited to a business meeting than the fashion-forward Met Gala.
Karlie Kloss
Kloss’s attire was deemed basic and unflattering, lacking the thematic depth and creativity showcased by others.
Lorde
While always a fashion risk-taker, Lorde’s look didn’t resonate with the theme’s emphasis on tailored Black style.
Maya Hawke
Hawke’s ensemble was considered a misstep, not aligning with the event’s focus on tailoring and Black dandyism.
The Dress Code: “Tailored for You”
The official Met Gala 2025 dress code asked guests to come “Tailored for You”—a clever nod to both literal tailoring and personal interpretation. The result? A parade of fits that ranged from impeccably on-theme to wildly off-track. But that’s the fun of the Gala, isn’t it?
The biggest takeaway: tailoring isn’t just about seams and silhouettes. It’s about selfhood. And in 2025, the Met Gala guest list gave us fashion that wasn’t just worn, but lived.
Final Frame: A Night That Meant Something
As the cameras flashed and social feeds flooded with hot takes on the Met Gala 2025 outfits, one thing became clear: this wasn’t just a night of luxury. It was a tribute to style as protest, fashion as memory, and culture as couture.
The 2025 Met Gala proved that the sharpest suits and the deepest meanings often walk the red carpet hand in hand.
