The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5, was a celebration of Black style and tailoring, honoring the rich history and influence of Black dandyism. The theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was brought to life by co-chairs LeBron James, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, and Pharrell Williams. The event showcased a stunning array of ensembles that reimagined classic tailoring through a contemporary lens.
In this comprehensive write-up, we delve into the top 10 standout looks from the 2025 Met Gala, highlighting the creativity, cultural significance, and sartorial excellence that defined the evening.
1. Zendaya in Louis Vuitton: A Tribute to Diana Ross
Zendaya’s appearance at the Met Gala was nothing short of iconic. Collaborating with her longtime stylist Law Roach, she donned a custom white Louis Vuitton three-piece suit, paying homage to Diana Ross’s portrayal of Tracy Chambers in the 1975 film Mahogany. The ensemble featured a wide-brimmed hat and a brooch, elements reminiscent of Ross’s signature style. Adding to the moment’s magic, Diana Ross herself attended the gala, witnessing Zendaya’s tribute firsthand.
2. Jennie in Chanel: A Modern Reinterpretation of Classic Tailoring
K-pop sensation Jennie made a striking appearance in a reimagined men’s suit by Chanel, inspired by designs from the 1920s and ’30s. The ensemble, crafted by Chanel’s skilled artisans, involved over 330 hours of meticulous work. Jennie’s look was a testament to the timeless elegance of Chanel’s tailoring, seamlessly blending historical influences with modern sensibilities.
3. Lewis Hamilton in Wales Bonner: A Nod to the Harlem Renaissance
Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton embraced the theme with a Wales Bonner ensemble that drew inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance. The outfit, styled by Eric McNeal, featured elements reminiscent of jazz singer Cab Calloway’s bold fashion choices. Hamilton’s look was a powerful statement on the intersection of sports, culture, and fashion.
4. Diana Ross in Eleven Sixteen: A Glorious Return
At 81, Diana Ross made a triumphant return to the Met Gala after 22 years, wearing a custom glittering silver gown by Eleven Sixteen. The dress featured an 18-foot ostrich feather-trimmed train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren, adding a personal touch to the regal ensemble. Collaborating with her son Evan Ross and Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie, Ross’s appearance was a celebration of family and fashion.
5. Sabrina Carpenter in Louis Vuitton: A Dandy’s Dream
Sabrina Carpenter captivated attendees in a burgundy Louis Vuitton bodysuit with oversized tails, embodying the “Tailored for You” theme. The ensemble combined Savile Row tailoring with Parisian corsetry, featuring hand-embroidered striped wool and crystal buttons. Carpenter’s look was a modern take on dandyism, showcasing the versatility and creativity inherent in contemporary fashion.
6. Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel: A Powder-Blue Dream
Lupita Nyong’o turned heads in a powder-blue Chanel suit, complete with a matching boater hat and sheer cape. The ensemble exuded elegance and sophistication, with sharp tailoring and a fresh hue that stood out against the blue carpet. Nyong’o’s look was a nod to classic menswear, reimagined through a modern lens.
7. Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry: Victorian Elegance
Actress Jodie Turner-Smith embraced Victorian aesthetics in an embossed leather Burberry ensemble, featuring a cinched waistcoat and bustle. The look combined historical references with contemporary tailoring, creating a striking balance between past and present. Turner-Smith’s outfit was a testament to the enduring influence of classic fashion on modern design.
8. Tracee Ellis Ross in Marc Jacobs: Playful Proportions
Tracee Ellis Ross showcased playful proportions and confident color blocking in a bordeaux and bubblegum Marc Jacobs creation. The ensemble featured dramatic tailoring and bold hues, reflecting Ross’s vibrant personality and fashion-forward sensibility. Her look was a celebration of individuality and the art of self-expression through fashion.
9. Lauryn Hill in Custom Ensemble: A Royal Homage
Making her Met Gala debut, Lauryn Hill donned a butter-yellow suit with a dramatic cape, paying homage to Ghanaian royalty. The ensemble was accessorized with a burgundy tie, amber pendant, and a blue Hermès Kelly bag, embodying the theme’s celebration of Black dandyism and tailored elegance.
10. Coco Jones in Manish Malhotra: A Met Gala Debut
Singer Coco Jones made a memorable Met Gala debut in a custom Manish Malhotra cream-colored suit jacket adorned with lace embroidery and pearls. Her dramatic XXL braid and soft glam makeup completed the look, positioning her as a standout of the evening.
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The 2025 Met Gala truly celebrated Black style and tailoring in a way that felt both historic and forward-thinking. Jennie’s Chanel suit was a masterstroke, blending gender lines and eras so seamlessly. Diana Ross’s gown, with its personal embroidered details, was a beautiful reminder of how fashion can be deeply personal and celebratory. Sabrina Carpenter’s Louis Vuitton look was daring and innovative, perfectly embodying the theme’s spirit. Lupita Nyong’o’s powder-blue Chanel ensemble was effortlessly chic, proving that minimalism can be just as striking as extravagance. How did the theme of Black dandyism influence the overall direction of the event’s aesthetic and attendee choices? I’d love to hear more about the cultural conversations sparked by these looks.