The Met Gala 2025, held on May 5 at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, embraced the theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” highlighting Black dandyism and its profound impact on fashion and cultural identity. This theme, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion, delves into how Black individuals have historically used fashion as a form of self-expression, resistance and identity formation within the Atlantic diaspora.
Met Gala 2025 Fashion
Black dandyism is “about identity, power, and resistance, according to fashion writer Ty Gaskins. In a world where Black people have been marginalized, the dandy became a figure who defied the rigid categories of race and class that sought to confine them.”
The accompanying Costume Institute exhibition, co-curated by Miller and Andrew Bolton, features twelve thematic sections—including “Ownership,” “Distinction,” and “Freedom”—that trace the evolution of Black style from the 18th century to the present.
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True dandyism?
Notably, this marks the Institute’s first exhibition solely focused on menswear since 2003 and the first to exclusively highlight designers of color.
The dress code, “Tailored for You,” invited attendees to interpret the art of tailoring through a personal lens, resulting in a vibrant array of ensembles that celebrated individuality and cultural heritage. Co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, the event underscored a commitment to diversity and innovation in fashion.
So what did we expect? Someone who’s put together, perfectly groomed, and wearing clothing that’s expertly tailored. Three-piece suits were obvious, but so were cummerbunds and bowties. I didn’t expect to see so many sharp hats or so much of the black and white motif.
That’s why celebrities like Simone Biles stood out.
Not sure she got the theme down, but she certainly left an impression. So did this Wicked star.
Tailored to a Theme
Some guests completely nailed the spirit of the night, embracing the theme with sharp tailoring, bold individuality, and a clear nod to the rich tradition of Black dandyism. Before we dive into the best looks, let’s take a look at a few who truly got it right.
Angela Bassett made her Met Gala debut in a bespoke velvet vine-jacquard tuxedo cape, waistcoat, tuxedo trousers with side stripes and a hat by Jon Narcisso Millinery. She totally took everyone’s breath away!
Rihanna never disappoints and we all know why. This time around, she also announced her third pregnancy.
A little more spiderwoman gothic than dandy but it certainly turned some heads.
Thom Browne really killed it at the Met Gala. His designs look fabulous on the red carpet.
Everyone was talking about Kerry Washington’s ethereal dandy look all night long!
The bright color of Lupita’s Chanel suit screams modern-day dandyism. Not sure if it’s powder blue or mint green (I saw both in the media) but it doesn’t matter. It definitely caught everyone’s eye.
Maybe it’s a good thing that Lebron James canceled his appearance as Honorary Chair at the Met Gala last minute. He would have blown out of the water by his wife.
When does Zendaya ever not have a moment?
Cardi B is said to have brought “real dandyism to life.” I’m not a fan of the velvet green, but hey, it’s a look.
This is a look that would initially go into my worst dressed category. But take a closer look at the details. I love how Janicza Bravo’s look reflects the history, trauma, and resilience of Black identity as created by American artist Rashid Johnson, who hand painted elements on to the Tory Burch design.
A bit much but certainly hits the theme.
Standout Style
These are the looks that stood out on the red carpet, though they weren’t necessarily “dandy” or “tailored for you.”
She is just consistently breathtaking time and time again.
While at first sight, Anne Hathaway doesn’t look like she’s following the dandyism theme, a closer look reveals that she’s actually paying tribute to the late Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, according to Elle magazine. Talley was a longtime friend and supporter of Carolina Herrera.
I guess if tailored dandyism meant pinstripes, this dress on Quinta would fit the bill. Regardless, I think the look is perfectly tailored to her silhouette and looks incredible, even though it’s not exactly what I would envision for the theme.
Stunning beauty! Is it the theme? I’m not so sure. What do you think?
She’s a queen, but I don’t see the “tailored for you” theme here.
She looks fantastic, but why is there so much black and white on the red carpet? I guess in her case, she added an extra statement with the red detail.
Should I have created a pinstripe-suited dress section? There was a lot of that on the red carpet this year.
Honestly, I actually really liked this look. Probably because it’s an homage to the late Virgil Abloh. What a loss! Not sure it fits the theme, but it looks great on her and it’s very unique and eye-catching.
Kim Kardashian always tries so hard and never quite gets it. She doesn’t look bad, but I don’t think leather screams dandyism.
Stunning looks but all I see is black — and white!
Worst Dressed
And now for my favorite portion of the evening…
A lot of people raved about this look, but I didn’t. I don’t really think it hits the theme or looks good on her. What do you think?
This bubblegum look is pretty but no idea how it fits the theme whatsoever.
I guess she’s trying very hard to be Chappelle Roan. I don’t think it works.
I actually wavered about where to put this photo of Doechii. I don’t love the look, but I do think she did a good job of trying to hit the sartorial theme of the night in a unique way.
Instead of really diving into the theme, all she did was another “Sabrina Carpenter look.”
I have no words.
Do you have a favorite (or no words for a) look at the Met Gala 2025 red carpet?
– Simona Shemer
Photos: People, Vogue, EOnline, Page 6
You may like to read more of Simona’s celebrity style posts like The Best Red Carpet Fashion at the 2025 Golden Globes (and the Worst!) and Celebrities at Fashion Week Spring 2025: New York, London, Paris and Milan.
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