A Night of Dandyism and Defiance: The Met Gala's Most Defining Looks
It's that time of year again - May's first Monday, and you know what that means: the Met Gala 2025 is here! It's the annual showcase where avant-garde designs from every corner of the fashion world strut their stuff, all while the year's most coveted celebrities dazzle us from the spotlight. This time around, New York has outdone itself, celebrating the rich history of black style in a meaningful and glamorous way – and it is about time.
This year's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," is a bold and overdue homage to the artistry, history, and undeniable influence of Black dandy fashion. Drawn from the stunning spring exhibition at the Costume Institute - the genius creation of Monica L. Miller and Andrew Bolton - this theme embraces menswear's rich legacy while honouring the expansive narrative of Black identity in style. It transcends mere suits and silhouettes; it speaks volumes about the narratives intricately stitched into each piece. Fashion is never just fabric. It tells a story from the character who wears it, to the meaning behind the garment. This event effortlessly wove together artistry, movement and culture within each seam.
From the moment the Met Gala commenced, we were greeted with a delightful presentation by the gospel choir on the iconic Met Steps. This was just the start of an evening brimming with elegance and character. Co-chairs Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, ASAP Rocky, and Colman Domingo took to the blue carpet in powerful suits that completely redefined men's tailoring. Dressed head to toe in the most divine tailoring, ranging from Louis Vuitton to Wales Bonner, these gentlemen embodied the theme with their exquisite style. Setting an exceptionally high standard for the evening, the co-chairs challenged their fellow attendees to rise to the occasion, and let me tell you, they undoubtedly exceeded all expectations.
As the night highlighted black dandy excellence, the support on the carpet gathered as each attendee, for what seemed like the first time, adhered to the dress code: Tailored for You. While this iconic evening aimed to honour Dandy menswear's significance in black history, it also allowed each attendee to display their unique character through tailoring. "Tailored for You" might sound simple, but never underestimate the distinctive power of fine suiting. With tailoring comes the freedom to experiment, and with that experimentation arises authenticity. With no celebrity failing to show up, this year's Met Gala was successful.
Tailoring has transcended the confines of a three-piece suit, now embodying a vibrant spectrum of expression. No two pieces are alike, from exaggerated silhouettes to minimalist designs, and from bold maximalism to understated simplicity. This year, with the Met Gala theme holding so much emotion and power, it easily transformed into a tapestry of cultural richness. A night well worth celebrating, a movement that yearned to be acknowledged, brought all attendees together. To call my admiration for this collective an understatement would be a vast simplification. This theme was not about showing off one's impeccable design but bringing people together despite the noise surrounding the contemporary world. Once again, fashion has brought creatives from various industries and backgrounds together, showing how united we can be when we take a moment to celebrate all backgrounds.
Dare I say that this year's Met Gala may be one of the best among the many? The standout event showcased an array of fashion that both inspired and invited debates amongst the audience. Of course, I had my personal favourites. With a handful of these looks leaving me questioning their visions, isn't that what makes this one night so riveting? We welcomed a night filled with fresh looks, new forms of tailoring and darling attendees. The carpet itself carried a powerful message, but what stood out this year was the empowering support from over a hundred celebrities, all coming together to celebrate individuality and elegance. Moments like these are exactly what the Met is all about.
From gowns to jumpsuits, here's a rundown of the most alluring and unforgettable looks that truly owned the night at the Met Gala 2025:
One of the first to grace the carpet was Teyana Taylor. The Met Gala welcomed her electrifying enthusiasm and, without her realisation, her impactful tailoring won the attention of us all. Owning the night in an extraordinary collection by Ruth E. Carter, complemented by Marc Jacobs heels, Teyana exuded an effortless flair that commanded attention. It was much more than just the fashion that was displayed that night. Teyana gave a masterclass in elegance and history, honing a rich narrative inspired by her latest album, "Rose in Harlem." True to her character, she honed her career and used the Met Gala to show success.
From the nod to dandyism to the stunning representation of black beauty and the flawless tailoring, this creation was nothing short of meticulous. With a gown like this behind a woman so strong, let's be honest: while Usher took to the stage, Teyana truly stole the show.
Each year, Zendaya has shown up in a piece to be recognised. Always attuned to the evening's theme, Zendaya leaves us all wanting more the second she enters that blue carpet. Leaving no room for mediocrity, when she steps on those steps, she owns them. Embodying outstanding taste and a fervent commitment to honouring fashion history, her Monday ensemble made an unforgettable statement.
Paying tribute to the rock and roll legacy of the zoot suit - once a defining symbol of Black dandyism Zendaya dazzled in a breath-taking creation by the visionary Louis Vuitton and Pharrell Williams. Their collaboration was a highlight on last night's carpet, seamlessly reinventing this year's theme while drawing inspiration from the iconic power suits of the '70s and '80s.
With a clean-cut suit reflecting purity and innocence intertwined with accessories and structure that resonate power, Zendaya elevated her representation to extraordinary heights. Each seam seemed meticulously crafted with intention, compelling the audience to take notice - and indeed, all heads turned as she ascended the iconic Met steps.
A raw moment of spectacle for the fashion world. Lewis Hamilton possesses an effortless charm that commands attention the second he enters a room. With a look as considered and striking as this, he raised the standard for fashion's biggest night. The Met Gala is a rare stage, arriving only once a year, and with that exclusivity comes an expectation. Will the celebrities rise to the occasion? Whether by expressing their personal style or reimagining themselves entirely, for a night so grand, it is only natural to show off authenticity through a theme so divine.
Yet, the reality is that many consistently fail to deliver. Not this year, though - especially not with Hamilton as Co-Chair. Hamilton graced the red carpet in an exquisite all-white suit paired perfectly with a chic beret. Wales Bonner styled this riveting Formula One star with an embodiment of grace, dignity, and sheer power. This suit wasn't just made for Hamilton - it was made for the Met. The fine craftsmanship reflected his time and care to get it right. Although the suit was a moment in itself, what really stood out was how the look told a story: one of character, respect for the art of dandyism, and a genuine tribute to Wales Bonner. He didn't just wear her design - he shone a light on her masterpiece, giving her a profound new platform. Bonner, an exceptional London designer who champions black culture, entranced Hamilton with her artistry for the evening's grandeur. Presentation, confidence, and a sense of history entered the venue with Hamilton last night, and it certainly did not go unnoticed.
Dandyism, once exclusively linked to menswear, has gracefully transitioned into women's fashion, particularly in tailored pieces. It's no surprise to see a parade of celebrities descending the blue carpet, dressed in everything from sculptural gowns to sharp, fashion-forward playsuits. Yet among them, Jennie stood out - and rightfully so. She brought dandyism to life through a look that blended elegance with unmistakable personal flair in a thoughtful nod to her style idol, the legendary Coco Chanel.
As someone who deeply admires Chanel's timeless work and rich history, I might come off as biased when I proclaim that Chanel designs some of the most charming yet sophisticated suits, so it's no wonder Jennie chose to channel her historical influences into her individuality. Her off-the-shoulder playsuit was an absolute showstopper, paired with a tapered waist skirt for added drama. Pearls cascaded down her chest, and a coordinating gentleman's hat completed the look, leaving me in awe and desperate for that ensemble. With a powerful presence that commanded the carpet as soon as she stepped on it, Jennie truly understood the assignment. She was among the first to express her character through her exquisite tailoring, setting a high bar for all who follow. This level of self-expression through fashion is not just admirable; it's essential.
Jenna Ortega was the epitome of the phrase "Tailored for You" at this gala. Taking the dress code to extravagant heights, she donned what initially appeared to be a gleaming silver, futuristic creation from afar, but upon closer inspection, revealed an ensemble crafted from meticulously arranged metal measuring tapes. This dress not only captured the essence of the theme but also epitomised the concept of the evening. I'm completely enamoured. I'm obsessed! This design is something I won't soon forget - it's simply genius.
Designer Olivier Rousteing easily stole the spotlight, not just once, not twice, but three times throughout the event. Each piece he creates leaves the audience and attendees craving more. This year, Miss Ortega delivered a masterful interpretation of the theme, stepping onto the carpet with a quiet confidence and a look that was nothing short of striking. It's easily one of my top three of the night. Understated yet powerful, the ensemble was strictly made to measure, flawless in fit and purpose.
Diana Ross returned to the Met Gala in 2025 after a 22-year absence, and it was well worth the wait. She owned the spotlight when she arrived, turning heads with an unforgettable look featuring a show-stopping 18-foot train. It was bold, dramatic, and entirely in tune with the theme of the evening.
Her gown was pure glamour, elevated by thoughtful, personal details. Her children's and grandchildren's names were woven into the fabric, an intimate touch that turned the piece into something far more than couture. Designed by Nigerian talent Ugo Mozie, the custom look reflected his skill and compellingly honoured Ross's legacy.
Marrying the train was a sleek silver beaded dress and a matching hat, creating an effortless yet chic look. Ross's entrance was more than a fashion moment; it expressed love, culture, and identity. Reestablishing her position within the Met, Ross radiated opulence in a meaningful look of couture upon emotion.
While the dress code centred around menswear, what became increasingly apparent as the night unfolded was how powerful women's tailoring held its own. In the final moments of the evening, Whoopi Goldberg emerged in a look so intricate that it demanded a second and third glance.
With every eye on her, Goldberg didn't just suit up to honour menswear; she leaned into femininity with equal intention. The look seamlessly blended both worlds. From the shoulders up, a sharp, structured silhouette echoed classic masculine tailoring, directly nodding to the essence of this year's theme. But as the eye moved downward, the transformation was breathtaking: 350,000 hand-sewn sequins wrapped around her figure, glistening with every step. It was impossible not to be mesmerised by Thom Browne's fine work.
Fashion is all about experimentation and flexibility in character portrayal, and Goldberg exemplifies this effortlessly. Forever being unapologetically herself despite this harsh contemporary society, Goldberg knows how to form her presence. Her character is nothing short of electrifying. Her infectious attitude and quirky accessories, like the gold finger caps that cleverly disguise her unmanicured nails, always leave a vast smile on all our faces. Goldberg is the embodiment of joy and sophistication. Throughout her time on the carpet, the smile never left. This woman is not scared to stand out and let the world see who she is - if anything, she thrives on her authenticity. And that is precisely what fashion should be. A standout spectacle that celebrates our individuality in a form so expressive, being apologetic will not be evoked.
"Short and sweet" is a phrase we all recognise in the contemporary world. So why not bring it back into the Met? Returning to the Met Gala 2025, Sabrina Carpenter unapologetically enforced her mark. She completely stole the spotlight with a look that was sharp, playful, and unmistakably her. The tailoring was spot-on, and the surprise addition of a trailing train gave the outfit something extra, turning a great look into an unforgettable one. It was, honestly, near perfection. While some might've expected something different, this choice suited her so well that anything else would've felt off. That said, a sleek updo could've taken it even further.
Carpenter is nothing short of inspiring by showcasing her individuality and presenting her authentic self on one of the most significant nights in fashion, especially in front of the iconic Anna Wintour. Continuing her streak of timeless looks at the Met Gala, she chose a breathtaking burgundy wool pinstripe bodysuit, complete with an elongated train. The design elegantly merges Savile Row tailoring with Parisian corsetry - now that's perfection!
Talk about timeless… making his debut at the Met Gala 2025 was none other than Khaby Lame. With such a powerful and timeless narrative integrated into this year's gala, it was about time someone showed up to genuinely represent this sentiment. I will never understand how it has taken this long for a narrative like this to finally be recognised, not just as a mark in fashion history but as a real issue that has been challenged for decades.
Effortlessly embodying the essence of the 1930s, Lame's look was timeless and resonated with a broad audience. The nod to dandyism cascading down his shoulder to the layer of symbolisation that came with the pocket watches truly captured the message behind the fabric. That's proper fashion. Being able to show up in an ensemble and know what the wearer is saying is a movement more powerful than any. Tailoring like this never goes out of style - it just gets better with time and the right attitude.
Lame's look beautifully portrays classic suits' enduring allure and the Met Gala's overdue narrative. Although it was his first Met, he left an indelible impression that won't soon be forgotten.
The Met Gala was instantly transformed from a night made for fashion to a night full of art, history and movement when Jodie Turner-Smith graced the red carpet. Draped in a stunning custom Burberry design, Turner exuded confidence as she captivated the attention of countless cameras.
Inspired by the pioneering Black equestrian Selika Lazevski, this look honoured a profound legacy of Black excellence in tailoring. Drawing from Victorian equestrian style, Burberry partnered with celebrated stylist Law Roach to bring Turner's creative vision to life.
Tuners' ensemble was much more than a Burberry ensemble. Yes, it was divine, but its role in portraying the actual narrative of black history became so much more. Representing the Met Gala 2025 honourable narrative, Burberry dressed Turner with dignity, respect, and sophistication. Sure to leave a lasting impact, this moment was not forgotten - hats off to Turner for such a grand look and even grander backstory.
Taking centre stage on the blue carpet, Laura Harrier's Met Gala look felt almost cinematic. With each movement, she embodied elegance as she ascended the Met stairs. This ensemble, inspired by Harrier's father and grandfather and the early literary figure of the dandy, was effortlessly conveyed. What captivates me about many of these ensembles is the profound emotion of love that has inspired numerous Met looks for 2025. To be honoured in a light that is so pure is something so enthralling. Harrier was sure to capture her admiration for her family throughout her garment and graced us with much more than just a suit. Love was deeply rooted in this piece, threaded into each seam. Dressed in love, culture and passion radiated through fabric and truly captured the values that Harrier holds - ones which are deeply respected by this year's theme. The beauty and emotion of this look will have a lasting impression on many of us.
When Damson Idris unveiled his Met Gala look, three words immediately popped into my mind: powerful, striking, and admirable. However, I was quite underwhelmed by his look at the carpet. Yes, he may have arrived with a helmet dancing in 20,000 hand-placed Swarovski crystals, but let's keep it real, for a night as prestigious as the Met, this was nothing ground-breaking. His outfit drew inspiration from his upcoming film, F1, representing his passion and love for his career, which closely aligns with his character. Yet, I nearly overlooked him because only half of his ensemble truly resonated with the Met's theme.
Before turning my attention to the next attendee, the moment for the transition had arrived. Two assistants peeled away his onesie to reveal a rugged tartan suit, split clean down the middle. In that instant, Idris shifted from white to red - an unexpected colour combo that doesn't always evoke the most positive associations when it comes to fashion, the hidden meanings. However, here, it offered a fresh and daring take on fashion. He embodied strength and confidence, making a bold statement that night.
Throughout each look, Tommy Hilfiger saw Idris through two looks and was sure to guarantee Idris headlines for the following morning. For added character, Idris accessorised himself, showing off his darling jewellery brand, DIDRIS. With the touches of individuality, a reference to his passion and the presentation of the tailoring, Idris was certainly not short of Met Gala expectations. For me, a clear message was shown through the transition of the garments. This can be interpreted in many ways, but how I see it is that for those who are only just finding their feet in fashion, do not hold back on who you could become.
