The gala was dedicated to the inauguration of the Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style", an exhibition that traces more than 300 years of the elegance of black dandyism – accommodation, cultural resistance and identity through the suit. The attire was defined with the motto "Tailored for You", in reference to the personalized attention of the tailor and the heritage of African-American tailoring
The event had a stellar committee: Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and the iconic Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary chairman.
The "Blue Carpet" —a bluish version of the traditional red carpet— was filled with black and white looks, with dramatic touches of red and flashes of sky blue, like Wintour's satin coat or Lupita Nyong'o's Chanel suit.
Among the most outstanding appearances of the night are the following:
Rihanna
She surprised by revealing her third pregnancy with a suited corset by Marc Jacobs, consolidating one of the most iconic images of the night.
Zendaya
Dressed in Louis Vuitton, she combined tailoring and a wide-brimmed hat, evoking the legendary Bianca Jagger.
Colman Domingo
One of the co-hosts, he embodied dandyism with a blue Valentino cape over a suit inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.
Janelle Monáe
She dazzled with a "suit-within-a-suit" look signed by Thom Browne, complemented with a bowler hat and a monocle with a rotating watch.
Cynthia Erivo
She shone with a Givenchy couture that captured the sophistication of African-American dandyism.
Kendall Jenner
Dressed in an anthracite gray suit designed by Londoner Torishéju Dumi —a set of fitted jacket with a pronounced neckline and a long, high-waisted skirt that extended into a subtle train. This design reinterprets the classic suit, fusing femininity and strength in a single piece.
Tramell Tillman
He opted for an outfit with modern interpretations of classic dandyism and wore a black velvet blazer with striped pants.
Diana Ross
The Motown legend returned in style after more than two decades, with a spectacular silver dress with a wide train. Embroidered were the names of her children and grandchildren, a personalized detail that added nobility and family depth to her look.
Teyana Taylor
She paraded in a red velvet cape with the inscription "Harlem Rose", combining tradition and audacity, evoking the heritage of the Harlem Renaissance in a striking and vibrant piece.
Alex Consani
The young model and viral creator debuted at the gala with a cream-colored ensemble, a mix of suit and dress that included cut-out details and Swarovski crystals, interpreting a youthful, modern elegance adapted to the theme.
The entire event was loaded with legacy and cultural references. Numerous attendees paid tribute to historical and cultural figures: Quinta Brunson and Megan Thee Stallion channeled Josephine Baker; RiRi raised a note of her own; Jodie Turner-Smith evoked Selika Lazevski; and Ava DuVernay incorporated her family heritage.
In addition, the event featured the significant participation of black queer designers, such as Christopher John Rogers, Maximilian Davis, Paul Tazewell, Ib Kamara and LaQuan Smith, who reinforced the message of black style with talent, history and innovative aesthetics.
As in all Met Galas, guests are expected to adhere to the theme and wear outfits adapted to the requirements. However, not everyone has followed the protocol and have stood out for the opposite as was the case of Sydney Sweeney, Gigi Hadid, Shakira or Rosalía among others.
In summary, the Met Gala 2025 was a vibrant and emotional tribute to African-American dandyism, with an impeccable aesthetic, homage to cultural heritages, a gallery of contemporary and emerging icons, and a forceful message: celebrate black style with sophistication, history and pride. Critics have applauded the sober and elegant tone, a refreshing change from previous years of visual excess. Experts such as British Vogue editor Chioma Nnadi highlighted that beyond fashion, the event was a gesture of empowerment, cultural identity and black excellence.
