Stars Shine in Tailored Looks at 2025 Met Gala Celebration of Black Style
New York, NY – May 6, 2025 – The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, transformed the blue carpet into a dazzling showcase of Black dandyism under the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” With the dress code “Tailored for You,” celebrities interpreted the focus on menswear and Black identity with bold, tailored looks that celebrated elegance, rebellion, and individuality. Co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary chair, the event highlighted Black style’s cultural impact. Here are the night’s standout moments.
Rihanna’s Pregnancy Reveal
Rihanna stole the spotlight, revealing her third pregnancy in a tailored Marc Jacobs skirt-suit that showcased her baby bump. The ensemble, with a flowing train, merged sharp tailoring with her signature flair, earning praise for its creative interpretation of the dress code. Arriving late under umbrellas in the rain, she captivated onlookers, as reported by Reuters.
Colman Domingo’s Regal Tribute
Co-chair Colman Domingo embodied Black dandyism in a royal blue Valentino pleated cloak, which he shed to reveal a bejeweled, checkered black-and-white jacket and grey trousers. His look, a nod to André Leon Talley and Chadwick Boseman, was described by Vogue as a masterful blend of storytelling and style. “I wear stories,” Domingo told GQ.
Pharrell Williams’ Pearl-Adorned Statement
Pharrell Williams turned heads in a Louis Vuitton jacket adorned with 15,000 pearls, inspired by the working-class Black men central to the exhibition. The intricate tailoring reflected the theme’s focus on craftsmanship, with NPR noting its cultural resonance. Williams called the night a celebration of “the color Black.”
Diana Ross’ Monumental Gown
Diana Ross, making a rare Met Gala appearance, wowed in a white Ugo Mozie gown with an 18-foot train embroidered with her children’s and grandchildren’s names. The Nigerian designer’s creation blended tailored elegance with personal legacy, earning gasps as a “forever family gown,” per Vogue.
Zendaya’s Serpentine Elegance
Zendaya, a Met Gala veteran, shone in a white Louis Vuitton silk suit paired with an oversized hat and a snake brooch. Her look, described by Vogue as a perfect balance of menswear and individuality, honored the theme’s focus on tailored silhouettes.
Teyana Taylor’s Harlem Rose
Teyana Taylor, co-hosting the Vogue livestream, wore a crimson Marc Jacobs pleated cape embroidered with “Harlem Rose,” styled by Oscar-winning designer Ruth E. Carter. The look, symbolizing a blooming rose, paid homage to Taylor’s Harlem roots and the theme’s narrative power, per NPR.
Nicki Minaj’s Thom Browne Triumph
Nicki Minaj nailed the theme in a chic Thom Browne dress, praised by Cosmopolitan as a standout. The tailored look, with intricate detailing, embodied the exhibition’s focus on precision and Black excellence, sparking buzz on X.
André 3000’s Avant-Garde Flair
Musician André 3000 pushed boundaries by strapping a piano to his back, a subversive nod to dandyism’s performative nature. His look, detailed by Reuters, exemplified the theme’s call for bold self-expression.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ivory Sophistication
Co-chair Lewis Hamilton arrived early in an ivory suit with a beret, channeling understated elegance. His look, highlighted by MarketScreener, reflected the theme’s focus on tailored menswear while maintaining a modern edge.
African Designers Shine
African designers made a strong showing, with Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie (Nigeria), Bryan Tyree Henry in Orange Culture (Nigeria), Kamala Harris in Off-White (Sierra Leone), and Colin Kaepernick in Ozwald Boateng (Ghana). Posts on X celebrated their contributions to the night’s narrative.
The Scene and Significance
The daffodil-accented blue carpet, set against heavy rain, framed a night of mostly black-and-white looks, with stars like Sydney Sweeney in a sparkling black gown and Shah Rukh Khan in a silk sherwani-style jacket adding global flair. The no-phones policy kept the focus on fashion, with floating floral installations inside creating a starry ambiance, per People.
The “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition, inspired by Monica Miller’s Slaves to Fashion, explores Black dandyism’s 300-year history, from 18th-century enslaved servants to modern icons like Dapper Dan. Curator Andrew Bolton noted the theme’s timely resonance amid political shifts, per MarketScreener. Opening to the public on May 10, the exhibit features artifacts from W.E.B. Du Bois, André Leon Talley, and designers like Virgil Abloh, per AP News.
The 2025 Met Gala raised millions for the Costume Institute while sparking global conversations about Black style’s influence. From Rihanna’s pregnancy reveal to Domingo’s storytelling, the night was a powerful tribute to individuality and defiance through fashion. For more, visit Vogue’s live blog or NPR’s coverage.
