Superfine Elegance: Celebrating Black Style at the 2025 Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, celebrated the theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, honouring the rich history and influence of Black fashion, particularly the tradition of Black dandyism. The event’s dress code, Tailored for You, encouraged attendees to showcase personalized expressions of sartorial elegance.

This year’s theme drew inspiration from Monica Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, which explores the intersection of Black identity and fashion. The accompanying Costume Institute exhibition highlighted the evolution of Black tailoring and its cultural significance.

The gala was co-chaired by prominent figures including Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, and A$AP Rocky. Their involvement underscored the event’s commitment to celebrating Black excellence in fashion and the arts.

Red Carpet Highlights;

Diana Ross: Made a triumphant return after two decades, donning an 18-foot train gown embroidered with her family’s names, symbolizing legacy and elegance.  

Rihanna: Announced her third pregnancy in a striking Marc Jacobs suit dress, blending personal revelation with fashion statement.

Rihanna

Zendaya: Stunned in a white suit three-piece Louis Vuitton zoot suit designed by Pharrell Williams, embodying the theme’s essence.

Zendaya 

Colman Domingo: Paid homage to André Leon Talley with a dual Valentino ensemble, merging theatrical flair with tribute.

Colman Domingo

Janelle Monáe: Wore a dual-hued illusion ensemble symbolizing time-traveling dandyism, showcasing innovation and thematic alignment.

Janelle Monáe

Doja Cat: Continued her feline-inspired fashion narrative in a Marc Jacobs ocelot-print bodysuit, pushing creative boundaries.

Doja Cat

Damson Idris: Arrived in a racecar, later revealing a dramatic outfit transformation on the red carpet, blending performance with fashion.

Damson Idris

Sabrina Carpenter: Embraced the “no-pants” trend, adding a contemporary twist to classic tailoring.

Sabrina Carpenter 

Beyond fashion, the Met Gala serves as a vital fundraiser for the Costume Institute, with individual tickets reportedly costing up to $75,000 and tables priced at $350,000. The funds support the institute’s exhibitions, acquisitions, and capital improvements.