2025 Met Gala gets underway with focus on Black menswear and dandyism
Celebrities flooded the Metropolitan Museum of Art on a rainy Monday in New York City to highlight Black fashion and kick off the first Met Gala in more than 20 years with a menswear theme. The gala, a fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute, has traditionally been held on the first Monday of May, with looks inspired by its annual spring fashion exhibition, which this year is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Colman Domingo, one of the evening’s hosts, made a grand entrance in a pleated, gold-adorned blue cape, which he dramatically removed to reveal a striking black and white suit. His look paid homage to the late Andre Leon Talley, a fashion icon who broke barriers as a rare Black editor at Vogue. Domingo arrived with none other than Vogue’s Anna Wintour, the visionary behind the gala, who was dressed in a chic baby blue ensemble.
The co-chairs of the event, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, and musicians A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams, set the tone for the evening. Williams, also the Louis Vuitton menswear director, expressed his desire for the night to be “the most epic night of power,” reflecting Black resiliency in a world that continues to face colonization through policies and legislation.
The red carpet festivities began at 6 p.m. ET, with a choir of tuxedo-clad men serenading the arriving guests with a rendition of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” By 7:30 p.m., a parade of stars had made their way up the museum’s iconic staircase, showcasing their sequined, tailored, and glittery looks. Zendaya stunned in a sharp white suit and matching hat, while Sabrina Carpenter turned heads in a maroon bodysuit-jacket with an elegant train. Megan Thee Stallion made a statement in a glittery dress paired with an enormous fluffy coat.
Diana Ross made a triumphant return to the Met Gala after a 20-year absence, donning a massive white train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren. Her presence added a touch of glamour and nostalgia to the star-studded event.
The official dress code for gala guests, “Tailored for You,” was inspired by Black dandyism. The theme encouraged attendees to embrace tailored perfection and creative self-expression. The gala aims to celebrate the history and artistry of Black style, paying tribute to the political coding of fashion within the Black community.
The evening’s festivities were not without a touch of drama, as NBA superstar LeBron James had to cancel his attendance due to a knee injury. Despite the setback, the gala continued to raise funds for the Met’s Costume Institute, with a record-breaking $31 million raised.
The theme of the gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is based on the book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity” by Columbia University professor Monica L. Miller. The exhibit, guest-curated by Miller, explores the deliberate and sometimes subversive expressions of dandyism within the Black community.
The gala’s host committee, comprised of influential figures across various industries, highlights the importance of diversity and representation in the fashion world. The event aims to celebrate successful Black and brown individuals from all walks of life, emphasizing the need to invest in each other and uplift rising talents.
In conclusion, the Met Gala’s return after a two-decade hiatus was a night of glamour, creativity, and celebration of Black style and resilience. The event showcased the power of fashion as a form of self-expression and empowerment, bringing together a diverse array of talents to support the arts and cultural heritage.
