Met Gala 2025: Superfine Style Celebrates Tailoring and Black Excellence
Fashion’s biggest night returned with a culturally rich twist. The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” honored the artistry of Black fashion and dandyism. Celebrities interpreted the dress code “Tailored for You” with creativity and respect, showcasing sharp suits, bold gowns, and imaginative hybrids that paid homage to Black sartorial heritage. From legendary icons to modern trendsetters, the red carpet became a powerful celebration of Black style’s past, present, and future.
The Theme: Black Dandyism Meets High Fashion
This year’s exhibition explored Black dandyism – the legacy of Black individuals expressing identity and rebellion through impeccable style. The result was a red carpet where tailoring took center stage, highlighting how “the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities” has evolved across centuries. Guests embraced sharp suits, structured silhouettes, and inventive menswear-inspired details. Every ensemble, whether subtle or extravagant, spoke to the theme’s spirit of elegance, empowerment, and cultural tribute.
Black Icons and Showstoppers
Whoopi Goldberg made a triumphant return, stealing the spotlight with her unexpected flair. The beloved icon rocked a bespoke Thom Browne coat-dress reportedly encrusted with 350,000 matte white sequins, topped off with a dandy-esque top hat. The tailored coat silhouette – part trench, part evening gown – felt cool and unexpected coming from Whoopi, proving that style has no age limit. Lauryn Hill, another legend made her debut at the Gala and exuded poetic elegance in a tailored ensemble that merged her soulful bohemian vibe with classic menswear elements. With a luxe long coat and possibly a chic headpiece, Lauryn’s look radiated timeless sophistication, underscoring the theme’s celebration of Black excellence.
Emerging voices and young-style stars shone just as brightly. Doechii – a co-chair for the event – embraced the spotlight in a daringly tailored look that fused modern edge with dandy dapperness. The genre-blending singer wore a sharp, form-fitting suit with dramatic lapels and sparkling embellishments, signaling that the new generation is carrying the torch for Black fashion. Designed by Pharell to resemble a fencing uniform that was worn by Julius Soubise. The literal branding on Doechii’s face stirred quite the conversation. Meanwhile, supermodel Anok Yai continued her Met Gala dominance with a show-stopping creation. Anok stunned in a custom Thom Browne design that gave a flirty twist to formalwear: an avant-garde take on the tuxedo complete with a structured corset, bow tie detailing, and a cascade of lace – truly a “master class of tailoring”. As she glided up the steps, Anok’s combination of feminine grace and razor-sharp tailoring embodied the theme’s essence. Each of these women – from veterans like Whoopi and Lauryn to trailblazers like Doechii and Anok – honored Black style with personal flair, turning the Gala into a tribute to Black icons across eras.
Thom Browne’s Big Night: Structured Artistry on Theme
Nicki Minaj delivered one of the night’s most memorable Thom Browne moments, joining a host of stars who turned to the designer’s visionary tailoring. Known for his structured yet whimsical approach to suiting, Thom Browne emerged as a clear favorite for the Superfine theme. A who’s-who of the Gala – from rap royalty to athletic icons – donned his custom creations, demonstrating how well Browne’s artistic tailoring aligned with the celebration of Black dandy style. Nicki Minaj, never one to be outdone, arrived in a jaw-dropping Thom Browne ensemble that perfectly balanced menswear and drama. Styled by legendary stylist Law Roach, Nicki’s look featured a deconstructed navy pinstripe jacket and skirt set that exaggerated her hourglass shape. The off-the-shoulder neckline deliberately revealed a stark white bustier bra, adding a provocative twist, while a cascade of black-and-white fabric flowers erupted from one shoulder like a couture garden. Roach revealed the inspiration was the “quaintrelle,” the female counterpart to the dandy – think bold, impeccably tailored women like Mae West – and indeed Nicki’s cinched waist and exquisite tailoring embodied that concept. The look was topped with diamond jewels and an elaborate updo adorned with gilded accents, making Minaj at once a walking work of art and a powerful homage to Black women’s role in luxury fashion.
Janelle Monáe also chose Thom Browne and delivered the evening’s most compelling fashion narrative. Ever the consummate storyteller, Monáe arrived in a mind-bending two-part ensemble that was layered with meaning. At first, Janelle stepped out in a blocky, 1930s-inspired overcoat in silk duchesse satin, complete with trompe-l’œil graphics of a tie, lapel, and even a drawn-on briefcase. The overcoat’s black, white, and red geometric stripes created an optical illusion – a witty play on a conservative business suit drawn as pop art. Perched atop Janelle’s head was a surrealist bowler hat fitted with an actual working clock monocle – a tiny golden watch face over one eye – giving a nod to time-honored dandy accessories in the most literal way. Halfway up the Met steps, in a theatrical reveal, Monáe shed the overcoat with the help of designer Paul Tazewell, unveiling a second look underneath. The inner outfit was a daring deconstructed suit dress: one half a scarlet-red wool blazer with crisp white piping, the other half a black-and-white pinstripe tailored skirt – sewn together down the middle as a single avant-garde garment. This split-personality design symbolized the breaking of boundaries, which Monáe confirmed: “I’ve tried to deconstruct systems for many years… I wanted to deconstruct respectability politics around suiting and around how Black people can show up in the world. I wanted to show that we get to decide who we are”. Indeed, Monáe’s metamorphic look – from a buttoned-up facade to bold self-expression – told a story of liberation. And the fashion journey didn’t end there; later, at the afterparty, Janelle transformed yet again, swapping the structured pieces for a sultrier, carefree ensemble (reportedly a crystal-embellished sheer corset dress) to dance the night away. This full fashion narrative – from the red carpet to the afterparty – cemented Monáe as the evening’s performance art MVP.
Thom Browne’s collective impact was undeniable. Alongside Nicki and Janelle, a slew of attendees wore his designs, making the Met steps feel like a Thom Browne runway. Sports phenom Angel Reese suited up in a sharp Browne shorts-set and tie, supermodel Anok Yai (as noted) wore his intricate couture, and even veteran actresses like Whoopi Goldberg joined the Browne brigade. Browne’s signature structured silhouettes, eccentric accessories, and impeccable tailoring provided a unifying thread through many of the night’s best looks. It was a night where Browne’s aesthetic – equal parts classic Savile Row and imaginative art school – proved especially fitting for a theme celebrating tailored Black style. By embracing a designer outside the Black diaspora who nonetheless champions bold tailoring, these stars highlighted the universal resonance of the theme: the power of a well-cut suit and creative flair to celebrate Black fashion influence. In Browne’s pieces, their individuality shone. From Minaj’s flower-bombed pinstripes to Monáe’s shape-shifting suiting, each look showcased how structured design can still be deeply personal and culturally significant.
White Stars Who Understood the Assignment
Notably, several non-Black attendees demonstrated how to honor the theme with grace and respect. Leading this group was Anne Hathaway, whose restraint spoke volumes. Rather than overdo it, Anne opted for understated perfection – a pristine, form-fitting ensemble that nodded to the theme without veering into costume. The actress glowed in a sleek, tailored ivory column gown with subtle black piping and an elegant high neckline, evoking the idea of a classic smoking jacket reimagined as eveningwear that gave a nod to André Leon Talley. No exaggerated gimmicks were needed; Hathaway’s look was all about impeccable fit and polished details (think a nipped waist, strong shoulders, and maybe a single bold brooch). By exercising restraint, she delivered a masterclass in theme interpretation – proving that sometimes less truly is more. Her poised minimalism and phenomenal execution earned her a rightful spot on best-dressed lists, showing that she understood the assignment to its core.
In contrast, actress Joey King took a bolder approach – but nailed it in her own way. Joey’s look was undeniably more attention-grabbing, but it still paid tribute to Superfine styling. She arrived in a striking tailored ensemble that turned heads: a vibrant suit with crystal embellishments dazzling under the flashbulbs. The youthful starlet played with proportion and texture – her jacket’s shoulders were sculpted and slightly oversized. Her look was a fan favorite, demonstrating that understanding the assignment doesn’t mean everyone must be subdued – it means striking the right balance between personal style and theme relevance. Hathaway and King, in their distinct ways, exemplified how white guests can thoughtfully engage in a celebration of Black fashion: with respect, authenticity, and fabulous style.
Menswear Magic: Dapper Gents Steal the Show
One of the freshest aspects of the 2025 Met Gala was how the men’s fashion truly stepped up to the theme. With tailoring at the forefront, male attendees pushed creative boundaries and delivered some of the evening’s most unforgettable looks. Leading the pack was model Alton Mason, one of the few modern male supermodels, who stunned in high drama. Alton donned a strong-shouldered, oversized cape that swept behind him like a superhero’s cloak, dripping in jet-black Beneath the cape, he wore a sparkling silver three-piece suit – a modern dandy’s armor – and even accessorized with a silver bedazzled eye patch! This bold accessory gave a sly wink to vintage glamour (and maybe a pirate-ish playfulness), instantly making him the talk of the carpet. Mason’s fearless ensemble merged old-school Harlem Renaissance elegance with futuristic flair, showing that menswear can be just as extravagant as womenswear. In a similar vein, actor Brian Tyree Henry proved he was born for this theme. He arrived in a striking red suit with an opulent floor-length cape dramatically billowing behind him. The rich scarlet fabric featured intricate embroidery, and he completed the look with polished knee-high boots – part military dandy, part haute couture superhero. Every detail of Brian’s outfit, from the luxurious cape lining to the bold choice of boots, commanded attention. It was a powerful fashion statement that blended masculine and feminine style codes seamlessly. As one fashion commentator gushed, “Brian Tyree Henry’s Met Gala look was everything we ever wanted”– a true embodiment of Black dandy excellence on the red carpet.
Singer Shaboozey made his Met Gala debut in a show-stopping Western-meets-dandy ensemble, complete with thousands of turquoise beads and a statement hat. Among the night’s menswear MVPs was Shaboozey, a genre-blending musician who debuted at the Met Gala with unforgettable flair. Shaboozey put a unique spin on the theme by fusing hip-hop style with country-western motifs – and the result was pure magic. He wore a custom Robert Wun creation: a black moiré tuxedo reimagined into a sleeveless, cropped jacket and flared trouser set, embellished with thousands of shimmering turquoise beads draped across his chest. The intricate beadwork – 3,100 turquoise beads and nearly 3,000 black crystals, to be exact – formed a chest plate-like design that evoked Navajo jewelry and African beadwork at once, marrying cultures in a single statement piece. Shaboozey topped it off (literally) with a wide-brimmed, tilted hat that was equal parts cowboy and high-fashion musketeer, and he even sported a custom turquoise grill in his smile for an extra pop of personality. From the chains dangling off his suit to the David Yurman rings on his fingers, every element was thoughtfully layered. The look blended Western wear and dandy style so seamlessly that it could only be described as fearlessly unique. Shaboozey’s confident pose on the carpet – and that glittering turquoise-toothed grin – signaled that a new fashion star had arrived. He not only understood the assignment; he remixed it to fit his vibe, earning him a rightful place among the night’s best-dressed men.
Other gentlemen brought their A-game as well. NFL star Stefon Diggs, known for his bold personal style off the field, proved athletes can slay the Met Gala. Diggs stepped out in a regal purple velvet suit with a modern double-breasted cut. His suit jacket featured subtle satin striping and was tailored to perfection, while a black silk shirt unbuttoned just so added a bit of swagger. Stefon accessorized with layers of diamond necklaces and even carried a vintage gold pocket watch on a chain – a clever nod to the dandy theme. The look was equal parts flashy and refined, echoing the confidence he shows on the football field. Meanwhile, Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing represented the designers with a personal twist on the theme. Rousteing arrived in an avant-garde tuxedo ensemble of his own design: a sleek black suit with a dramatic floor-sweeping overcoat made from satin-faced wool. In true Balmain style, the coat was embellished with jet-black beads along the lapels and cuffs, creating a subtle sparkle. Olivier paired it with a high-collared white shirt and a black satin cravat, channeling a modern-day Prince look. With his signature eyeliner and a single jeweled ear cuff, he added a hint of rockstar edge to the otherwise classic outfit. Rousteing’s presence demonstrated how Black designers are influencing the gala both on the stage and behind the scenes, blending French haute couture with the theme’s ethos. And of course, Tyler Perry, the famed filmmaker and media mogul, showed up polished and proud. Perry layered a coat dripping in jewels over a crisp black-and-white suit, striking a balance between opulence and tradition. His overcoat was embellished with sparkling crystals along the shoulders and hem – almost a cape of jewels – which he wore over a perfectly tailored three-piece tuxedo. This combination gave his ensemble textural interest and a luxurious depth without straying from his typically classic style. Tyler’s look quietly commanded respect, much like the man himself, and underscored the message that Black men’s formalwear can be both stately and spectacular.
Together, these men turned the red carpet into a showcase of Black masculine style in all its forms. They proved that suits and tuxedos – often considered safe or boring – can be canvases for tremendous creativity. Whether it was Alton Mason’s fashion-forward theatrics, Brian Tyree Henry’s cape-clad regality, Shaboozey’s cultural mash-up, Stefon Diggs’s sporty elegance, Olivier Rousteing’s designer decadence, or Tyler Perry’s dignified glamour, each gentleman redefined menswear on their own terms. It was a refreshing sight at the Met Gala and a perfect complement to the women’s couture, driving home the theme’s focus on tailoring and the dandy tradition.
Conclusion: A Night of Style, Substance, and Cultural Celebration
The 2025 Met Gala will be remembered as a night where fashion intersects with history in a celebratory showcase. The theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” transcended mere aesthetics, igniting conversations about Black culture's profound influence on high fashion, the power of self-expression through attire, and the artistry of tailoring as a narrative form. On the iconic Met steps, a living exhibit of Black excellence unfolded: legends like Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill graced the event in visionary ensembles, while music and film stars such as Nicki Minaj, Janelle Monáe, and Brian Tyree Henry pushed creative boundaries. Emerging talents like Doechii and Shaboozey confidently asserted their presence in the style arena. Notably, guests beyond the Black community demonstrated allyship through fashion, illustrating that appreciation and understanding can manifest in thoughtful, stunning looks.
The collective impact was breathtaking. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was adorned with a tapestry of textures—pinstripes, sequins, velvet, satin, beads, and brocade—each ensemble personal yet harmoniously aligned with the theme. The red carpet became a dialogue between past and future: Victorian dandy references met futuristic silhouettes; traditional tailoring met rebellious twists. Celebrities didn't merely wear beautiful clothes; they embodied narratives of heritage, identity, and imagination.
As the night concluded and the final afterparty lights dimmed, it was evident that this Met Gala transcended being just a fashion event—it was a cultural milestone. It showcased how style can amplify Black creativity and influence, and how truly tailored fashion resonates when executed with intention. From the precision of Thom Browne’s structural silhouettes to the bold storytelling of artists like Teyana Taylor—whose custom burgundy zoot suit, designed by Ruth E. Carter, featured intricate details like feathers, lace, crystals, and a feather-adorned hat with a matching du-rag, along with an embroidered tribute to her 2018 song "Rose in Harlem" along the cape's edge—the evening affirmed that Black tailoring embodies both attitude and craftsmanship. Taylor’s ensemble—part sculpture, part seduction—reminded us that the legacy of Black dandyism isn't merely preserved; it's evolving through the hands of fearless women who command space with structure.
In an era where red carpets often feel formulaic, the 2025 Met Gala delivered a vibrant, unifying vision. It underscored that fashion is a language—one that can honor history, provoke thought, and unite people in admiration. “Superfine” was precisely that: supremely fine. This wasn't just fashion's biggest night—it was its most inspired.
Sources:
"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/superfine-tailoring-black-style"Nicki Minaj Sizzles in Chic Thom Browne Suit-Dress at the 2025 Met Gala" – People
https://people.com/met-gala-2025-nicki-minaj-photos-11718261"Janelle Monáe's Thom Browne Clock-Monocle Ticks All the Right Boxes at the 2025 Met Gala" – Vogue
https://www.vogue.com/article/janelle-monae-2025-met-gala-look"Doechii Makes Her Debut at the 2025 Met Gala—In Shorts!" – Vogue
https://www.vogue.com/article/doechii-2025-met-gala"Anok Yai's 2025 Met Gala Look by Thom Browne Is One of the Best of the Night" – Vogue
https://www.vogue.com/article/anok-yai-met-gala-2025"Whoopi Goldberg Pairs Her Tuxedo Dress With a Top Hat at the Met Gala 2025" – InStyle
https://www.instyle.com/whoopi-goldberg-tuxedo-dress-met-gala-2025-11728614"Lauryn Hill Makes Debut at 2025 Met Gala in Butter Yellow Suit" – People
https://people.com/lauryn-hill-makes-2025-met-gala-debut-in-butter-yellow-suit-11727568"Brian Tyree Henry in Custom Orange Culture Nigeria at the 2025 Met Gala" – Reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/Fauxmoi/comments/1kfpko6/brian_tyree_henry_in_custom_orange_culture/"Shaboozey Pops in Turquoise While Making His Debut at the 2025 Met Gala" – People
https://people.com/met-gala-2025-shaboozey-photos-11728391"Photos: Patriots’ Stefon Diggs Walked the Runway at the Met Gala" – Boston.com
https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2025/05/06/stefon-diggs-walked-met-gala-for-first-time-as-patriot/"Olivier Rousteing Attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style'" – Getty Images
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/olivier-rousteing-attends-the-2025-met-gala-celebrating-news-photo/2213622373"Tyler Perry Attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style'" – Getty Images
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/tyler-perry-attends-the-2025-met-gala-celebrating-superfine-news-photo/2213606361"Teyana Taylor Says Her 2025 Met Gala Look Is 'Taylor'd to You'" – Vogue
https://www.vogue.com/article/teyana-taylor-met-gala-2025"Teyana Taylor's 2025 Met Gala Red Carpet Look Is Packed with Symbolism" – People
https://people.com/teyana-taylor-2025-met-gala-red-carpet-look-is-packed-with-symbolism-11720199"The 2025 Met Gala Theme, Explained: 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style'" – Page Six
https://pagesix.com/2025/05/04/style/the-met-gala-2025-theme-explained-superfine-tailoring-black-style/