Met Gala 2025: A Night of Black Dandyism and Timeless Style

The Theme of Met Gala 2025: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid homage to the legacy of Black dandyism, an 18th-century phenomenon that evolved into a powerful form of self-expression. Black dandyism challenged societal norms by embracing meticulous tailoring, bold patterns, and vibrant individuality, often as a response to racial and social oppression. The Costume Institute’s exhibition explored how this movement influenced fashion through history, spotlighting its impact on menswear and cultural identity.

The dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged attendees to interpret Black dandyism through structured silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and a nod to historical elegance. Co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary chair (represented by his wife Savannah James due to his NBA playoff commitments), the event set the stage for a night of creativity and cultural reflection.

The Red Carpet: Standout Looks of Met Gala 2025

The Met Gala 2025 red carpet—or blue carpet, a symbolic nod to the indigo influences in Black culture—was a parade of bold interpretations. Celebrities embraced the theme with a mix of historical reverence and modern flair, delivering looks that sparked global conversations.

Serena Williams: A 1920s Revival

Serena Williams turned heads with her blonde hair styled in sleek 1920s finger waves, paired with a tailored black gown by Harbison Studio. The deep side part and s-waves complemented her outfit’s structured silhouette, a perfect blend of vintage dandyism and contemporary elegance.

Regina King: A Regal Statement

Regina King’s structural updo stole the show, with micro braids gathered into a geometric crown-like shape. Her ensemble, a tailored suit with a dramatic cape, embodied the theme’s focus on meticulous craftsmanship, earning her praise as a regal icon of the night.

Teyana Taylor: A Burgundy Masterpiece

Teyana Taylor, one of the livestream hosts, arrived in a burgundy Marc Jacobs gown styled by Ruth E. Carter. The look paid tribute to 1940s Black fashion designer Zelda Wynn Valdes, with intricate tailoring and jewel accents that added depth to the monochromatic palette.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas: Old-Money Glamour

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas brought classic Hollywood glamour to the carpet. Chopra’s polka-dotted suit dress, paired with Jonas’s sharp black tuxedo, channeled the dandy’s love for refined elegance, blending timeless style with modern sophistication.

Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood Royalty

Making history as the first male Bollywood star at the Met Gala, Shah Rukh Khan exuded regal swagger in a custom sherwani-inspired suit. His look, adorned with intricate embroidery, merged Indian heritage with the theme’s focus on Black dandyism, earning widespread acclaim.

The Cultural Significance of Black Dandyism

Black dandyism, the cornerstone of the 2025 Met Gala theme, emerged in the 18th century as a form of resistance and self-expression among Black men in Europe and America. Facing systemic racism and marginalization, dandies used fashion to assert their humanity and individuality. They donned tailored suits, top hats, and bold accessories, often outdressing their oppressors in a subversive act of defiance.

This movement evolved over centuries, influencing modern fashion through figures like André Leon Talley and contemporary designers who draw on its legacy. The Met Gala’s focus on Black dandyism highlighted its role in shaping cultural identity, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring designers to rethink menswear with an emphasis on elegance and empowerment.

Behind the Scenes: Co-Chairs and Livestream Highlights

The 2025 Met Gala was elevated by its dynamic co-chairs, each bringing a unique perspective to the event. Colman Domingo and Lewis Hamilton arrived together, showcasing tailored looks that embodied the theme’s ethos of precision and style. A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams added their signature flair, with Rocky’s avant-garde suit and Williams’s vibrant accessories stealing the spotlight.

The livestream, hosted by Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, Ego Nwodim, and special correspondent Emma Chamberlain, offered viewers a front-row seat to the blue carpet. Available on Vogue’s digital platforms, the coverage captured every moment, from Gigi Hadid’s Miu Miu gown referencing Josephine Baker to Tracee Ellis Ross’s raspberry zoot suit by Marc Jacobs, complete with a Stephen Jones hat. The hosts’ commentary celebrated the intersection of fashion, history, and culture, making the event accessible to a global audience.

The Evolution of Met Gala Themes: A Look Back

The Met Gala has a storied history of themes that push creative boundaries. In 2024, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” explored the fragility of fashion through time, with a “Garden of Time” dress code that inspired ethereal looks. The 2023 event honored Karl Lagerfeld, celebrating his legacy with dramatic silhouettes and Chanel-inspired designs. In 2021 and 2022, the two-part “In America” exhibition showcased American fashion’s evolution, with Billie Eilish’s period gown in 2021 and AOC’s “Tax the Rich” dress making political statements.

The 2025 theme stands out for its cultural depth, focusing on a movement that resonates with themes of identity and resistance. It joins iconic past themes like 2018’s “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” and 2019’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” in using fashion to tell powerful stories.

The Impact of Met Gala 2025 on Fashion and Society

The 2025 Met Gala did more than showcase stunning outfits—it sparked conversations about representation and history in fashion. By centering Black dandyism, the event highlighted the contributions of Black designers and cultural icons, often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Designers like Zelda Wynn Valdes and modern creators inspired by dandyism gained renewed attention, encouraging a more inclusive fashion industry.

The event also raised significant funds for the Costume Institute, with reports suggesting it surpassed the 2024 record of $26 million. These funds support exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programs, ensuring the preservation of fashion history for future generations.

Indian Representation: A Global Stage

The 2025 Met Gala marked a milestone for Indian representation, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kiara Advani making their debuts. Advani, expecting her first child with Sidharth Malhotra, debuted her baby bump in a stunning gown, describing the moment as “special as an artist and mom-to-be.” Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Isha Ambani, and Mindy Kaling also attended, continuing the legacy of Indian stars at the Gala. Their presence underscored the event’s growing global influence, blending cultural heritage with the night’s theme.

Controversies and Conversations: The Met Gala’s Dual Nature

The Met Gala has always been a lightning rod for debate, and 2025 was no exception. Following the 2024 event, which faced backlash during the Blockout 2024 campaign for its perceived disconnect amid global crises like the Gaza-Israel conflict, the 2025 Gala took a more reflective tone. The focus on Black dandyism was praised for its cultural sensitivity, but some critics questioned whether the event truly addressed systemic issues in fashion, like the underrepresentation of Black designers.

Despite the critiques, the Gala’s ability to spark dialogue about race, identity, and privilege through fashion was undeniable. It remains a unique platform where art, history, and celebrity intersect, challenging attendees and viewers to think critically about style’s broader impact.

How to Experience the Met Gala 2025 After the Event

Missed the live event? The 2025 Met Gala livestream, hosted by Vogue, is available for replay on their YouTube channel and digital platforms. The “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition is open to the public at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through September 2025, offering a chance to explore the history of Black dandyism up close. Tickets start at $30 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors.

Why the Met Gala 2025 Matters

The Met Gala 2025 was more than a glamorous evening—it was a celebration of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of fashion. By spotlighting Black dandyism, the event honored a movement that has shaped cultural narratives for centuries, while giving a platform to diverse voices in fashion. From Serena Williams’s vintage-inspired waves to Shah Rukh Khan’s regal ensemble, the night’s looks will inspire designers and fashion lovers for years to come. As the Met Gala continues to evolve, its 2025 edition stands as a testament to fashion’s ability to tell stories that matter.