The 2025 Met Gala: Celebrating Black Dandyism and Tailored Elegance

The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, embraced the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, honoured the sartorial legacy of Black dandyism. The dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged attendees to showcase personal style through tailored silhouettes, reimagining menswear with cultural and historical significance.

Top 15 Best-Dressed Celebrities at the 2025 Met Gala

  1. Colman Domingo – As a co-chair, Domingo wore a dual Valentino ensemble featuring an azure pleated cape and a sparkling bolero, paying tribute to André Leon Talley.
  1. Zendaya – Channeling Bianca Jagger, Zendaya donned a white Louis Vuitton three-piece suit designed by Pharrell Williams, embodying sharp tailoring and modern elegance. 
  1. Rihanna – Announcing her third pregnancy, Rihanna wore a menswear-inspired Marc Jacobs ensemble that blended sophistication with a nod to her personal style. 
  1. Diana Ross – Returning to the Gala after two decades, Ross stunned in an 18-foot train Ugo Mozie gown, exuding timeless glamour. 
  1. Jodie Turner-Smith – Turner-Smith captivated in an equestrian-inspired Burberry outfit, combining classic tailoring with bold accessories. 
  1. Pharrell Williams – Embracing the theme, Williams wore a hand-pearl-embroidered blazer, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and personal flair. 
  1. Lewis Hamilton – Hamilton honored West African aesthetics with cowrie shell accessories, blending cultural heritage with contemporary fashion. 
  1. Doja Cat – Stunning in a Marc Jacobs ocelot-print bodysuit, Doja Cat made a bold fashion statement, embracing avant-garde style.
  1. Zendaya – In addition to her earlier look, Zendaya also wore a custom gown from Maison Margiela, inspired by John Galliano’s spring 1999 couture collection for Dior.
  1. Teyana Taylor – Taylor’s symbolic Ruth E. Carter look paid homage to Black history and culture, merging storytelling with fashion.
  1. Janelle Monáe – Monáe dazzled in a dapper blazer-shaped minidress, combining sharp tailoring with her signature avant-garde style.
  1. Simone Biles – Biles turned heads in a vibrant satin mini dress, showcasing youthful energy and bold fashion choices.
  1. Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade – The couple showcased coordinated ensembles, blending classic tailoring with contemporary twists.
  1. Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz – Their coordinated outfits highlighted intricate details and a harmonious blend of styles.
  1. Demi Moore – Moore wore a Thom Browne gown detailed with 1.4 million beads, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

The 2025 Met Gala was a celebration of Black fashion heritage, with celebrities embracing the theme through bold, creative interpretations of tailored menswear. From avant-garde ensembles to historical nods, the night was a testament to the enduring influence of Black dandyism in shaping contemporary fashion.