A Famine of Beauty? Not This Year
The 2025 Met Gala theme ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of Black style over 300 years and was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. During the Harlem renaissance, Black Dandyism served as a form of self expression and rebellion by asserting individual identity and challenging societal norms. This is the first time the Costume Institute has focused solely on Black menswear, and raised a record breaking $31 million for the organization. The gala was co-hosted by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour.
It wouldn’t be right to honor Black Dandyism without spotlighting the incredible cultural style icon André Leon Talley. Talley inspired the fashion scene from his work at Interview Magazine to being the first Black creative director of Vogue until 1998 when he became editor-at-large. He used his influence to champion diversity, shedding light on Black designers and independent artists.
Talley’s influence can be seen in Doechii’s Met look teaser, which she shared to her Instagram account the day before the gala. Referencing Talley’s iconic stunt, exiting a hotel carrying a Louis Vuitton duffle, a mini trunk and a matching monogrammed tennis racket case. The look was topped off with a blue monogrammed LV scarf, wrapped fashionably around Talley’s neck as he smiled down at the camera. Doechii paid homage to the late style icon by recreating the look and sharing it with the caption, “Ready?”, to tease her fans before her highly anticipated outfit was revealed. Another iconic Talley moment we love to reference is from the filming of the documentary The September Issue, where he blessed us with the phrase, 'It's a famine of beauty, honey! My eyes are starving for beauty!' which is referenced almost as much as Miranda Priestly’s cerulean speech.
While the Met Gala is first and foremost a fundraiser for the arts, it is also one of the most anticipated nights in fashion, gathering fans from all industries eager to see what the stars wear on the red carpet.
Some standout looks included: Pharrell’s pearl jacket, Tracee Ellis Ross styled by Karla Welch and Rihanna in Marc Jacobs, Jeremy Pope in archival Maison Margiela and Alton Mason in custom BOSS, both by the incredible Law Roach, the reappearance of icon Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie and Grace Wales Bonner dressing Jeff Goldblum. The marketing team for the new Formula 1 movie worked overtime dressing Damson Idris in a custom Tommy Hilfiger racing suit, equipped with a bedazzled helmet, which he ripped off on the carpet to reveal a polished red suit. Thom Browne received well deserved recognition, with notable custom looks worn by Janelle Monáe and Anok Yai.
Some of the finer details that may have gone unnoticed during the commotion include Zendaya’s Bulgari diamond serpentine brooch fastened to the back of her blazer, Alex Consani’s custom Swarovski vape, a fun touch by stylist Carlos Nazario and Olivier Rousteing’s sewing machine Balmain bag.
From a stylist’s perspective, details are everything, they’re what elevate a look from good to unforgettable. They tie everything together, help tell a story, and reflect the client’s personality or brand. A rolled sleeve, the right accessory, or how a jacket fits can turn a simple outfit into something memorable. These small touches show intention, elevate basics, and make the difference between a good look and a great one.
That leads us to the real highlight of the Met: sizing up the celebrity looks. While one of her more modest looks compared to past Met’s, Kendal Jenner showed her support for independent British designer Torishéju Dumi, wearing a custom look inspired by queer nightclub singer Gladys Bentley.
Co-chair A$AP Rocky paid homage to his hometown of Harlem, wearing a coat from his own design studio inspired by the winter jackets he wore growing up in New York City. Another impressive dressing for Grace Wales Bonner was co-chair Lewis Hamilton sporting reserved elegance in an ivory ensemble, completed with a fashionable beret by Stephen Jones Millinery. There was little disappointment from this year's stars, leaving us eagerly anticipating the announcement of next year’s theme.
The exhibition is organized into twelve sections inspired by Zora Neale Hurston’s 1934 essay “The Characteristics of Negro Expression” including themes like Ownership, Presence, Distinction and Cosmopolitanism (The Rake). The exhibition runs from May 10 to October 26, 2025.