The 2025 Met Gala: Fashion’s Biggest Night

Flashing lights, celebrities drowning in luxury, paparazzi crowding every corner, the glitz, the glam, and the extravagance of it all—there is no doubt that the Met Gala is one of (if not the biggest nights in the world of fashion.

Now, although I’m no Karl Lagerfeld, as a lover of all things couture, I always look forward to the night of May 5th, during which I get to cozy up in my bed alongside my cat and intricately judge the year’s best (or worst) looks. Then, I show up to school the next day in my favorite pair of sweats, looking like I just rolled out of bed.

Met 101: Gowns, Gatekeepers, and Guest Lists

For those of you who may be less fashion-crazed than I, the Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is the annual haute couture fashion festival featuring almost all your favorite A-list celebrities. It takes place at none other than the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. To put it simply, it’s the world’s most prestigious and glamorous costume party. However, not every celebrity can attend, so save yourself the tears, because unfortunately, Adam Sandler won’t be in attendance. 

In order to go to the Met Gala, you must be invited by the fashion icon herself, Ms. Anna Wintour. If you’re wondering who that is, picture Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada” but twice as scary and wearing black sunglasses. Serving as the editor-in-chief at Vogue since 1988, Anna Wintour has been the head of the Met Gala since 1995 and carefully selects the year's guests herself. However, make no mistake, being invited one year does not mean you will be invited the next (I found this out the hard way upon realizing my favorite fashion influencer, Wisdom Kaye, was indeed not at this year's Met gala).

Familiar Faces -the Met’s regular attendees: 

Despite its exclusivity, it is evident that Anna has a few favourite fashionistas whom she invites almost every Met Gala, so although you may not see your dad’s favorite actor from Seinfeld make an appearance, you may spot a glimpse of a few of your other favorite musicians, actors, or socialites, such as Zendaya, the Kardashians, Rihanna, and the Hadid sisters!

There are a certain few who never need an invite - Prada, Fenty, Louis Vuiton, Miu Miu, Versace, and every other luxury or haute couture brand you could think of!      

Tailored to Impress: Breaking Down This Year’s Met Gala Theme

If one is lucky enough to score an invite, guests are expected to dress in accordance to the year’s theme. This year's theme was Superfine; Tailoring Black Style, with the dress code being Tailored to You.

If you're anything like me, you may be wondering, what does that mean? Well, rest assured, you won’t have to cloud your Google search history with any questions like “superfine explained” or “What does tailoring black style even mean?”. I already did that!

This year's theme and dress code was greatly inspired by/dedicated to Black dandyism! 

What is Black dandyism?

It is well established that fashion is more than simply layers of different fabric. Fashion can be a form of self-expression, a political statement, and sometimes even an act in rebellion. If ever there were a theme that truly captures how fashion can hold far more power than it appears, it’s Black dandyism.

With roots from New York and Philadelphia, Black dandyism first gained recognition among the early 1920’s during the Harlem Renaissance, where Harlem became the center of Black intellectual and artistic thought. 

Clothing-wise, the style heavily consisted of fine-tailored suits, paired with silk pocket squares, polished leather shoes, and a sharp-brimmed fedora or top hat. Patterns and fabrics such as stripes, silks, plaid, checkers, and linens were also all key elements of the style, embodying the essence of dandyism in itself. 

However, Black dandyism was more than just beautifully fine-tailored suits; it was a way for black people, specifically black men, to reclaim their individuality and the way they were perceived since the 19th century. The Black dandy used the pristine power and polish of a suit as an act of rebellion and resistance against a racially segregated America. Clashing against the prejudice and limitations set on Black people, the suit, the stripes, and the shoes became a way to redefine/reconstruct identity, dignity, and the right to be seen past the colour of one’s skin. 

Over time, Black dandyism has now evolved into what we can see today throughout the media: incorporating bolder colours, influences from African textiles, Caribbean flair, and American street style. Whether through vibrant prints or unconventional tailoring, today’s Black dandies continue to challenge stereotypes and assert cultural pride, all while looking seriously stylish!

Top looks of the night 

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for, here are some of this year’s best Met Gala looks; 

Lewis Hamilton wearing Wales Bonner 

Zendaya wearing Louis Vuitton 

Gigi Hadid in Miu Miu 

Bad Bunny in Prada 

Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry 

Imaan Hammam in Magda Butrym

Hunter Shaffer in Prada 

Doechii in Louis Vuitton 

Ugbad Abadi in Micheal Kors

Tessa Thompson in Prabul Gurang 

Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne 

Rhianna in Marc Jacobs 

Laura Harrier in Gap 

Unfortunately, we can’t publish all 307 Met Gala looks, but if you’re interested in some more of this year's looks, you can access all of them here.

Whether you’re covered in couture or laying on your couch, I hope this year's Met inspired you to realize the power within fashion, and maybe, add a few stripes to your wardrobe!