The 2025 Met Gala was held on May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Each year, this event marks a historic moment in fashion history in order to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The event’s theme for 2025 was, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, which honored the legacy of Black dandyism and the impact it had on fashion all over the world. This year’s gala was co-chaired by an all-Black male team for the first time. They all worked alongside Vogue’s infamous editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.
The theme drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition, organized by Andrew Bolton and guest curator Miller, showcased the evolution of Black men’s fashion from the 18th century to the present day. The exhibit featured garments, paintings, and photographs. Each piece highlighted the permanent style of Black men within the context of dandyism.
For the first time in Met Gala history, the event was co-chaired by an all-Black male team: actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and musician Pharrell Williams. Vogue’s Anna Wintour continued her role as co-chair, a position she has held since 1995. In addition, basketball legend LeBron James served as an honorary co-chair.
This lineup was important, not only for its representation, but also for its emphasis on promoting menswear and designers of color. Pharrell Williams, in particular, brought his influence as the creative director of Louis Vuitton Men’s to the event, further bridging the worlds of fashion and music. Some dressed by Louis Vuitton included: Zendaya, Lisa, Doechii, and Sabrina Carpenter.
The red carpet was proof of the theme’s celebration of Black style. Colman Domingo’s bold, majestic style drew attention, while Lewis Hamilton’s presence emphasized the crossover between sports and fashion. A$AP Rocky’s aesthetic was apparent, and Pharrell Williams showcased his unique and diverse approach to menswear. Anna Wintour epitomized elegance and grace, which strengthened her status as a global fashion icon.
The event offers a list of highly anticipated attendees. One of the crowd’s favorite fashion icons from more recent years is actress Zendaya, who made a striking return to the Met Gala. Rihanna, who was last seen at the Met in 2023, debuted her latest baby bump in a custom Marc Jacobs piece. Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast, attended with her husband, Jonathan Owens. Biles wore a striking Harbison Studio Seraphim dress, topped off with elevated heels and a train.
The 2025 Met Gala was more than just a fashion event; it was a celebration of Black culture and its influence on the fashion industry. By focusing on Black dandyism, the gala highlighted the overlooked contributions of Black men to the world of fashion. The choice of co-chairs and the exhibition’s theme underlined a commitment to inclusion in an industry that has been criticized for its lack of representation.
This annual event always takes place on the first Monday of May. For the next Met Gala, it will take place on May 4th, 2026. The theme hasn’t been announced yet but there are some unofficial ideas whirling around. The two being talked about are “Shahmazing” which is inspired by Jen Shah’s style and “Starlight and Sorcery” which will offer celebrities to dress in cosplay.