YOUR COMPLETE MET GALA 2025 RUNDOWN
words by NATALIE GAL
Anna Wintour once said, “It is so important for designers not to run scared, and not to be too worried about what's safe and what's commercial.” This year’s Met Gala captured that essence effortlessly, it was bold, fierce, and utterly mesmerising. Let’s take a moment to revisit fashion’s night out, because there is much to unpack to truly understand the spirit of the evening.
The first surprise of the night came in the form of the venue itself. The iconic red carpet was transformed into a dramatic navy walkway, with stunning blooms spreading throughout the space. According to Vogue, there was rich symbolism behind these details. The abundance of flowers signified the beginning of a new season, particularly in fashion. Just as the theme suggested, we are stepping into a new era, one where fashion’s ever-evolving rules are becoming increasingly inclusive and welcoming.
The flowers in question were narcissus—more commonly known as daffodils—which naturally bring to mind the myth of Narcissus from Greek mythology. Narcissus, a beautiful man, fell in love with his own reflection, leading to his ultimate demise. Cy Gavin, the artist behind this vision, shared with Vogue that this myth prompted him to consider the concept of self—how we perceive ourselves versus how we are seen by the world. It’s a duality we all navigate daily, and one especially poignant in the world of fashion.
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This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was paired with a dress code named “Tailored for You.” The looks inspired by this theme have already placed themselves into the history of the Met. They were not only showstopping but rich in meaning, celebrating the heritage, creativity, and innovation of Black style.
Chanel delivered some of the most dazzling interpretations of the evening. Jennie, Dua Lipa, Lupita Nyong’o, Angèle, and Whitney Peak all embraced the theme while infusing their personal charm into the designs. These looks captured Chanel’s timeless elegance—where magic is found in the details, and each piece invites a closer look, much like a painting.
Burberry made a powerful impact, with André 3000, Angela Bassett, Jalen Hurts, Bryonna Hurts, Cardi B, Jodie Turner-Smith, Law Roach, Liu Wen, and Roberto Bolle all showcasing the house’s signature glamour. In a special collaboration with architect and stylist Law Roach, Burberry created looks that were architectural and expressive. Roach told Vogue, “This year’s Met Gala is about Black identity, expression and, importantly, pride. I feel as though I have been building up to this moment my entire career.” The pieces he helped bring to life were some of the most eye-catching and talked-about silhouettes of the night, each one speaking volumes.
Even more exciting was Moncler’s debut at the Met Gala. In collaboration with Edward Enninful, Moncler dressed icons such as Serena Williams, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Vittoria Ceretti, Fei Fei Sun, Colin Kaepernick, and Nessa Diab. The looks spanned from timeless eveningwear elegance to theatrical puffer silhouettes, demonstrating the extraordinary range and innovation Moncler is capable of.
credits: Getty Images
Following Moncler’s lead, Ann Demeulemeester also made their Met debut with a custom look designed for Charli XCX by Creative Director Stefano Gallici. The result was one of the evening’s highlights, a three-piece tailored ensemble that was primal, polished, poetic, and dramatically unforgettable. Nicole Kidman also took the gala by storm in Balenciaga, appearing in a reinterpretation of a 1952 Cristóbal Balenciaga couture evening gown. The special corset gown featured a picot-edged basque crafted in silk organza, finished with silk satin bow belts, bringing a historic silhouette into the modern spotlight with grace and grandeur.
Christian Louboutin also left a distinct mark on the night, gracing many of the best-dressed attendees. Andrew Scott wore Aiglon, Regé-Jean Page opted for Greggo, Miley Cyrus wore Movida Strap, and A$AP Rocky also stepped out in a custom Louboutin look.
credit: Getty Images
This year, BOSS marked its biggest Met Gala presence yet, paying tribute to the brand’s roots in expert tailoring. For the first time, BOSS designed custom red-carpet looks for a standout lineup of talent including S.COUPS, Ashley Graham, Khaby Lame, Alton Mason, and Keith Powers. S.COUPS—leader of the world-renowned K-pop group SEVENTEEN and the newest BOSS global brand ambassador—wore a tailored BOSS ensemble inspired by the traditional Korean hanbok jeogori.
Miu Miu offered a fresh take on old Hollywood glamour. Gigi Hadid wore one of the most captivating looks of the evening: a gold velvet gown with draped detailing, adorned with crystal embroidery. She completed the ensemble with gold leather slingback shoes and a satin clutch. Sydney Sweeney’s look, a black gown embroidered with tone-on-tone crystals and a striking gold pin with a cut-out detail, was another standout. Joey King impressed as well in a green kid mohair embroidered suit, paired with mirrored crystals, a printed gazarres shirt, and a jacquard necktie.
Valentino’s Brand Ambassador Colman Domingo wore a custom-made ensemble designed by Creative Director Alessandro Michele, complemented by Valentino Garavani accessories. He was undoubtedly among the best-dressed guests of the evening, and justifiably so—he delivered not one, but two impeccable looks. Lana Del Rey joined the Valentino showcase, arriving in full haute couture from the Valentino Vertigineux Collection. She exuded the classic old Hollywood glamour that is so signature to her artistic identity.
Louis Vuitton was another house that stood out brilliantly. As Men’s Creative Director and co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, Pharrell Williams led the charge, dressing a star-studded list that included Pharrell himself, Helen Williams, Future, Zendaya, Callum Turner, Lisa, Pusha-T, Jeremy Allen White, Doechii, Malcolm Washington, Sabrina Carpenter, and Henry Taylor. Doechii’s look—her first Met Gala appearance—was created by Pharrell and drew inspiration from Julius Soubise, an eighteenth-century Afro-Caribbean fencing master and dandy in Georgian England. The tailored look was a modern homage to Black dandyism and easily one of the standout ensembles of the night. Zendaya’s statuesque look, a powerful reinterpretation of classic men’s tailoring from the 1980s, was another high point in her ever-evolving Met legacy.
Givenchy’s contribution was equally memorable, dressing Cynthia Erivo in a dramatic ensemble that featured a multilayered skirt and corset, complete with custom embroidered platform boots and a satin clutch. Doja Cat took inspiration from the 1980s as well, embracing structured shoulder pads. “I just wanted to feel like the madam,” she said during her blue-carpet interview—and she absolutely did.
Other unforgettable appearances included Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Janelle Monáe, both living up to their fashion icon reputations. Diana Ross made a triumphant return to the Met after 20 years, marking a deeply significant moment for Black culture and music. Bad Bunny wore a Prada suit and used his accessories to pay tribute to his homeland, Puerto Rico. Even Vice President Kamala Harris was spotted at the event, though she didn’t walk the red carpet, she looked stunning in an elegant black and white gown.
Jewelry played a vital role in elevating the night’s most iconic looks. Bvlgari adorned Anne Hathaway with the dazzling Cosmic Vault Necklace, while Monica Barbaro debuted a High Jewelry Monete brooch. Bvlgari Global Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas revealed one of the five “Gallery of Wonders” creations: the breathtaking Magnus Emerald Necklace. A$AP Rocky added to the sparkle with a high jewelry necklace set in platinum with a pear ruby, which he paired with several rings from the same collection. Cartier was another jewelry house that graced the night, seen on Halle Berry, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny, Aimee Lou Wood, Henry Golding, Karlie Kloss, Lorde, and André 3000.
credits: Getty Images
To summarise the evening would be nearly impossible—it was a whirlwind of artistry, heritage, and high fashion. But what must not be overlooked is the deeper purpose and message behind the glamour. The Met Gala’s exhibition this year was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, offering a comprehensive exploration of Black dandy culture from Enlightenment-era Europe to its modern-day expressions around the world.
The fact that many people were unfamiliar with the meaning of dandyism—or its significance in Black history—shows just how far we still have to go in terms of cultural awareness and education. This night wasn’t just about entertainment. It was a call to dialogue, a prompt for reflection, and a celebration of identity, expression, and legacy. It reminded us that fashion is never just about clothes, it’s about who we are, where we come from, and how we choose to be seen.
