The 2025 Met Gala took place on Monday, May 5, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As always, it served as both a glamorous kickoff to the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition and a major fundraiser for the museum.
Theme and Exhibition:
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition—open from May 10 to October 26—spotlights Black dandyism, tracing how fashion has played a role in shaping Black identity from the 18th century to today. It marks the Institute’s first menswear-focused show since 2003’s “Men in Skirts,” and features everything from garments and paintings to photographs and cultural artifacts.
Dress Code:
The night’s dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged guests to put their own spin on tailored fashion, drawing from classic menswear with bold, modern flair. Attendees showed off everything from zoot suits to looks by Virgil Abloh and Pharrell Williams.
Hosts and Co-Chairs:
The evening was co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour. LeBron James was named honorary chair but missed the event due to an NBA playoff injury—his wife, Savannah James, represented him instead. The host committee was packed with star power, including names like André 3000, Simone Biles, Ayo Edebiri, Janelle Monáe, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Usher.
Who Attended and What They Wore:
About 450 celebrities, athletes, artists, and fashion insiders made up the highly exclusive guest list, which was kept under wraps until red carpet arrivals. Standout moments included Rihanna revealing her third pregnancy in custom Marc Jacobs, Shah Rukh Khan making his Met Gala debut in Sabyasachi, and Priyanka Chopra rocking a structured Balmain gown. Other memorable looks came from Zoë Saldana in Thom Browne, Doechii in a Louis Vuitton short suit, and Ayo Edebiri in a Nigerian-inspired shirtdress by Ferragamo. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds reportedly skipped this year’s gala.
Red Carpet and Media Coverage:
The red carpet began at 5:30 p.m. ET and was livestreamed across Vogue’s platforms and YouTube, hosted by Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, Ego Nwodim, and special correspondent Emma Chamberlain. E! also streamed the arrivals. Inside the museum, guests were subject to a strict no-phones policy, keeping the focus on the fashion outside.
Cost and Fundraising:
The gala continues to be a massive fundraiser for the Costume Institute, with 2024’s event raising $26 million. In 2025, individual tickets reportedly cost around $75,000, with tables priced between $200,000 and $300,000.
Impact and Criticism:
This year’s event celebrated Black excellence in fashion, with thoughtful input from scholars like Monica L. Miller. Still, it wasn’t without backlash. Some critics called out the event’s steep ticket prices and perceived detachment from real-world issues, with a few even urging boycotts online.
Chef Kwame Onwuachi curated the night’s menu, while artist Gavin oversaw the red carpet’s design—a striking blue carpet accented with daffodils. The exhibition will also feature a variety of programs, including talks, workshops, and a film series with Metrograph.
A Look At Celebrities At The Met Gala Carpet 2025:
Nicki Minaj
Rihanna
