Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
The 2025 Met Gala returned Monday night with a powerful theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The concept celebrated Black dandyism—drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance era of the 1910s to 1930s—highlighting its influence on global fashion and identity. Vogue livestreamed the iconic red carpet event, which officially began at 5:30 p.m. ET.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Hosts and Guests
Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who has chaired the gala since the 1990s, was joined by co-chairs Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, and Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton. NBA legend LeBron James was originally listed as an honorary co-chair but withdrew due to a knee injury.
While the full guest list remains tightly guarded, appearances were made by host committee members including André 3000, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, Audra McDonald, Janelle Monáe, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tyla, Usher, and Kara Walker.
Cardi B Arrives Late, Rihanna Skips Carpet, A$AP Rocky Spills News
Cardi B made a dramatic late entrance in an all-green look, concealed by umbrellas prior to her reveal. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky confirmed during a red carpet interview that his partner, Rihanna, is pregnant with their third child. Though Rihanna didn’t walk the carpet, her bump-revealing ensemble still went viral online.
Tributes to Fashion Icons Virgil Abloh and André Leon Talley
Many attendees wore designs by the late Virgil Abloh, the groundbreaking founder of Off-White and first Black American artistic director for a major French luxury fashion house. La La Anthony, co-hosting Vogue’s livestream, wore an archival Abloh piece and shared, “It wasn’t just fashion. It was love, history, and respect wrapped up in a beautiful garment.”
André Leon Talley, the legendary Vogue editor who passed in 2022, was also honored. Anne Hathaway remarked, “We wanted Andre to look down from heaven and scream, ‘glamour!’” Wintour paid homage to Talley in her editor’s letter and during the event.
Keke Palmer Channels Dorothy Dandridge
Keke Palmer stunned in a tailored Vera Wang gown inspired by Dorothy Dandridge, the first Black woman nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars. “I wanted to inhabit the tailoring but also the history of Black culture,” she told Vogue. Her look struck a balance between masculine structure and feminine legacy.
Usher Flies in from Europe Just to Attend
R&B star Usher, currently on tour in Europe, made a brief stop in New York to attend the Gala before heading straight to London to continue his shows. “The things we do for fashion,” he said.
Stevie Wonder Delivers a Message of Love and Unity
In a heartfelt moment, music icon Stevie Wonder told La La Anthony, “God has celebrated what we have done since the beginning of time… whether in music, dance, or the most important thing: love.” He urged Black men worldwide to “bring the world together,” emphasizing unity over confusion or hate.
