Beyond the Blue Carpet: Unpacking the 2025 Met Gala

Happy belated Met Gala Monday to those who observe! The 2025 Met Gala was held this past Monday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The theme for the exhibit this year was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” meant to celebrate the rich history and significance of the Black dandys. With the dress code “Tailored for You” the Met invited attendees to interpret the theme through the lens of fine tailoring, Black dandyism, and individual expression. 

What is a Black Dandy? The 2025 exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," is inspired by Monica L. Miller's book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." The goal of the gala and exhibition is to highlight the historical and contemporary impact of Black style, particularly the concept of dandyism. Black dandyism, as explored in the exhibition, is not merely about dressing well; it's a powerful form of self-expression, resistance, and a reclamation of identity. From meticulously tailored suits to bold accessories, it represents a dedication to dress as a discipline and a means of embodying political and social responsibilities. The term "superfine" refers not only to the quality of fabric but also to an attitude of feeling exceptionally good and self-assured in one's clothes.

The event and exhibit was an homage and a celebration of all the Black dandys of the past who have made a mark in fashion history, like André Leon Talley, Dapper Dan, James Baldwin, African dads and uncles, Langston Hughes and all the current Blac dandys who continue to interpret the archetype in their own way like Janelle Monáe, Colman Domingo, Wisdom Kaye, and June Ambrose.

Scroll through to see some of my favorite looks and read some of my thoughts!

Colman Domingo was one of the co-chairs, he wore a striking cobalt blue cape, reminiscent of the late André Leon Talley with an embellished collar.

Teyana Taylor was the best dressed of the night in my opinion. She fully embodied Harlem and the theme in her three-piece pinstripe suit, dramatic burgundy cape, exaggerated shoulders, and bold silver accessories. Her look was in collaboration with the legendary Oscar winning Ruth E. Carter. 

Brian Tyree Henry wore a maroon suit that was draped with an ornate coat. The gold detailing on the coat really stood out adding to the dramatic dandy nature of the look. The look was designed by Nigerian designer Orange Culture. 

Coco Jones wore an all white fully embroidered ensemble. The pants and dramatic long sleeve coat featured dramatic floral beadwork and embroidery. She wore a statement necklace and cream heels to round out the all white look.

Zoe Saldana wore a black and white outfit from Thom Browne that featured white button detailing all the way down the front of the dress and on the sleeves of both arms. The bodice had an exaggerated hip and a dramatic bow on the back.

Zendaya wore an all white Louis Vuitton three piece suit that was tailored to perfection with a matching wide brimmed hat. Along with her engagement ring, the only other jewelry she wore was a brooch pinned to the back collar of her blazar. 

Jennie from BLACKPINK was dressed by Chanel in a tuxedo inspired gown with black trousers under a long sweeping skirt with a long train. The top looked like an off-shoulder tailored tuxedo with the classic pearl Chanel detailing. 

Doechii was dressed by Louis Vuitton in a waist coat and short set in the iconic monogram and damier ebene print. She added pops of color with her burgundy loafers, socks, and tie.

Ayo Edebiri paid homage to her Edo roots wearing a floor length Ferragamo gown that featured coral beading down the front and up the bodice. She added a black tailored leather coat with long dramatic sleeves to round out the look

Ego Nwodim wore an all black piece that featured a voluminous skirt she wore over black trousers. She topped off the look with a black feathered fascinator, red pumps, and shimmery diamonds around her neck.

Mona Patel came out looking like a 20th century pimp. She wore an all black tuxedo inspired outfit that had an open floor length skirt over her trousers. The tuxedo jacket featured a hand- beaded corset and she accessorized with a robotic dog as her handbag, inspired by the Thome Brown dachshund. 

Tracee Ellis Ross wore the most color of the night in her outfit that featured different shades of pink and red. Her voluminous exaggerated trousers were cinched at the waist by a large pink bow. In classic Tracee fashion she topped things off wearing a wide brimmed pink and burgundy hat.

The standout of Shaboozey's look is the turquoise beading draped across the front of his suit under his cropped jacket. The jacket and trousers were embroidered and he topped off the look with a flat cowboy hat with the same embroidery. 

Jodie Turner wore a reddish brown outfit with an oversized top hat. Over her trousers was a floor length leather coat embossed with floral design. The coat opened at the legs, had a cinched waist, and strong shoulders. 

Tessa Thompson wore a tuxedo gown with a dramatic bell shaped bottom that stopped at her feet. She accessorized with a beaded black hat and a church fan with the late André Leon Talley’s image on it. 

Quinta Brunson wore a black and white pinstripe Sergio Hudson figure hugging dress that she paired with an oversized blazer draped over her shoulder.