Every year, the Met Gala brings an explosion of creativity, drama, and boundary-pushing style to New York, but the 2025 event took things in a refreshingly cerebral direction. Instead of overt costume, this year’s theme—Tailored for you—challenged guests to dig deeper, blending sharp sartorial elegance with thoughtful homage. The result? Ensembles that referenced the rich tradition of Black dandyism and its greatest stars, all while pushing tailoring to new heights. Honouring fashion icons like the late André Leon Talley, designer Ozwald Boateng, and sociologist and activist W.E.B. Du Bois, this Met Gala was as much about artful respect as it was about innovative clothing.
ICONIC LOOKS THAT STOLE THE HEADLINES
Zendaya’s arrival in custom Louis Vuitton stopped everyone in their tracks. Known for never missing a Met Gala, this year’s look—styled by Law Roach—was a cunning spin on the classic zoot suit. Crafted in ivory, it merged sharp tailoring with a soft, dandyish femininity. The clever twist? The look drew inspiration from Diana Ross's 1975 film Mahogany, a legendary film on fashion’s transformative power. In a seemingly perfect twist of fate, Zendaya followed Ms Ross herself onto the red carpet, drawing a thread from the past to the present.
Doechii, making her Met Gala debut, proved herself instantly memorable. Her custom Louis Vuitton short suit paired with a playful mini bag set a bold tone. Doechii’s afro wasn’t just a hairstyle—it was a proud declaration. She’s known for fearless choices, and her look radiated individuality and empowerment, with every detail speaking to her deep love of fashion.
Jennie’s approach to Chanel was equally delightful. She chose a strapless jumpsuit in black leather and satin, highlighted by pearled cabochon buttons, double strings of pearls, and Chanel’s signature white camellia. The overskirt with its split down the middle allowed a flash of a tailored cropped pant, making her look both classic and subversively modern as she moved up the steps.
Bad Bunny brought cultural fusion to the carpet, channelling Afro-Caribbean influences in his Prada suit. The dark-brown tailoring was embellished with 600 yellow crystals—each meticulously applied—a yellow-and-brown bowling bag, and a Puerto Rican jíbaro hat. It was a showcase in personal storytelling and a celebration of diverse heritage within the framework of classic tailoring.
TIMELESS TAILORING WITH A CREATIVE SPARK
Monica Barbaro’s ensemble by Dior embraced the legacy of the label’s "New Look". Her ivory silk Bar jacket, with its cinched waist, and a sweeping black tulle skirt, recreated one of mid-century fashion’s most iconic silhouettes. Classic accessories—gloves, pumps, a boater hat—finished her outfit, while a dazzling Bulgari brooch added a modern sparkle to her lapel. It was the kind of look that would be at home in a vintage portrait, yet felt entirely fresh.
Lewis Hamilton, straight from the Miami Grand Prix, arrived with a thoughtful take on identity through fashion. Collaborating with Wales Bonner, he wore an ivory suit with a cropped jacket, coattails, and embroidered sash, accessorised with a white bow tie and beret by Stephen Jones Millinery. Hamilton, already an advocate for diverse voices in fashion, made a case for style that is both forward-thinking and deeply personal.
BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS
What set this year’s Met Gala apart was not just the names in attendance, but the precision and intention behind each look. There were nods to historic films, empowering hairstyles worn as symbols, and subtle yet striking embroidery. Pearls, cabochon buttons, crystal embellishments, and exquisite hats all played their part. The power of tailoring was on full display—nipped waists, high-waisted trousers, cropped jackets, and carefully riffed formalwear challenged conventions, showing that intelligence and relevance are vital ingredients in fashion’s greatest moments.
Rich with references and forward-thinking detail, the 2025 Met Gala proved that there is immense beauty in clever, considered dressing. The night wasn’t just a celebration of glamour: it was a testament to the transformative power of fashion history, voice, and vision—tailored, as the theme promised, for each unique star.