Every fashion mfer’s favourite night is officially over. The first Monday in May may be done, but we’re still overthinking and overanalysing every look – dissecting details and trailing the references.
And the 2025 Met Gala did not disappoint. This year’s exhibition theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, saw the night’s guests explore concepts of Black fashion and Dandyism suiting the elements of Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, along with themes of the additional dress code of “Tailored for You”.
The red carpet came strong with historical and fashion references. This year’s dress code saw A-listers pay homage to fashion editor (and icon) André Leon Talley, and champion Black designers such as Grace Wales Bonner and Dappen Dan.
Zendaya in Louis Vuitton
Zendaya donned an all-white flared suit, the ensemble resembled Bianca Jagger’s white suits (a signature of Bianca’s), specifically her wedding suit with Mick Jagger, a groundbreaking look for the time. Zendaya’s sleek fit took notes from classic Zoot suits and her stylist Law Roach also referenced Diana Ross in 1975 film Mahogany – where she wears a striking white hat (he posted a picture of Diana on his IG stories, so we take that as confirmation).
Lewis Hamilton in Wales Bonner
The F1 driver’s custom Wales Bonner suit drew from Black spiritual dressing with the cowrie shell detailing, artist Barkley L. Hendricks, and actor Cab Calloway in Harlem Nights, as well as bringing in André Leon Talley’s energy into the fit. We can also see a potential nod to the Black Panther Party’s uniform with his hat.
Dapper Dan in Dapper Dan
The Harlem designer created his own symbol inspired by the Sankofa, a Ghanaian Akon symbol. During colonisation, slaves would use these symbols to stamp their iron works.
Willy Chavarria & Maluma in Willy Chavarria
The NYC-based designer came out in the finest Zoot suit, a symbol of his Latinx roots. The Zoot suit consists of broad shoulders, a tight waist and oversized pleated pants. It was originally worn by minorities, it was first introduced by Black Americans and then later adopted by Mexican Americans in LA. It was significant in history with the Zoot Suit Riots, a five-day period in June 1943, when Mexican American Zoot suiters were attacked. Willy Chavarria showed on the red carpet with his signature Zoot suit silhouette, nodding to Dandyism with this beautiful silky pink custom look and the floral suiting on Maluma.
Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry
The actor wore a custom Burberry all-leather look that reimagined a Victorian silhouette inspired by Black equestrian Selika Lazevski who lived in Paris in the Belle Époque.
Teyana Taylor in Marc Jacobs
Teyana linked up with costume designer Ruth E. Carter for this burgundy Zoot suit-inspired look. The Zoot suit can be considered the first true American suit silhouette that was introduced in the 20th century, donned by minorities, and prominent in Harlem. Loved the “Rose in Harlem” embroidery on the cape – a nod to Teyana’s song – and the rich accessories, including that matching durag.
Sabrina Carpenter in Louis Vuitton
There were a few references to Black designer Zelda Wynn Valdes last night. But the most on-theme was Sabrina Carpenter. Her tailoring-inspired no-pants look was an homage to the Black designer who designed the Playboy Bunny uniform.
Leon Bridges in Nicholas Daley
The artist’s fit had ‘70s elements that looked to the Windrush generation’s attire but also referenced American dressing in the ‘70s with the wide lapels and the Western shirt. Best detail of the ensemble however, is the tie, which was hand-knitted by Nicholas’s mum.
Colman Domingo in Valentino
Colman Domingo’s blue Valentino cape was an obvious reference to André Leon Talley. But it didn’t stop there. The actor and co-chair of the night told GQ that when meeting Monica L. Miller, she mentioned that one of the original dandies (who was a freed slave) wanted to wear a specific shade of blue on his freedom day. And Colman took that colour to Valentino.
Rihanna in Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs killed it last night, fr. Riri’s custom Marc Jacobs fit looked to 19th century Western silhouettes, with deconstructive tailoring elements that created a bustle effect in the back. She also revealed a baby bump.
Featured image via Getty Images©
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See: Did Black designers get their due at the Met Gala?
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