Met Gala 2025: Historic Celebration of Black Style and Dandyism Raises Record $31 Million

The 2025 Met Gala, fashion's most prestigious annual fundraiser, made history this year with its theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrating Black dandyism and raising a record-breaking $31 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.

Theme and Exhibition

This year's event coincided with the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller's scholarly work. The dress code, "Tailored for You," invited interpretations of Black style and dandyism throughout history, with celebrity attendees showcasing tailored looks that embraced drama and detail.

Leadership and Co-Chairs

The gala was co-chaired by an influential group including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour. LeBron James, also named as a co-chair, was notably absent due to injury.

Celebrity Moments

Rihanna created a sensation by revealing her third pregnancy just hours before attending with A$AP Rocky. Meanwhile, Zendaya and Anna Sawai drew attention for wearing nearly identical white zoot suits, both paying tribute to the theme. Other standout attendees included Diana Ross, Lupita Nyong'o, and André 3000, all praised for their interpretations of Black dandyism.

Lewis Hamilton delivered a notable speech inside the event, highlighting the cultural significance of the theme. "This celebration of Black style isn't just about fashion—it's about recognizing the profound cultural impact and historical significance of Black dandyism," he remarked during the evening.

Fashion Highlights

The red carpet showcased numerous thematic elements, with hats emerging as a particularly prominent accessory. Smokey eye makeup also made a comeback, worn by celebrities including Zendaya and Sabrina Carpenter. Many attendees embraced hairstyles featuring forehead swoops or finger waves, directly connecting to the event's theme.

Broadway was well represented with stars like Nicole Scherzinger, Audra McDonald, and other Tony Award nominees attending on their night off from performances.

Several high-profile celebrities were noticeably absent, including Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Jennifer Lopez, and Naomi Campbell, which sparked some criticism about the event's draw.

Historical Significance

The theme's focus on Black dandyism and tailoring marked an important cultural moment, highlighting how fashion has served as a form of expression, identity, and resistance throughout history. Critics noted that the most successful looks of the evening were those that fully embraced the exhibition's historical context while adding contemporary interpretations.