Met Gala 2025: Black Elegance, Tailoring, and the 5 Most Iconic Looks of the Night

The Met Gala, often dubbed the “Oscars of Fashion,” is an annual fundraising gala for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Beyond its charitable purpose, the event sets the global stage for creative fashion expression, blending couture with culture, and history with innovation. Each year, a unique theme guides the attire of attending celebrities, designers, and cultural icons.

In 2025, the Gala embraced the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”, with a particular focus on “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This year’s concept honored Black dandyism and the refined power of personal tailoring—a celebration of precision, identity, and historical influence in fashion.

As expected, the red carpet was filled with bold statements and exquisite craftsmanship. Among the standout ensembles, these five looks captured the essence of the theme and defined the night:


1. Tracee Ellis Ross in Marc Jacobs

Tracee Ellis Ross delivered one of the most vibrant and architecturally dynamic looks of the evening. Her fuchsia pantsuit, exaggerated in volume yet masterfully structured, was paired with a wide-brimmed hat crafted by Stephen Jones. The look was a bold and joyful celebration of individuality and power.


2. Zendaya in Louis Vuitton by Pharrell

Zendaya reinterpreted the zoot suit in a crisp white three-piece ensemble designed by Pharrell. A nod to Black jazz culture and 1940s tailoring, the oversized silhouette was modernized with clean lines and a futuristic aesthetic. She seamlessly blended heritage and high fashion into one striking look.


3. Diana Ross in Her Own Design

Diana Ross returned to the Met Gala in a self-designed white gown embellished with crystals, complete with a feathered cape and dramatic headpiece. It was a timeless representation of her legacy, showcasing elegance, independence, and style rooted in personal history.


4. Rihanna in Marc Jacobs

Rihanna once again commanded attention in a corset-inspired suit gown that subtly revealed her third pregnancy. Her ensemble balanced structure and softness, echoing themes of motherhood and resilience. The design was tailored yet flowing, encapsulating her ability to fuse personal narrative with couture.


5. Anna Sawai in Dior

Anna Sawai opted for quiet confidence in a minimalist Dior suit. The all-white, three-piece design showcased flawless tailoring and an understated power. Her look was an exercise in restraint and control, highlighting how simplicity can be just as commanding as extravagance.


These five looks not only embodied the theme but elevated the dialogue around cultural fashion, personal expression, and representation. The 2025 Met Gala was more than a celebration of style—it was a tribute to tradition, reinvention, and the powerful role fashion plays in telling stories that matter.