The Met Gala, often hailed as "fashion's biggest night," is set to return on Monday, May 5, 2025, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year’s event promises to be a celebration of cultural richness, historical depth, and contemporary style, all centered around a theme that explores the elegance and resilience of Black identity through fashion.
Theme and Exhibition: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
The 2025 Met Gala is themed around “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an exhibition that delves into the cultural significance of Black menswear and the movement of Black dandyism. This aesthetic and political movement, which originated in the 18th century, is rooted in self-expression, refined tailoring, and the challenge to social hierarchies. The exhibition draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, *Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity*, and examines how style has shaped Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
Visitors to the exhibition, which opens to the public on May 10 and runs through October 26, 2025, will be treated to a diverse array of artifacts, including garments, paintings, photographs, accessories, texts, and films. These items, spanning from the 18th century to the present day, will be organized into 12 interpretive sections: Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability, Jook, Heritage, Beauty, Cool, and Cosmopolitanism.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are 19th-century livery worn by enslaved people, 1940s zoot suits, and contemporary pieces from visionary designers like Virgil Abloh, Pharrell Williams, and Grace Wales Bonner. These pieces collectively tell a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring influence of Black style on global fashion.
Dress Code: “Tailored for You”
The 2025 Met Gala dress code, “Tailored for You,” invites attendees to reinterpret the art of tailoring and menswear in their own unique way. Guests are encouraged to showcase sharply tailored suits, creative reinterpretations of classic menswear, and bold, personal statements that push boundaries and celebrate Black sartorial innovation. This dress code is not just a fashion directive; it’s an invitation to explore the intersection of identity, culture, and style.
A man with a thin moustache and a quiff hairdo wearing a zoot style outfit in Paris, 1944.
Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats.
Photo of 1943 of Boys in zoot suits.
Journalist Anne Scott James, sitting at the bar in a pub, wearing a smart pinstripe suit and tie.
Janelle Monae at AMC Networks 2025 Upfront at Spring Studios on April 09, 2025 in New York, New York.
Dandy Wellington hosts the 'Best Dressed' competition at the Revive & Thrive Fashion Hub during day one of the 2024 Goodwood Revival at Goodwood Motor Circuit on September 06, 2024 in Chichester, England.
Historic Co-Chairs and Host Committee
This year’s Met Gala makes history with an all-Black co-chair lineup, a first for the event. The co-chairs include:
- Pharrell Williams
- Colman Domingo
- Lewis Hamilton
- A$AP Rocky
Anna Wintour continues her role as chair, while basketball legend LeBron James serves as the honorary co-chair. This lineup reflects the event’s commitment to celebrating Black excellence and cultural influence in fashion and beyond.
The gala also revives its tradition of a host committee, featuring a diverse slate of influential figures across various fields. The host committee includes:
- Athletes: Simone Biles, Jonathan Owens, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson
- Filmmakers: Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, Regina King
- Actors: Ayo Edebiri, Audra McDonald, Jeremy Pope
- Musicians: Doechii, Usher, Tyla, Janelle Monáe, André 3000
- Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Artists: Jordan Casteel, Rashid Johnson, Kara Walker
- Playwrights: Jeremy O. Harris, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
- Fashion figures: Grace Wales Bonner, Edward Enninful, Dapper Dan, Olivier Rousteing
Guest List and Notable Attendees
While the full guest list remains a closely guarded secret, several high-profile names have been confirmed or are expected to attend. Rihanna, a Met Gala stalwart, has confirmed her return, joining other notable names like Shakira, Lizzo, and Mary J. Blige. Models Amelia Gray and Ashley Graham are also set to grace the red carpet, alongside actresses like Rachel Zegler, who will be making her gala debut, as well as Gal Gadot and Paige Bueckers.
Notable absences this year include Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Gisele Bündchen, who will not be attending the event.
Event Details and Legacy
The Met Gala is more than just a red carpet spectacle; it is a cultural institution that raises significant funds for The Met’s Costume Institute. The event supports groundbreaking fashion exhibitions and serves as a platform for creative, cultural, and social expression. This year’s focus on Black dandyism and tailored style promises to deliver a powerful narrative on identity, elegance, and resilience, making it one of the most anticipated and meaningful galas in the event’s history.
As the world tunes in to witness the glamour and creativity of the 2025 Met Gala, it’s clear that this year’s event will be a celebration of fashion, culture, and the enduring legacy of Black style. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado, a cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the art of self-expression, the 2025 Met Gala is an event you won’t want to miss.
