Monday night witnessed one of the most glamorous evenings in the global fashion calendar as the Met Gala lit up New York City with an unforgettable celebration of style, creativity, and cultural expression.
Celebrities from all corners of the entertainment world gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing bold and iconic looks in line with this year’s powerful theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
For the first time since 2003, the gala placed a distinct spotlight on menswear, with fashion enthusiasts praising the event for not only pushing creative boundaries but also centering Black cultural influence in fashion.
The theme drew inspiration from a newly unveiled exhibit at the museum’s Costume Institute, focusing on the concept of the “Black dandy”—a historical and cultural figure that embodies elegance, resistance, and self-definition through clothing.
Vogue described the exhibit as one that “examines the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora,” offering a timely reflection on how fashion intersects with heritage, pride, and transformation.
The red carpet became a canvas of artistic interpretation, with A-list celebrities embracing the theme in daring and dazzling ways.
Zendaya captivated the crowd with two show-stopping outfit changes, blending sharp tailoring with avant-garde drama. Demi Moore stunned in a sculptural black gown with tailored lines that paid homage to classic menswear, while music legend Diana Ross brought vintage glamour and grace to the carpet, her look echoing the soul and sophistication of past eras.
Speaking to reporters, Moore said, “This theme allowed us to honor a style legacy that’s often overlooked but deeply influential.”
Meanwhile, fashion critic André Leon Talley remarked, “Tonight wasn’t just about clothes. It was about storytelling, history, and reclaiming space in a world that too often forgets who set the trends.”
As flashbulbs popped and admiration poured in, the night served as a reminder that fashion is more than appearance—it’s a statement, a celebration, and a powerful force for cultural dialogue.
Zendaya makes a statement in all-white suit
Actress Zendaya, known for her dazzling red carpet style, opted for a wide-brimmed hat and tailored Louis Vuitton cream suit at this year’s Met Gala.
But there was one slight pop of colour: her manicured red nails.
Madonna references herself
Pop legend Madonna accessorised her cream-colored tuxedo with a cigar, creating an interplay between soft feminine materials and a distinct masculine energy.
It’s a dynamic that the superstar has played with throughout her career.
Bad Bunny pays homage to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny wore a brown Prada suit, which he said he worked on with the Italian fashion house for a few months before the event.
He also stayed on theme by accessorising with embellished gloves, a brooch and a hat that paid homage to his Puerto Rican heritage.
Janelle Monae is on theme (and on time)
When asked about her outfit on the carpet, Janelle Monáe responded simply – “free” – followed by an expletive.
“And when I’m in my suit, that is exactly how I feel,” she said.
She wore a Thom Brown suit, with whom she’s attended the Met Gala as a guest for the last several years. The look is styled by the Academy Award-winning costume designer for Wicked, Paul Tazewell.
im Kardashian in croc-embossed leather
US reality TV star Kim Kardashian wore an all-black ensemble by LA-based brand Chrome Hearts – a fitted leather top and skirt that she offset with diamond necklaces and two strings of pearls.
She is, of course, no stranger to the Met Gala – having made headlines with a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in 2022, and a wet-look Thierry Mugler dress in 2019.
Doechii makes her Met Gala debut in LV
Doechii took brand representation to new levels, stamping the famous Louis Vuitton logo on her face to go along with the motif of her suit.
The American rapper is often seen wearing looks from the French fashion house.
This outfit combined the designer’s two famous patterns – the LV monogram pattern on the waistcoat and jacket, as well as the damier checkerboard on the shorts.
Sir Lewis Hamilton in a cream suit
Black British designer Grace Wales Bonner dressed British Formula One star Sir Lewis Hamilton for the night. Sir Lewis was a co-chair of this year’s event.
The pair have worked together in the past with Wales Bonner dressing Hamilton for the 2023 British Fashion Awards.
Cardi B in ivy green Burberry
Rapper Cardi B debuted a new hairstyle (and eye colour) in a green Burberry pantsuit, complete with matching nails and eye shadow.
Chappell Roan channels disco in hot pink
Singer Chappell Roan brought a rare pop of colour to the Met’s blue carpet, in a patchwork hot pink ensemble sourced from eBay.
The singer worked with Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell on her outfit, while make-up artist Pat McGrath was behind her disco-inspired look.
Lupita Nyong’o in powder blue Chanel
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o wore a stunning powder blue Chanel suit, with a matching hat and transparent cape.
She accessorised the look with bedazzled, black rhinestone eyebrows.
Demi Moore with a literal interpretation
Demi Moore gave us another round of method dressing.
The American actress’s recent press tour for The Substance recalled the body horror themes of the film, while her awards campaign for the role of Elisabeth Sparkle saw her dressing for the glam statuettes.
Moore understood the assignment for the Met Gala, coming as a literal men’s tie in a sculptural black and white striped sequin gown from Thom Browne.
Andre 3000 wears a piano
In one of the more memorable looks of the evening, Andre 3000 showed up to the Met Gala carpet with a black and white piano strapped to his back and a trash bag as a purse.
The stylish OutKast rapper designed the look himself in collaboration with Burberry.
Rihanna shows off her third pregnancy
Rihanna, typically one of the most stylish attendees at the Gala, returned to the Met steps this year in Marc Jacobs, debuting her pregnancy with co-chair of the evening A$AP Rocky.
Tracee Ellis Ross in shades of pink
Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, the daughter of Diana Ross, was one of the few people who wore pink at this year’s Met Gala.
She donned a custom Marc Jacobs suit that was complete with a giant, hot pink bow at the back, a matching top hat and some unique bling.
Diana Ross’ ensemble is all drama
Legendary singer Diana Ross wore a show-stopping white ensemble, complete with feathers and a long train that required at least two assistants.
On the carpet, Ross said her son persuaded her to attend this year’s event. The last time she attended the Met Gala is 2003.
She added she had the names of her children and grandchildren embroidered on her dress train.
Doja Cat’s Bold and Big Shoulder Pads
Recording artist Doja Cat wore a custom Marc Jacobs look that featured giant shoulder pads and a leopard-print bustier panel.
“I just wanted to feel like a little gangsta,” she said.
“I feel like he brought that with the strong shape of the shoulders, and all of the exaggerated shapes,” Doja Cat said of Jacobs.
Cynthia Erivo smiles wide in Givenchy
Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo, known for her on-theme style, wore a Givenchy ensemble featuring a bedazzled bodice and an extra-long black train with matching leather boots and nails.
