Fashion’s biggest night is back with the 77th annual Met Gala

Celebrities and designers alike flocked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or the MET) to celebrate the museum’s 77th annual Met Gala on Monday, May 5.

The Met Gala may seem like a frivolous show of wealth, but it is so much more than that. The gala serves to celebrate the fashion industry and to raise money for the MET’s Costume Institute. Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, heads the gala.

However, Wintour does not run the gala by herself. Each year, co-chairs are chosen to help organize and plan fashion’s biggest night of the year. This year, Wintour was joined by Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton and A$AP Rocky.

This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” explores hundreds of years of Black style, especially in connection with Black dandyism. Black dandyism is the act of using fashion for more than just style — it is a form of self-expression as well as a rebellion against societal norms. It can be identified by bespoke tailoring, bold patterns and colors, accessorizing with purpose and cultural fusion. It is a show of a person’s identity and power, which is significant to the co-chairs. In an interview with Vogue, Williams discussed his hopes for the Met Gala.

“I want it to feel like the most epic night of power, a reflection of Black resiliency in a world that continues to be colonized, by which I mean policies and legislation that are nothing short of that,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important to me to have successful Black and brown people of every stripe in the room.”

The red carpet was kicked off with a performance by the men’s gospel choir Silk and Sound, with the group’s rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Following the performance, celebrities and designers began walking the carpet.

This year’s gala brought some of the best looks that have been seen in years. Everyone who attended knew how important this year’s theme was, and viewers can see that through everyone’s unique style.

However, very few were able to be considered “best dressed.” Here are some of the best looks from this year’s Met Gala:

Alton Mason

Mason, an American model and actor, wore a custom Gaurav Gupta to this year’s gala. The model stepped out onto the carpet wearing only a black, shoulder-padded cape that covered his entire body, a hat and a silver eye patch. However, once in front of the cameras, he revealed a fresh silver outfit underneath. The top was a silver zip-up with an added twist — a heart cutout over his chest.

Bad Bunny

The Puerto Rican musician continued his trend of amazing outfits Monday evening. Bad Bunny showed off a brown bespoke Prada suit, with a rust colored shirt and cream tie, which matched his canvas boots. On top of that, the pop star completed the look with jeweled leather gloves and a leather bag.

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Additionally, the singer made it a point to show his Puerto Rican heritage through a dark brown pava hat.

Chappell Roan

Roan made her Met Gala debut and was nothing short of show-stopping. The pop star graced the carpet wearing an entirely pink and glittery suit and a matching coat. The whole outfit invokes the ’70s disco scene, while also sticking to her image at the “Pink Pony Club.” Roan truly embraced dandyism with her outfit.

Coleman Domingo

As co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, Domingo naturally had to be one of the best-dressed people there. And, unsurprisingly, he was. The actor turned heads as he entered wearing a blue pleated cape with an elaborately embellished collar. Like Mason, Domingo removed the cape to reveal a Valentino tux underneath.

Doechii

Doechii made her Met Gala debut in one of her most iconic looks. The up-and-coming rapper came dressed in a Louis Vuitton short suit designed by Pharrell Williams. The tuxedo jacket contained the brand’s monogram, and so did her belt of choice. Doechii’s outfit was tastefully paired with a wine-red satin tie, Mary-Janes and socks in the same color.

Jennie

Jennie of BLACKPINK continued her three-year streak of wearing Chanel to the MET. The Korean pop star wore an off-the-shoulder button-up top that morphed into an elegant ball gown. The dress’s black silk made the look that much more elegant. The ensemble was topped off with pearl necklaces and a black and white boater hat.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Turner-Smith, a British actress, graced the carpet with a wine-red leather coat-dress that was clearly inspired by 19th-century equestrian riding outfits. The whole look was spectacular – the actress’s coat lies over her like a dress; however, under the coat, she wears pants, which is another homage to the dandy style.

Keke Palmer

Palmer stunned everyone with her black-and-white Vera Wang look. Her dress featured a collared halter top that flowed into a long train. Much like Turner-Smith, Palmer’s outfit allowed the audience to peek through an opening in the skirt to see fitted black trousers. In an interview on the carpet, Palmer said that she wanted her look to be a combination of masculine and feminine.

Laura Harrier

The “Spider-Man: Homecoming” actress did not disappoint with her outfit this year. Harrier walked the carpet wearing wide-legged cream trousers, a cinch-waist vest top and sheer billowing sleeves. The image evoked the visual of a fairy, if the fairy worked in an office. Truly one of the best looks of the night.

Lewis Hamilton

Another co-chair of the gala showed off his love of Black fashion. The Formula 1 driver truly embodied this year’s theme of “Tailoring Black Style.” He arrived in a custom Wales Bonner cream suit with a matching beret. However, despite the suit being one color, Hamilton added contrast with brooches on his lapel and beret and tassels on the pant leg.

Teyana Taylor

Taylor, an American singer and actress, was one of the hosts of Vogue’s live stream of the event. However, this is not all she brought to the table. Taylor wore an extravagant three-piece, pinstripe suit and a complementary cape. The look was brought to life by costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who also did the costumes for “Black Panther.” The designer meticulously planned out each detail, from the silver chains and leather gloves to the phrase “Harlem rose” stitched across the cape’s train. Carter explained her use of accessories to a reporter on the carpet.

“As we embarked on our journey in this country, we were stripped of everything,” Carter said. “A lot of times, the only thing you had was to show it on your body.”

Zendaya

Last but not least, Zendaya took on the carpet in a simple yet elegant three-piece suit. The outfit was custom Louis Vuitton, designed by Pharrell Williams. The whole ensemble is in a true white color, from her hat all the way to the bottom of her trousers. She added a pop of color with her nails, which were painted red.

The 2025 Met Gala was certainly one of the best in recent history. With awe-inspiring pieces, this gala will be remembered for many years to come.

pedenae@miamioh.edu