The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5, celebrated the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," honoring Black dandyism—a sartorial movement that has long served as a form of cultural resistance and self-expression. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, the event showcased a rich tapestry of fashion that spanned from 18th-century influences to contemporary interpretations. Celebrities and designers embraced the "Tailored for You" dress code, delivering bold, inventive looks that paid homage to Black menswear traditions. Here are my top 10 looks, let's dive in!
Alton Mason
Alton Mason brought his signature flair to the 2025 Met Gala with a look that was equal parts avant-garde and audacious. Dressed in a custom Thom Browne ensemble, he embraced the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" with a playful yet polished approach. The glam eye-patch? Drama. The silhouette? Chaos in the best way. And that open heart-shaped chest? Pure cool-kid energy, like he just dropped out of a Vogue editorial to grab a drink. It was giving dandy rebel with a mission, and I am absolutely here for it.
Photo credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Image
Cardi B
Cardi B turned the 2025 Met Gala into her personal fashion runway, serving up a look that screamed “main character energy” in the most fabulous way. Dressed in a custom Burberry ensemble designed by Daniel Lee, she embraced the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" with a bold green velvet suit that was part Victorian wallpaper, part high-fashion rebellion. The plunging neckline, ruffled silk shirt, and floral velvet trousers were all about drama, while the open-back coat added a daring twist. Styled by Law Roach, Cardi's voluminous hair and matching green eyeshadow completed the ensemble. I found the lack of colour in makeup concerning, so seeing Cardi's makeup was so REFRESHING!
Photo credit: John Shearer/WireImage
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe won this year's Met Gala wearing Thom Browne, hands down! I'm still zooming in on all the details; I would recommend heading over to her Instagram account for the 360 shots, also be sure to check out the back of her hair which has the same white detailed threading as the suit. Janelle Monáe turned the 2025 Met Gala into a masterclass in avant-garde tailoring and surrealist (cubist?) flair. She channeled 1930s dandyism with exaggerated shoulders, and a floor-length skirt suit in black, white, and red. But it was the pièce de résistance—a monocle fused with a clock—that truly ticked all the right boxes, merging time with style in a way only Monáe could pull off. She didn't just attend the gala—she redefined it.
Photo credit: Amir Hamja for The New York Times
Guillaume Diop
Guillaume Diop showed up to his first Met Gala looking like a romantic hero straight out of a fashion fairytale. Dressed in rich brocade, mustard velvet, and lace cuffs that screamed “period drama, but make it couture,” he was serving 19th-century dandy with 2025 attitude. Honestly, if Bridgerton had a Paris Opera Ballet spin-off, he’d be the lead. Also, is it just me, or is there a religious vibe about this outfit? Anyways, it's a yes from me! Romance and Renaissance!
Photo credit: Savion Washington/Getty Images
Doja Cat
Doja Cat wearing custom Marc Jacobs. At first I was conflicted when I saw this look, but after studying it, zooming in- It's one of my top faves. The back silhouette is really what solidified it for me. Head over to her Instagram account to see the full look plus the photoshoot she did in this look. The print is actually not leopard, but the ocelot, a spotted cat native to the Americas and the Caribbean. This is the perfect burlesque outfit too, a cool gap between the roaring 20s and the extravagant 80s!
Photo credit: John Shearer/WireImage
Megan Thee Stallion
Ok, so I admit the look might be a bit simple compared to others, but it gives classic golden era Hollywood. Seeing her hair alone made me moan out loud, so that immediately gets her on this list. Give her hairstylist, Kellon Deryck, a follow on Instagram. He's a constant on her team and a true magician. Also, the full look is an homage to Josephine Baker, modeled after a performance look Baker did in Cuba, 1951! The future is Burlesque!
Photo credit: Kevin Mazur/MG25/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor showed up to the 2025 Met Gala looking like the fiercest rose to ever bloom out of Harlem. Rocking a rich red velvet cape with “Harlem Rose” stitched across the back, she basically said, “I’m the drama,” and meant it. It was giving regal, romantic, and unapologetically badass—all in one strut. I shared her look on my stories and this one seemed to be general favorite.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny turned the 2025 Met Gala into a cultural masterclass with a look that was as bold as it was beautiful. Dressed in a custom Prada suit, he paid homage to Puerto Rican heritage with a dark brown jibaro hat—a traditional symbol worn by agricultural workers like cane cutters and coffee pickers. The ensemble featured a carob brown kid mohair suit, a raffia tie, and accessories like a crystal-embellished belt and gloves that echoed his latest album's aesthetic. His bowling bag, symbolic of new beginnings and cherished memories, also reflected the album's theme. Known for his fearless fashion choices, Bad Bunny's tribute to Afro-Caribbean culture was a standout moment that had everyone talking. And had me swooning.
Photo credit: Dia Dipasupil/Ge
Justice Smith
Justice Smith brought his Gemini energy to the 2025 Met Gala with a look that was equal parts suave and surreal. Dressed in a custom Valentino suit, he embraced the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" with a playful yet polished approach. The ensemble featured a cream-colored jacket with a dramatic black polka-dot scarf, channeling the essence of Black dandyism. His styling was a nod to duality, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Gemini zodiac sign. Also, so happy to see someone not scared of BLUSH on the red carpet. Honestly, he dabbed it on like it owed him money and still made it fashion!
Photo credit: Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images
Anok Yai
Anok Yai turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala with a look that was equal parts avant-garde and audacious. Dressed in a custom Thom Browne ensemble, she embraced the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" with a playful yet polished approach. The ensemble featured a black brocade bodice with trompe l'oeil jacket sleeves tied at the waist and a dramatic, stiff white skirt resembling a classic shirt hem. This conceptual design not only paid homage to the tailored theme but also reaffirmed Yai’s status as a Met Gala fashion force. And she was wearing blush! Hurray!
Photo credit: Menelik Puryear
Honorable mention: Diana Ross
Diana Ross made a triumphant return to the Met Gala at 81, proving that legends never fade—they just get more fabulous. Draped in a custom Ugo Mozie gown, she commanded the carpet with an 18-foot feathered train and a matching hat that practically had its own zip code. Absolute legend!
Photo credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
And just like that, the 2025 Met Gala twirled off into fashion history—feathers flew, suits shimmered, and not a single monocle was left unturned. From old-school dandy vibes to futuristic flair, the stars served lewks with a capital L. Until next year, keep it tailored, keep it bold, and never underestimate the power of a good cape! And please people, do not be afraid of some blush!
Signed with love from Montreal's number 1 Elvira impersonator,
Tristan Ginger
Header image credit: Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris | Getty Images for The Met Museum | Vogue)