It’s the first Monday in May, and you know what that means: celebrities, designers, and very bold decisions descending upon the Met steps for the year’s most extravagant fashion spectacle.
This year’s dress code is “Tailored for You,” a theme deeply rooted in the tradition of Black dandyism, which celebrates personal style as an act of individuality, rebellion, and cultural storytelling.
For those unfamiliar, the original dandy, Beau Brummell in 18th-century Britain, was a man who let his wardrobe speak louder than his words (His motto was: “Don’t talk about your clothes, let your clothes do the talking”). He redefined menswear by trading over-the-top aristocratic garb for sharp, minimalist tailoring. Fast forward a few centuries, and Black dandyism took that clean, precise foundation and drenched it in bold color, lush accessories, and global cultural influences, transforming it into a powerful statement of Black identity and elegance. Modern icons like Jidenna have made the Black dandy an emblem of style and substance. At the same time, designers like Olivier Rousteing, Martine Rose, and Thom Browne continue to reinterpret tailored fashion through contemporary, often lenses.
So, what were we expecting to see on the MET steps this year?
First, bespoke tailoring: think hand-stitched suits, crisp lapels, and trousers so sharp they could cut glass. In this theme, tailoring isn’t just fashion; it’s a language. Every stitch and silhouette is meant to flatter and announce its wearer’s presence without a single word.
Next up, bold colors and patterns. Black dandy fashion is never shy. Whether it’s checks, stripes, or rich jewel tones, tonight’s looks were expected to trade the usual somber formality for fearless, attention-grabbing palettes.
And of course, accessorizing with purpose. A true dandy knows a pocket square isn’t just fabric, and a fedora isn’t just a hat. These details were meant to punctuate each look, adding personality, wit, and sometimes, a touch of mischief.
Finally, we looked forward to seeing cultural fusion at its finest. Modern Black dandyism doesn’t just mimic European traditions — it weaves in African textiles, Caribbean flair, and American street style, creating something both timeless and defiantly contemporary.
So this MET wasn’t just about who wore what, it was about who understood the assignment. Some served, some struggled, and others left us speechless (for better or worse).
Let’s play fashion police, shall we?
Our Favourite Looks
Jodie Turner-Smith
The Greatest Showman of the Black Dandies, Jodie Turner-Smith. While showing the girls how it’s done, she paid homage to Selika Lazevski, the iconic black horsewoman.
Zendaya
Zendaya in this custom chic white three-piece Louis Vuitton suit? A masterclass in effortless power dressing. Clean, commanding and tailored to perfection. Only she could make minimalism feel like such a major moment.
Diana Ross
After a 22-year hiatus, Diana returned to the Met Gala in an 18-foot gown embroidered with her family’s names. The outfit was a collaboration between her, her son Evan Ross, and the Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie. In this iconic look, she made it clear: “the rest of you can go home now.”
Lauryn Hill
The yellow. The cape. The gold fan. The Kelly. 10s across board. She pulled up like she OWNED the building.
Coco Jones
Coco Jones pulled up to her first MET knowing she’s IT.
Lupita Nyong’o
Sleek. Sophisticated and Stunning. Lupita gave us chills in this ice-blue look, perfectly balancing masculine and feminine elements.
Tyla
Tyla in this custom white pinstriped gown from Jacquemus? Fresh, modern, and right on theme. Styled by Law Roach, she paid homage to the late André Leon Talley with the dramatic floor-length cape, his signature style. And the platinum blonde pixie? *chef kiss*.
Joey King
Hair, tailoring and colors are AMAZING and right on the theme. Oh Joey, forgive us, we weren’t familiar with your game.
Teyena Taylor
This is the kind of over-the-top maximalism, vibrant colors, luxe textiles, and silhouette playfulness that this red carpet deserves. She devoured.
Serena Williams
Ask for a Goddess, and I will show you Serena at 2025’s MET Gala. Our GOAT looks absolutely breathtaking, ethereal and ravishing in this blue silky ensemble.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri’s coral beads were a beautiful nod to her Benin heritage. I would’ve also loved to see some beads in her hair, but I still love the outfit!
Cardi B
Green with envy, of course, because Cardi never misses. She absolutely slayed in this custom green velvet suit by Burberry.
Chimamanda Adichie
Oh, Odeluwa, the woman that you are! Absolutely stunning and on theme!
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina ate in this custom burgundy Louis Vuitton suit-ensemble designed by Pharrell Williams. The tail at the back is a perfect touch. Such a sassy and charming look, that’s honestly so her!
Lizzo
Lizzo looks super stunning in this black-and-white gown designed by christian Siriano.
Kim Kardashian
Kim’s look was dangerous chic in the best way possible. The leather, the sweeping train, that sharp little cap, it’s all a perfect blend of femme fatale and couture, and honestly, I’m here for the drama.
Janelle Monae
Janelle Monáe never misses when it comes to serving art on the carpet. This look is bold, creative, and effortlessly cool. A true masterclass in turning fashion into a statement.
Rihanna
One thing Rihanna is going to do? Serve us her bump in the most stylish way possible. I’m not a fan of the exaggerated bow at the back, but everything else eats from top to bottom.
Halle Bailey
Halle looked charming in this sparkling two-toned pinstriped suit dress from Coach. Soft, elegant, with just the right hint of edge.
Our Least Favourite Looks
Doechii
I’m all for pushing boundaries, but with this fit, I imagine her in a Nigerian historical film as an overzealous secondary school headmaster. The only thing missing is her long cane for the naughty JSS3 boys.
Lisa
From the waist up, it’s pretty much perfect. But then you look down and… the look just feels incomplete. It’s unnecessarily risqué.
Ayra Starr
Our darling, gorgeous and talented Ayra. You gave us absolutely nothing for your MET Gala debut. Why would you do this to us? Aside from the outfit, the dark makeup doesn’t seem to compliment her so well.
Megan Thee Stallion
This hot girl is channelling Josephine Barker in this uncomplicated glam. While it’s a stunning look, I’ve seen this style in different variations on so many red carpets.
Tems
Tems made a striking statement in custom Ozwald Boateng. I don’t hate it, but I don’t like it. The entire look is very Mummy G.O coded.
Doja Cat
Doja served intergalactic glam, but somewhere between the animal print and the drama, the concept seems to have gotten lost in orbit. It’s bold, yes, but doesn’t quite hit the mark.
As the final guests disappeared into the museum and the red carpet was rolled away, one thing was clear: “Tailored for You” wasn’t just a theme — it was a test. A test of taste and of knowing how to honor history while making it your own. Some stars rose to the occasion with looks that were sharp, bold, and culturally rich. Others missed the mark by bringing nothing to gush. But hey , we aren’t complaining, that’s what we live for.
