The 2025 Met Gala rocked us with breathtaking glam. From community members to fashion lovers, everyone was dazzled by this annual crown jewel in the fashion calendar. Held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this year’s theme, “Fashion Forward: Reimagining Iconic Styles,” inspired celebrities to push boundaries and redefine elegance on the red carpet.
Certainly one of the most unforgettable aspects was Lizzo’s defiant premiere of a platinum blond homewrecker hairstyle. The acclaimed singer and flutist accessorized her striking look with an unlit cigarette held in a long holder, complementing her corseted black and white tuxedo gown. This eye-catching and breathtaking ensemble highlighted her unique and creative style and made a powerful statement about individuality and creativity.
Doja Cat had a hard-to-beat get up, too, in an oversized blazer bodysuit with sparkly pinstripes cut into huge shoulder shapes. The outfit’s animal print bodice added an unexpected twist, perfectly embodying the evening’s theme of reimagining classic fashion elements with a modern flair.
Damson Idris started the evening off with a bang. He accessorized with a motorcycle helmet and white parachute jumpsuit worn over a dazzling golden-chequered blood-red suit by legendary clothier, Tommy Hilfiger. This daring mix turned heads all around the conference participants, showing how high fashion can meet whimsy.
Ayo Edibiri joined the cool kids’ table too with a super chic but adventurous look. She donned a white shirt transformed into a gown, dripping in red crystals, crafted by Ferragamo’s creative director, Maximilian Davis. This innovative interpretation of a traditional garment showcased Edibiri’s fashion-forward thinking and highlighted the gala’s spirit of experimentation.
Janelle Monáe wowed on the red carpet in a fabulous custom look by Thom Browne. This amazing new look was created in partnership with Wicked’s brilliant costume designer, Paul Tazewell. The outfit’s blend of theatricality and sophistication captured the essence of both artists’ creative visions.
Cynthia Erivo served delicate glamour in an elaborate lace Givenchy look. Above all, it underscored the brand’s hallmark refinement while honoring her path-defining style code. Her look further cemented her position as a leading style influence in today’s fashion.
Colman Domingo wowed in a sapphire hooded cloak and gold studded mantel by Alessandro Michele. His look added some royal elegance to the event. The opulent hues and sumptuous materials only added to the dazzling Domingo’s virile charm on stage.
Tracee Ellis Ross picked Marc Jacobs to make her custom tonal pink suit. This dramatic look showcased her high-fashion vibe while paying tribute to bright colors. That many-to-one design was an indication of both Ross’s grasp of contemporary chic and her willingness to take risks with color in couture.
Alicia Keys seriously stepped up the old-school glam game in this pinstriped Moncler suit, designed by Edward Enninful. Her unapologetic spiritedness on the red carpet showed that these old motifs can be reinterpreted to suit modern palates.
Idris Elba truly slayed the gala, in a zip-up sporty black jumpsuit. He was a standout on the red carpet, presenting a new model to approach red carpet fashion with comfort and style. His decision struck a chord among people seeking flexibility and functionality in dressier garb.
It was the legendary Harlem tailor Dapper Dan who really stole the show at the gala. He wrote about how the event changed everything, describing it as perhaps the most important day of his professional life. That Dapper Dan is known for his bootleg, ultra-branded suits. He showed up in a stunning black and white zoot suit that he made himself and reflects his culture and artistry.
The Outkast rapper turned head with his strikingly out-there style. He shocked everyone in attendance by dropping his new piano project, released on vinyl, called ‘7 Piano Pieces. He arrived at the gala with a baby grand piano strapped to his back, crafted from foam by design studio Pink Sparrow. This whimsical accessory made them the talk of the conference and showcased André’s colorful creative spirit.
As the evening wore on, photographers captured photos of connection and imagination at work, as activists and filmmakers got to know each other. From re-imagined designs to age-old glamour, that has been the hallmark of this year’s spectacle. More importantly, they reaffirmed the Met Gala’s status as a premier platform for established and emerging designers to showcase their talents.