BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In the grand ballroom of art, spectacle, and couture, the 2025 Met Gala unfolded on May 5th with riveting opulence, rooted in celebration and reverence. This year’s theme–“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”–was a landmark moment for the Costume Institute and the fashion world at large. With the dress code “Tailored for You,” the night paid tribute to Black dandyism, cultural expression, and the transformative power of tailoring in Black communities throughout history.
Curated to coincide with The Met’s exhibition of the same name, the gala honored centuries of Black influence on global fashion. It spotlighted everything from the elaborate personal style of 18th-century freedmen to the understated sophistication of Harlem Renaissance icons, to modern streetwear aesthetics popularized by hip-hop and Afrofuturism. On a night this significant, the red carpet wasn’t just a runway–it was a movement.
The evening’s co-chairs–Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, and the eternal high priestess of the event, Anna Wintour–set a refined tone. Notably absent due to injury was honorary chair LeBron James, though his support for the celebration of Black sartorial genius was widely felt.
For the single most chic and classy fashion event in the world, attendees pulled out all the stops, showing off and showing out in oh-so-fine regalia, uniquely designed and tailored to elevate each individual to a place of deific perfection.
Zendaya, a Met Gala regular known for jaw-dropping transformations, surprised many by taking a more restrained route. Dressed in a custom Louis Vuitton white suit, paired with a broad-brimmed hat, she turned the theme inward reflecting the power of simplicity, tailoring, and womanhood. Where others dazzled with extravagance, Zendaya shone through self-possession.
Meanwhile, Rihanna reminded us that fashion is storytelling. She revealed her third pregnancy in a Marc Jacobs gown. The ensemble featured a wool jacket with sculptural shoulders, a tailored skirt with a tied-jacket bustle, and a polka dot satin cravat. Her gray corseted bodysuit showed off her baby bump. She finished off the ensemble with ankle-chain pumps, a custom Marc Jacobs x Stephen Jones hat, and Cartier jewelry, her look at once dramatic and celebratory as it exuded both tenderness and triumph.
The legend, Diana Ross, attending the MET for the first time since 2003, gave one of the night’s most powerful sartorial moments. Wearing a regal crystal white gown with an 18-foot train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren, the legendary singer’s appearance was a living ode to legacy. The embellished gown by Nigerian design house Eleven Sixteen was accentuated by a matching feather boa-trimmed cape and a show stopping hat to match. The gown’s train was so large that it required the aid of six handlers to help position it on the carpet, one of those train carriers being her own son, Evan Ross. Designed by Ugo Mozie, the look echoed the timeless grace of matriarchs and muses.
Tems and Ayra Starr, two of Nigeria’s brightest stars, were celebrated additions to the Met Gala this year and they did not disappoint. Tems turned heads in a custom Ozwald Boateng piece: a deep blue shirt dress with an elegant green pattern, paired with a necktie, ribboned hair, and a parasol. It was a stunning nod to Boateng’s 2019 women’s debut and a masterclass in Afro-dandy elegance.
Ayra Starr’s debut was both ethereal and defiant. She wore another Ozwald Boateng creation–a black floor-length gown with a plunging neckline and beautifully tailored silhouette. The look mirrored her bold musical identity, brimming with Gen Z edge and pan-African pride.
Burna Boy made a powerful statement at the 2025 Met Gala, mere weeks after becoming the first African artist to sell out the Stade de France. Also collaborating with celebrated British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng, he donned a regal red wool tuxedo paired with an oxblood eel skin cape. The ensemble deeply reflects Black excellence and Nigerian heritage.
Damson Idris, never one to play it safe, delivered one of the most theatrical entries of the evening. He made a dramatic red carpet appearance with a bold, F1-inspired outfit, looking so fly in a custom Tommy Hilfiger white race suit adorned with logos and a dazzling helmet covered in nearly 20,000 Swarovski crystals. After posing for photographers, two assistants dramatically removed the race suit to reveal a second, custom Tommy Hilfiger ensemble featuring a red and gold tartan tuxedo with red satin lapels, a white shirt, flared pants, and accessories including a bespoke emerald brooch and jewelry from his DIDRIS line. Idris shared that the jewelry collection is a tribute to his mother, reflecting her unfulfilled passion for jewelry design.
Other standout appearances added heat to an already blazing carpet. Cardi B looked jaw drop dead gorgeous in a plunging velvet Burberry suit by designer Daniel Lee. The suit included a sheer ruffled undershirt and a pear-shaped diamond pendant necklace paired with dangling earrings to complete the look.
Doja Cat, ever the provocateur, stunned in a deconstructed Marc Jacobs pinstripe bodysuit turned corset-dress, complete with a strong-shouldered wool jacket top and tiger print velvet body accessorized with shaved brows and latex gloves–a punk-jazz twist on classic tailoring. She paired the fit with a pair of custom stiletto Kiki ankle boots, looking absolutely on fire.
Bad Bunny stepped out on the red carpet in a chocolate brown Prada suit with bedazzled gloves, a double-breasted suit coat, a Puerto Rican pava, and a leather bag handpicked from the men’s autumn/winter 2025 collection, complete with dazzling white shoes.
While Colman Domingo stepped out on the red carpet wearing a dramatic bright blue pleated cape from Valentino draped to the floor with an embellished collar.
A$AP Rocky, ever the streetwear savant, did not disappoint, choosing a custom design from his own creative agency, AWGE, continuing his tradition of bending fashion’s rules.
Pusha T made a striking appearance in a custom burgundy pinstripe Louis Vuitton suit, adorned with crystals and featuring flared trousers. The ensemble, designed by Pharrell Williams, exemplified a blend of classic tailoring with contemporary flair.
Pharrell Williams, serving as Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director, donned a double-breasted pearl blazer embellished with 100,000 pearls, paired with black flared trousers. His look paid homage to the meticulous craftsmanship and intentionality inherent in Black dandyism.
Doechii embraced the theme in a custom Louis Vuitton ensemble featuring a monogrammed tuxedo jacket, checkerboard shorts, and a mahogany tie. Her natural afro and subtle “LV” logo on her cheek added a modern twist to the classic look.
Future opted for a Pharrell-designed Louis Vuitton outfit that combined Prince of Wales check with streetwear elements, including embroidered crystals and beading, illustrating a fusion of traditional tailoring with modern aesthetics.
Brian Tyree Henry stood out in a custom ensemble by Nigerian brand Orange Culture. His look featured a stunning coat, impeccably tailored suit, and accessories like brooches, boots, gloves, and a leather tie, embodying the theme while paying tribute to André Leon Talley.
Savannah James, wife of NBA legend LeBron James, made her Met Gala debut in a burgundy pinstripe gown by Hanifa, designed by Anifa Mvuemba. The suiting-inspired dress channeled the Harlem zoot suit, reflecting her comfort and confidence in tailored attire.
Jonathan Owens, NFL Star and husband to Olympic gymnastics medalist Simone Biles, wore an immaculately tailored white suit by Nigerian fashion label Deji & Kola, complemented with a fur shawl. His attire coordinated with Biles’ Harbison Studio gown, highlighted the couple’s cohesive elegance.
Tyla, the South African singer-songwriter, turned heads in a bespoke Jacquemus design. Her white off-the-shoulder gown featured dark-blue embellished pinstripe detailing and a matching floor-length cape, reminiscent of a crisp white button-down shirt. Her vintage Hollywood-inspired glam, including a crown of curls and sultry smoky eyes, completed the look.
Lupita Nyong’o returned to the Met Gala in a pastel green suit with a cape, accessorized with black bedazzled eyebrows, a matching bow tie, and a small top hat. Her elaborate hairstyle paid homage to her ancestry, adding depth to her ensemble.
Ayo Edebiri wore a custom Ferragamo dress with intricate coral beading, paying tribute to traditional Edo attire from Nigeria. Her look seamlessly blended classic tailoring with modern Black style, honoring her heritage while embracing contemporary fashion.
Central Cee, the British rapper, made his Met Gala debut in a custom Jacquemus tuxedo inspired by classic double-breasted suits of Black Dandies. His ensemble featured playful elements like polka dots and was accessorized with a Richard Mille watch and a Guyana flag brooch, nodding to his heritage.
Indian actor, Shah Rukh Khan debuted at the Met Gala in a floor-length Tasmanian superfine wool coat with monogrammed Japanese horn buttons. Underneath, he wore a black crepe de Chine silk shirt and tailored trousers, cinched with a pleated satin kamarbandh. His accessories included layered diamond necklaces and a $2.5 million Patek Philippe watch, adding opulence to his ensemble.
Sabrina Carpenter made a bold statement by opting for a pants-free look in a burgundy Louis Vuitton bodysuit with a dramatic train. Her flirty twist on menswear, complemented by sky-high heels and loose waves, showcased her playful approach to the theme.
The carpet even saw a surprise appearance from Madonna, who came wearing a cream Tom Ford double-breasted tuxedo complete with perfectly tailored pleated trousers, a matching snug blazer, and a crisp white button-down pique plastron shirt. It was a distinctively different look from her typical Gala appearances, yet, this look passed a strong message–Madonna will stand out of the throng, no matter what.
DESIGNER SHOWCASE
From legacy houses to emerging creatives, the 2025 Met Gala was a dazzling showcase of the designers who continue to shape the global narrative of Black fashion. Marc Jacobs set the tone with two masterfully tailored ensembles for Rihanna and Doja Cat, both channeling theatrical elegance with razor-sharp craftsmanship. Ozwald Boateng left an indelible mark, dressing Tems, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy in sharp, evocative pieces that blended Afrocentricity with dandy flair. Diana Ross’s historic return was made possible by Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie in collaboration with his fashion house Eleven Sixteen, while Tommy Hilfiger gave Damson Idris a dual-layered fantasy in racing chic and tartan royalty. Pharrell Williams’ artistry was on full display in the pearl-drenched Louis Vuitton creation he wore himself, alongside his bespoke looks for Pusha T, Doechii, and Future, each of which blended innovation with cultural reverence. Daniel Lee brought his Burberry genius to Cardi B’s velvet vision, while Jacquemus crafted sublime looks for both Tyla and Central Cee, merging Parisian polish with diasporic cues.
Nigerian talents shone brightly: Orange Culture’s Bubu Ogisi tailored a regal ensemble for Brian Tyree Henry; Deji & Kola gave Jonathan Owens a modern gentleman’s edge; and Anifa Mvuemba’s Hanifa design for Savannah James reimagined Harlem elegance. From Ferragamo’s tribute to Edo culture on Ayo Edebiri to Shah Rukh Khan’s stately attire by Tasmanian tailors, and Madonna’s striking Tom Ford tuxedo, each look was a testament to how fashion, at its finest, immortalizes culture.
While the fashion did most of the talking, this year, it wasn’t just about bold silhouettes or viral moments. It was about heritage, reclamation, and the richness of Black identity through the art of the suit, the drape of a dress, and the confidence in one’s skin.
The 2025 Met Gala was more than a glamorous night at the museum–it was a love letter to Black elegance, ingenuity, and influence. Every stitch, every silhouette, every tailored sleeve echoed a legacy long overlooked and now firmly centered. It was a night where the past danced with the present, where Nigerian craftsmanship stood tall beside European houses, and where red carpet icons used their bodies as canvases for celebration and cultural restoration. From the grand entrance of Diana Ross to the punk-jazz defiance of Doja Cat, from Ayra Starr’s graceful debut to Damson Idris’ theatrical metamorphosis, the event was a celebration of individuality within a shared heritage. The afterparties, scattered across Manhattan’s most elite venues, buzzed not only with champagne toasts and fashion commentary, but also with conversations about identity, collaboration, and the future of Black design. As the night faded into dawn, one truth remained as radiant as the Swarovski-encrusted gowns and pearl-studded blazers: Black style doesn’t follow trends–it sets them. And in the heart of the fashion world’s most sacred night, it reigned supreme.
The 2025 Met Gala will be remembered as more than a fashionable evening–it was a cultural reset. In the tailored seams and bold statements of those who walked that carpet, history was stitched anew, with African excellence threaded throughout. From Harlem to Lagos, the message was clear: Black style is not a trend. It’s the blueprint.
