Gala’s Scoop of The Year
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit, commonly referred to as the Met Gala, is renowned for showcasing extravagant fashion, but it represents much more than just a celebration of style. This prestigious event serves as a vital fundraiser for the museum, and this year, it achieved a remarkable milestone by raising the highest amount of funds in its nearly 80-year history.
The Theme for this Year’s Gala
The gala also marks the opening of new exhibitions at the Costume Institute, with this year’s theme titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This exhibition delves into the rich history and cultural significance of Black dandyism, highlighting the powerful influence and artistry that Black designers have contributed to the world of fashion. The Met Gala continues to be a dazzling affair that blends philanthropy with artistic expression, making it a pivotal moment on the fashion calendar.
The dress code for the 2025 Met Gala, held on Monday, was “Tailored For You,” a theme that left room for interpretation and led many attendees to embrace the concept of suiting. Guests showcased a stunning array of tailored looks, featuring pastel suits, classic pinstripes, and both three-piece and two-piece ensembles. The variety included pantsuits, skirt suits, and even suit dresses, all reflecting personal interpretations of the theme.
Completing the Look ✨
Accessories played a significant role in the evening’s fashion statement, with standout items like hats and, notably, musical instruments. Jon Batiste made a striking entrance with a saxophone, while André 3000 took creativity to another level by arriving with a piano strapped to his back, further emphasizing the intersection of music and fashion at this iconic event. The gala proved to be a celebration of individuality and artistic expression, setting a remarkable tone for the ongoing influence of tailored style in modern fashion.
Overall, the Met Gala serves not only as a fundraiser for the museum but also as a cultural touchstone that celebrates innovation in fashion, making it a significant event in the annual calendar for designers, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross made a stunning appearance at the Met Gala, marking her fifth time gracing this prestigious event. Her journey with the gala began back in 1978 when she attended with the legendary designer Halston by her side. For this latest occasion, the creation of her dress involved a special collaboration among Ross, her son Evan, and the talented Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie, showcasing a beautiful fusion of their creative visions.
Their goal was to create a tailored design that honorably showcased Diana Ross’s family legacy, weaving together the generations of the Ross name through elegant style. The dress featured exquisite embroidery with the names of her children—Rhonda, Tracee, Chudney, and Evan—as well as those of her eight grandchildren: Raif, Callaway, Everlee, Leif, Indigo, Jagger, Bronx, and Ziggy, making it a heartfelt tribute to her family’s lineage.
Zendaya
Zendaya’s ensemble truly took breath away, featuring a stunning Louis Vuitton creation crafted by Met Gala co-chair Ty and styled by her longtime collaborator, Law Roach. According to Vogue, the stylist shared images from Bianca Jagger’s legendary 1971 wedding on his Instagram story during the gala night, revealing that this exquisite outfit drew inspiration from that iconic moment. The connection between Zendaya’s look and such a historic event added an extra layer of enchantment to her appearance.
Venus Williams
Serena Williams dazzled at the Met Gala, embodying the essence of a princess—almost like Cinderella herself. She wore a breathtaking dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a sheer lace panel that tantalizingly revealed a hint of skin.
The true showstopper, however, was her long, quilted puffer cape, which paid homage to Moncler’s esteemed legacy in luxury outerwear. To complete her regal appearance, Serena adorned herself with stunning vintage diamonds from Fred Leighton, including wing-shaped earrings, a brooch that elegantly accentuated her honey-blonde bob, a chic pinky ring, and a glamorous platinum bracelet.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj made a stunning entrance at the event, captivating all with her unique, custom-designed outfit by Thom Browne, expertly styled by Law Roach. As expected, he truly delivered on every front. Her ensemble perfectly embodied the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme, showcasing a deconstructed pinstripe top paired with a matching skirt.
A Fierce Description✨
Adding a daring twist to the tailored look, the off-the-shoulder neckline revealed a striking white bra underneath, while a cascade of fabric flowers adorned her right shoulder, enhancing the overall allure of her appearance.
Roach took to his Instagram Story to share that Minaj’s look was inspired by the concept of the quaintrelle. In an interview with ELLE.com, he explained
“There’s a female equivalent to the dandy—the quaintrelle. I envision iconic figures like Cardi B, Jayne Mansfield, Mae West women known for their curvaceous figures. Every detail is impeccably tailored, with an emphasis on a perfectly cinched waist.”
Coco Jones
Coco Jones chose a stunning outfit by Indian designer Manish Malhotra. The ensemble, in shades of cream and white, boasted intricate embroidery across a dramatic long-sleeved coat with sharp lapels, paired with matching trouser.
Her look was inspired by floral motifs, featuring an array of botanical designs that elegantly flowed down the coat and trousers, adorned with meticulous beadwork in silver, white, and cream hues. The coat was tailored to cinch at her waist, accentuating her silhouette, and included a sweeping train that gracefully followed her as she moved.
Doechii..
Doechii made a bold statement as she embraced the elegance of French luxury fashion, turning heads in a custom ensemble from Louis Vuitton, designed by Pharrell Williams.
Her look featured a sharply tailored short suit that blended classic sophistication with modern flair—anchored by a monogrammed tuxedo jacket showcasing the iconic Louis Vuitton print, paired with matching shorts in the brand’s distinctive damier check pattern. She didn’t just wear the label; she lived it—going so far as to accent her cheekbone with the LV monogram as a striking beauty detail, ensuring there was no doubt about the designer behind the look.
Doechii does it again!
Elevating the outfit even further, she added a rich burgundy pussybow at the neck, which perfectly coordinated with her over-the-knee socks and vintage-inspired buckled shoes. In one hand, she held a miniature version of the iconic Speedy bag, a nod to the brand’s heritage. In the other, she casually wielded a cigar, exuding a sense of effortless cool and high-fashion defiance. Doechii didn’t just dress for the night—she commanded it.
Tracee Ellis Ross
For today’s look, the creative spark came from none other than Marc—a fitting muse and, as she playfully noted, not a surprising one. Explaining her inspiration, she reflected on how deeply this year’s theme of Black Dandyism resonates with her personal style. It isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a form of self-expression, a declaration of independence from societal expectations. “Resisting the invitation” to conform, she embraces the power of dressing on her own terms, shaping an identity rooted in authenticity and artistic freedom.
The Inspiration Behind the Look ✨
Over the past few months, she immersed herself in gathering visual inspiration from a wide range of sources, curating a mood board of ideas that she constantly shared with Marc. His gift for transforming abstract vision into tangible style made him an ideal creative partner.
To bring the final look to life, hairstylist Chuck Amos worked his magic on Ross’s natural curls. Starting with damp hair, he used the Pattern Beauty blow dryer to gently stretch her texture by hand. He then smoothed in Leave-In Conditioner and Curl Gel, sculpting her hair into a sleek, low ponytail that balanced polish with a celebration of her natural beauty.
