Top Met Gala 2025 Looks: Couture, Culture, and Meaning on the Red Carpet

The first Monday of May once again delivered fashion’s most iconic night—and the top Met Gala 2025 looks did not disappoint. With the “Tailored for You” dress code and the Costume Institute’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit setting the tone, this year’s gala became a powerful celebration of Black fashion, heritage, and individuality.

From pearl-studded tuxedos to custom couture drenched in meaning, celebs brought theatrical flair, tributes to ancestors, and statements of self-expression to the Met steps. Here’s a quick look at some of the most talked-about red carpet looks and the stories behind them.

Theme Breakdown: What Does “Tailored for You” Mean?

This year’s theme invited guests to lean into personal tailoring and the historical richness of Black style. Think: sharp suiting, dandyism, and nods to designers who’ve redefined the rules of fashion—from Harlem Renaissance legends to modern icons.

It was inspired by the Costume Institute’s exhibit “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” curated by Monica Miller, which examines how tailoring has been used to assert identity in Black diasporic culture.

Top Met Gala 2025 Looks That Turned Heads

Zendaya

Back on the Met steps with not one but two jaw-dropping outfits, Zendaya stunned in a moody archival Galliano look followed by a floral second gown—both a perfect mix of drama and precision.

*Photo via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images*

Pharrell Williams

As co-chair, Pharrell rocked a Louis Vuitton blazer embroidered with 15,000 pearls, created over 400 hours. Beside him, Helen Lasichanh wore custom LV leatherwear emblazoned with the brand’s monogram.

*Photo via Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter/Getty Images*

Anne Hathaway

Channeling the spirit of the late André Leon Talley, Anne wore a relaxed Carolina Herrera ensemble. “We wanted him to look down from heaven and scream, ‘glamour!’” she said.

Bad Bunny

Adding cultural flair, Bad Bunny paired his tailored look with a Puerto Rican pava hat, giving his heritage a proud spotlight.

*Photo via John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images*

Colman Domingo

The “Rustin” actor wore a majestic floor-length Valentino cape, calling back to kings and fashion legend André Leon Talley’s 2011 Met Gala look.

Ayo Edebiri

Styled by Ferragamo, Ayo’s outfit was inspired by the dandy men in her own family—especially her dad.

Diana Ross

Back for the first time since 2003, Diana arrived in a custom gown embroidered with the names of her five children and eight grandchildren. The train alone was 18 feet long and weighed 60 pounds.

Other Unforgettable Looks

Doja Cat brought sculptural energy in a plunging neckline and precision tailoring.
FKA Twigs stunned in an avant-garde, asymmetrical cut that blended vintage with future-forward.
Lewis Hamilton wore custom ivory Wales Bonner with beaded ancestral symbolism.
Miley Cyrus, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sabrina Carpenter each brought their own take on menswear, sparkle, and storytelling.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Theo Wargo/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter/Getty Images
Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter/Getty Images
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Why This Year Felt Different

Unlike past galas that leaned heavy into fantasy, Met Gala 2025 felt grounded in meaning. Many outfits honored Black trailblazers, heritage, and self-expression, proving that fashion can be both personal and political.

The theme wasn’t just about looking sharp—it was about making statements, telling stories, and dressing with purpose.

Who do you think nailed the theme? Which Met Gala 2025 look stood out to you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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Theme Breakdown: What Does “Tailored for You” Mean?