Met Gala 2025: Black culture’s influence on fashion
New York’s most anticipated fashion event, the Met Gala, returns on May 5, igniting excitement on social media as celebrities prepare to dazzle in stunning looks.
The theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which will celebrate the influence of black culture on fashion, focusing on black dandyism and its evolution over the centuries.
Held every year on the first Monday of May, the Met Gala is hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and serves as a fund-raiser for the museum.
It is renowned for its extravagant red-carpet looks, where celebrities and fashion icons interpret each year's theme with daring and creative outfits.
The 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” takes its inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism” and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
According to Vogue, the theme and the accompanying exhibit will explore the historical and cultural significance of black dandyism, tracing its roots from the 18th century to today.
Fashion and Black Identity
Curated by Andrew Bolton, Head Curator of the Costume Institute, along with guest curator Monica L Miller, the “Superfine” exhibition will examine how black men have used fashion as a tool for self-expression, cultural identity, and resistance.
It will feature clothing, photographs, paintings, and films that highlight the impact of black style throughout history.
Co-Chairs to Lead the Fashion Parade
The 2025 Met Gala will be co-chaired by a star-studded group, including musician Pharrell Williams, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, actor Colman Domingo, and musician A$AP Rocky.
They will join Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, who traditionally leads the event, alongside honorary co-chair and NBA basketball icon LeBron James.
“They’re all men who aren’t afraid to take risks with their self-presentation,” said Bolton.
“They take advantage of classic forms, but they also remix them and break them down in really new ways.”
What to Expect on the Red Carpet
Though the official dress code is yet to be announced, guests are likely to interpret the "Superfine" theme through sharp tailoring and modernised traditional suits, drawing from diverse eras such as the ‘Harlem Renaissance’ and traditional African attire.
Fashion lovers can expect to see a fusion of styles, with nods to both historical and contemporary black fashion icons like the late Virgil Abloh and Pharrell Williams himself.
This will be the first Met Gala to focus primarily on menswear since the ‘Men in Skirts theme in 2003.
Who attends the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is known for its exclusive guest list, usually inviting around 450 people. Attendees range from A-list celebrities to top designers and industry leaders.
Past attendees like Zendaya, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cardi B, and Kim Kardashian have dazzled on the red carpet, and next year promises to deliver equally stunning looks.
Following the announcement, Lewis Hamilton took to social media to express his excitement about co-chairing the event, posting on X (formerly Twitter).
“Honoured to be one of the co-chairs for next year's Met Gala, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.’ See you in May.”
Honored to be one of the co-chairs for next year’s Met gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. See you in May ~ pic.twitter.com/037A3iYh81
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 9, 2024
The "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition, supported by Louis Vuitton and funded by Instagram, the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Africa Fashion International, Tyler Perry, and Condé Nast, will take place from May 10 to October 26.
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