NEW YORK – Rihanna brought a touch of glamor to a rainy Met Gala on Monday with a striking pinstripe outfit and an oversized hat, proudly displaying her baby bump after confirming her third pregnancy earlier that day. Her Marc Jacobs ensemble was completed with sleeves from a men’s suit tied to form a bustle, adding a dramatic flair as she was the last to make her entrance on the red carpet. Her long hair was styled in an elegant mermaid twist.
The evening’s theme was focused on men’s suiting and tailoring, showcased through a range of tuxedoed choirs and attendees sporting pinstripes along with other masculine details. Emma Chamberlain, Zendaya, Teyana Taylor, and numerous other female attendees incorporated traditional men’s styling into their outfits. Chamberlain and Zuri Hall turned heads in sleek gowns that incorporated pinstripe designs, making a stylish ascent up the grand staircase of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Zendaya, who co-hosted the previous year, wore a flawlessly fitted white trouser suit paired with a wide-brim Louis Vuitton hat.
Janelle Monáe captured the night’s theme of Black dandyism with exaggerated pinstripes by Thom Browne, while Lauryn Hill paid homage to menswear in a butter yellow suit with pronounced tailoring celebrating Black empowerment. The prominence of menswear-inspired attire among female attendees was expected, as women sought to retain a traditionally feminine silhouette while adhering to the theme, stated William Dingle, style director for cultural agency blackmenswear.com.
Alicia Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, leaned heavily into the pinstripe theme with red outfits. Keys sported bejeweled braids, while Beatz wore a do-rag. Known for her bold fashion choices, Doja Cat opted for a Marc Jacobs bodysuit with wildcat prints alongside broad-shouldered pinstripes. Taylor embraced a Zoot Suit-inspired ensemble, complete with a feathered top hat and a flower-blazoned cape, in collaboration with acclaimed costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
Popularized in the 1940s Harlem, the Zoot Suit made a triumphant return. Fashion trailblazer Madonna, who has often toyed with gender conventions, donned a taupe tuxedo clutching a cigar by Tom Ford, now headed by designer Haider Ackermann.
Kylie Jenner adorned a Ferragamo outfit that mimicked men’s tailoring with a gray and black corset ensemble. Kim Kardashian opted for an embossed black leather dandy look, featuring a low-slung style with broad straps at the back, designed by Chrome Hearts. Kendall Jenner chose a subtler approach with a sophisticated skirt and jacket set designed by British-Nigerian-Brazilian designer Torishéju Dumi.
Among the festivities, Megan Thee Stallion wowed in a Michael Kors outfit, while Dua Lipa donned a black Chanel piece reminiscent of flapper style with feather embellishments. Miley Cyrus accentuated her style with a custom crocodile jacket and a lengthy black taffeta skirt by Alaïa. Diana Ross graced the red carpet in a large white train, accompanied by her son, Evan Ross. Lizzo showcased a new blonde hairstyle alongside a tight-fitting Christian Siriano gown.
Cardi B made a bold statement with a Burberry pantsuit, debuting a new hairstyle and eye color, seemingly coordinated to her look. Co-host A$AP Rocky expressed gratitude for the suggestion by Anna Wintour to wear a Black designer, choosing his own creative agency, AWGE, for a custom suit complete with a black parka and a diamond umbrella. The night held extra significance as he confirmed his partner, Rihanna, was expecting their third child.
The evening’s dress code, “Tailored for You,” drew inspiration from Black dandyism, with the Met Gala’s primary purpose being to support the Costume Institute. This year, the Met Gala raised an impressive $31 million. Marie Claire’s editor in chief Nikki Ogunnaike identified key trends prevalent at the gala, including black and white ensembles, pinstripes, suiting, and hats donned by various celebrities.
Colman Domingo stood out in a pleated, gold-adorned cape over a gray and black suit with a pearled pattern evocative of late fashion icon André Leon Talley’s style. Domingo arrived with Vogue’s Anna Wintour, who wore a pastel blue coat over a shimmery white Louis Vuitton gown. Co-chair Lewis Hamilton wore an ivory tuxedo adorned with a cropped jacket and cowrie shells, carrying deep symbolic meaning.
Notable looks from innovative men included Colman Domingo’s Valentino style and co-host Pharrell Williams’ understated ensemble, characterized by a double-breasted jacket adorned with beads and dark trousers. Walton Goggins showcased a deconstructed suit with exposed seams and a pleated skirt, and LeBron James, honorary chair of the evening, was unable to attend due to a knee injury.
Monica L. Miller donned a bejeweled cape adorned with cowrie shells, a nod to the evening’s companion Met exhibit she curated. Coco Jones embodied the menswear trend, wearing an ivory tuxedo coat with a train and embellishments by Manish Malhotra. Gigi Hadid paid homage to Josephine Baker in a gold velvet halter gown by Miu Miu. Bad Bunny continued his trend of fashion rebellion with a custom Prada suit complemented by a hat inspired by Puerto Rican jíbaro tradition.