NEW YORK — The Met Gala consistently stands as fashion’s most eagerly anticipated event, where daring style statements from the stars are as expected as the red carpet itself. The 2025 theme, embracing Black dandy menswear, did more than just invite sophisticated sartorial elegance; it celebrated history, glamour, and a defiance that speaks volumes in light of today’s cultural landscape.
The night saw an homage to the past elegantly entwined with contemporary flair. Assistant Dean Holly Alford from Virginia Commonwealth University marveled at the originality and historical nuances woven into many of the attendees’ ensembles. Especially noteworthy was Colman Domingo, who channeled the essence of dandy legend André Leon Talley, one of the few prominent Black editors within a predominantly white fashion industry. Anne Hathaway, draped in a Carolina Herrera dress, also paid tribute to the late Talley, embodying the glamour that Talley famously advocated.
The evening transcended traditional red carpet expectations, infusing power, ownership, and heritage into each look. Against a backdrop of political scrutiny on diversity programs, the Met Gala became a resounding statement of Black empowerment through fashion. “Tailored for You,” the dress code that inspired this homage to Black dandyism, was brought to life by guests who embraced signatures of their heritage, as showcased by Lewis Hamilton’s Wales Bonner jacket adorned with culturally significant cowrie shells.
Tessa Thompson captured the spirit of André Leon Talley with a vividly adorned fan, reflecting his couture-inspired church experiences. Another standout, Teyana Taylor, embraced the theme admirably with her velvet red cape inscribed with “Harlem Rose,” a nod to her roots. Complementing her ensemble, the ever-popular durag added a cultural touch shared by Swizz Beatz.
Yet, not everyone hit the mark according to Shantrelle P. Lewis, author of “Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style.” She noted a lack of vibrant colors and African prints, indicating missed opportunities to fully honor Black fashion heritage. However, Brandon Tan from Cosmopolitan appreciated the subtle risks taken by the fashion-forward. Henry Golding and Walton Goggins leveraged the reimagining of classic silhouettes, playing with color, texture, and cut, offering new interpretations of timeless menswear.
The Met Gala’s tapestry of styles featured both hits and misses. James Corden, clad in a traditional black tuxedo, and Halle Berry, with her bold choice, drew mixed reactions. Variations on the theme carried the evening, with coattails sweeping the red carpet alongside an array of eye-catching hats and headpieces.
Colman Domingo’s dual ensemble, beginning with a voluminous cape and transitioning to a pearl-adorned jacket, drew high praise for its bold nod to dandyism. Each piece, a creation of Valentino, embodied the perfect balance of classic and avant-garde. This blend of fearless individuality, as described by InStyle’s Kevin Huynh, was proliferated throughout the gala.
Nikki Ogunnaike from Marie Claire highlighted standout dandy-inspired looks, pointing to the creativity of Ayo Edebiri, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Zendaya, each interpreting the theme in their unique style. The representation of athletes, such as Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, underscored the cross-section of sport and fashion, emphasizing the influential power of athleticism in cultural spheres.
The Met Gala also spotlighted Black designers, from acclaimed names like Sergio Hudson and LaQuan Smith to promising new talents, echoing the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit that inspired the event’s theme.
Not all met the moment; some interpretations were less impactful or strayed from executing the theme. For instance, Blackpink’s Lisa donned a daring ensemble featuring portrait-embellished accessories, which prompted mixed reactions on social media concerning its appropriateness.
Even in the face of criticisms and sartorial debates, the Met Gala’s celebration of diversity and dandyism delivered a memorable evening. This fusion of black-tie luxury and cultural homage reaffirmed fashion’s role as a powerful vehicle for storytelling and cultural expression.