Some of the best looks from this year's Met Gala.
New York, US: One of the most coveted and exclusive parties in the fashion industry has arrived: the Met Gala. This year’s theme is nothing short of historic –”Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” or Black Dandyism. From Zendaya to Lewis Hamilton to Rihanna, the blue carpet was on fire with celebs serving and slaying in style. Oh, and Shah Rukh Khan, aka King Khan, made his debut at the event looking dashing as ever.
This Year’s Theme Explained
Focusing on Black fashion, particularly menswear, this year’s Met Gala shines a light on African-American fashion history. Black dandyism can be traced back to 18th-century England when slave owners would decorate their slaves in elegant clothing to flaunt their ‘wealth’. It soon turned into an act of resistance, as the “dandified” slaves would add small details to express their personality and individualism through their clothes.
During the Jim Crow era in the US, the cultural movement became more prominent as Black men incorporated vibrant colours, tailored silhouettes, and accessories exaggeratedly, subverting the racial stereotypes and making it their own.
The Best Dressed of the Night (wait for the last one!)
1. Colman Domingo
If there is someone you can rely on to hit the nail, it is none other than the Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo. This man never disappoints, be it in acting or fashion. Serving the first look, presumably inspired from American fashion journalist and the first Black person to serve as creative director of American Vogue, Andre Leon Talley, Domingo wore a floor-sweeping, regal cobalt blue pleated Valentino cape.
Looking handsome as ever, his next look (another Valentino) was a bold ensemble with a black and white checkered plaid jacket, a polka-dot ascot tie, and gray wool trousers. Domingo also serves (apart from looks, of course) as the Co-Chair of the Met Gala 2025.
2. Zendaya
Speaking of never failing to make sure everyone’s jaws are on the floor everytime she steps out, Zendaya arrived in a sleek white custom Louis Vuitton three-piece suit with a matching wide-brimmed hat.
A Met Gala veteran, Zendaya kept it safe this year. And safe never meant boring, and Zendaya proves it. She completed the look with jeweled rings and extra-long, manicured maroon nails.
3. Bad Bunny
In his fourth appearance at the Met Gala, the singer adorned a dark brown pava hat symbolizing his Puerto Rican roots. Wearing a a custom Prada brown kid mohair suit, tobacco poplin shirt finished with a raffia tie, and natural colored canvas boots with embellished leather gloves and a Fall/Winter 2025 runway bag, the pop star looked elegant as ever.
The pava hat is associated with the Puerto Rican jíbaro, who work in the countryside and farm the land.
4. Jennie
Who else got ’em obsessed, like JENNIE? The BLACKPINK singer dressed as per the theme with a black and white Chanel look (she is the brand ambassador after all).
A closer look at the gorgeous outfit. Paired with an off-shoulder top, a long dramatic train and layered pearl chains, she followed suit with a black-and-white top hat
5. Lewis Hamilton
Fresh from the Miami Grand Prix, the Formula 1 star proved once again why he is just as good in fashion as he is in racing. Wearing a cropped ivory jacket with a pair of striped tuxedo trousers, and a meticulously embroidered sash flowed, Hamilton brought class and grace with him.
Also a co-chair this year at the Gala, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s custom outfit was a collaborative creation with London-based designer Graces Wales Bonner and styled by Eric McNeal. His outfit was completed with a custom beret by renowned milliner Stephen Jones and an Asscher-cut brooch by Briony Raymond.
6. Rihanna
Confirming her third pregnancy with partner and Met Gala co-chair A$AP Rocky, Rihanna flaunted her baby bump in a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble. She paired a gray pinstripe top with a black pinstripe skirt made from an oversized suit jacket.
To complete the look which played perfectly with patters and proportions, the pop star wore a large, wide-brimmed hat and polka-dot cravat.
7. A$AP Rocky
Another co-chairs of this year’s Gala, A$AP Rocky debuted a custom ensemble designed in collaboration with his AWGE creative team and stylist Matthew Henson. Wearing a a sharply tailored double-breasted parka, he paid homage to the utilitarian streetwear.
Invoking the Harlem royalty with his look, the rapper layered aa crisp shirt, tailored vest, and structured trousers. With diamond-encrusted accessories, including a custom umbrella, Rocky served one of the best looks of this year at the Met Gala.
8. Sabrina Carpenter
Dressed in a a pantsless leotard look, the Espresso pop star arrived at the Met Gala looking stunning as ever. Wearing a tail coat, white collars and cuffs and a matching espresso-coloured leotard underneath, a head-to-toe custom look by Louis Vuitton.
Her outfit was designed by none other than Pharrell Williams, the brand’s men’s creative director and co-chair of this year’s Gala.
9. Angela Bassett
Channeling the spirit of La Sape, a Congolese subculture with elegance and precision known for using style as a political expression, Angela Bassett made a powerful debut at the Gala.
Wearing a deep blue velvet jumpsuit layered over a sheer black shirt and tie, the Oscar-nominated actress accessorized it with a silver clutch, black cane, patent leather pumps, and a structured black hat. Her voluminous curls gave a soft contrast for the look.
10. Shah Rukh Khan
The last but certainly not the least, Shah Rukh Khan made history as the first Indian male actor to walk the carpet at the Met Gala. Making his debut in an all-black look, SRK wore a floor-length black trench coat layered over an unbuttoned shirt from the shelves of Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
He accessorized the look with heavy and chunky jewellery – from choker chains to statement diamond-studded pendants emblazoned with “K” and “SRK” and a collection of extravagant rings. Adding a bonus, he carried a tiger-topped walking stick.
