Tailored Genius: Designers Who Mastered the Met Gala 2025 Theme

This year's most anticipated fashion event, the Met Gala, marked a celebration of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" — a night that honored the rich history and cultural significance of Black dandyism, inspired by Monica L. Miller's research. The event brought together some of the most renowned names in the industry under a grand tent outside the New York Metropolitan Museum, where guests walked the blue carpet, showcasing their best interpretations of Black excellence through fashion. The evening highlighted how tailored styles have long been a powerful form of self-expression, pride, and resilience within the Black community.

This theme gave designers and celebrities the perfect runway (literally) to craft a compelling tribute to the rich and complex history of Black style. But, as we have come to expect, only a few truly understood the assignment. 

Grace Wales Bonner Immaculate Silhouettes

Known for her Afro-Atlantic approach to fashion and her exploration of Black identity, she outfitted Lewis Hamilton, the Ferrari Formula 1 driver, in one of the most thoughtful looks of the night. Drawing inspiration from American painter Barkley L. Hendricks—renowned for his contributions to Black portraiture and conceptualism—Hamilton’s ensemble was nothing short of a work of art.

Hamilton wore a draped wool overcoat adorned with mother-of-pearl and disc bead buttons, adding texture, dimension, and movement to the garment. The design team further elevated the look with cufflinks shaped like the Whirligig African Daisy—a subtle tribute to the resilience and beauty of the Black community, symbolized by the flower’s unique and whimsical form. To complete the look, dazzling emerald-cut diamond ear cuffs were added, enhancing the overall sophistication and impact of the ensemble.

Photo via GQ / Theo Wargo

Wales Bonner also styled FKA Twigs, who captivated viewers in an ultra-feminine v-neck cocktail dress, trimmed in crystals and lined with feathers—a look reminiscent of the iconic flapper dresses from the 1920s. She paired the dress with the timeless chocolate brown satin Manolo Blahnik Lurum mules. The ensemble was inspired by Josephine Baker, the legendary French entertainer and the first African American woman to star in a major motion picture. Known for her avant-garde fashion and electrifying performances, Baker's bold legacy was beautifully reflected throughout the entire look.

Wales Bonner did more than just nailing the theme—she fully immersed herself in it. Wales Bonner says she read Slaves to Fashion by Monica L. Miller to study for the theme, which explains how she was able to nail the concept. 

Balmain Knows Tailoring

French couture house Balmain styled Tony-nominated playwright Jeremy O. Harris in an impeccably tailored navy double-breasted jacket, paired with a bold satin cravat and crisp white grain de poudre trousers—an ensemble inspired by the Belle Époque era in France. The sharp tailoring of the jacket and the dramatic satin cravat paid homage to the period’s refined elegance, while the white trousers provided a fresh, modern contrast. The look blended classic sophistication with contemporary style, making a striking statement on the blue carpet. Harris' outfit not only honored the opulence of the Belle Époque but also reflected his own unique approach to fashion.

Photo via The Hollywood Reporter / Savion Washington

Balmain design drew inspiration from James Winkfield, a historic Black jockey and horse trainer who became the last Black man to win the Kentucky Derby in 1901 and 1902. The look celebrated Black success and pride, while honoring this trailblazing figure and his significant contributions to the sport.

James Winkfield. Photo via America’s Best Racing

Marc Jacobs Does Classic With A Twist

Marc Jacobs, an already iconic designer, further cemented himself as one of the top names at the 2025 Met Gala by creating looks for some of the best-dressed attendees. The sartorial savant, known for his rebellious and whimsical designs, styled iconic singer and entrepreneur Rihanna this year, showcasing his classic and retro design philosophy. 

By far, the biggest headline for Rihanna’s 2025 Met Gala look was her pregnancy reveal, announcing her third child with partner A$AP Rocky. However, beyond the bump, her outfit was showstopper. Rihanna wore a custom black cropped woolen jacket, paired with a tailored woolen bustier, and an iconic pinstripe slit skirt. The outfit was elevated with an oversized wide-brim hat, which served as a bold statement piece. The look was a modernized take on Black dandyism with an emphasis on feminization, blending the classical yet rebellious style of Marc Jacobs.  

Photo via Vogue

Marc Jacobs also styled Doja Cat in a crystal pinstripe suit jacket with bold shoulders, paired with an ocelot-printed bodice-style top. Doja Cat, no stranger to animal prints (as demonstrated by her 2025 Oscars outfit) opted for ocelot print this time, which holds significance as they are native to the Caribbean. The outfit was flawlessly tailored to her slim frame while still paying tribute to individuality and authenticity. 

Photo via Vogue

This year's Met Gala was more than just a fun theme—it was a call to action for attendees to storytell and pay homage to Black culture and resilience. It was an opportunity for designers to stitch history into the hems of the outfits they presented. The Met Gala raised a record-breaking $31 million in donations, giving 2025 the distinct honor of most successful fundraising year.