Torishéju Dumi Has Kendall Jenner & Zendaya in Her Corner
On the first Monday of May, the finest tailoring took center stage on the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2025 Met Gala. Guests arrived dressed to the nines in impeccable suiting—made-to-order fits accessorized with hats, capes, and brooches—all showcasing their unique interpretations of this year’s “Tailored for You” dress code.
The theme was inspired by the Costume Institute’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition, which explores the political and aesthetic legacy of Black dandyism with a focus on menswear and sharp tailoring. But some of the night’s biggest surprises weren’t just in what was worn—but who made it. Rising star Torishéju Dumi brought her vision of a modern female dandy to life, choosing none other than 10-time Met Gala attendee and fashion mainstay Kendall Jenner as her muse.
“She’s very technically trained, which I feel like gives her a lot of depth to expand on what tailoring can mean.” Kendall Jenner
A newcomer to fashion’s biggest night out, but no stranger to spectacle, Torishéju Dumi arrived at the 2025 Met Gala with quiet confidence and a sharp point of view. With the backing of notorious fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Dumi made headlines a few seasons ago when she debuted her college runway show during Paris Fashion Week—becoming the only Black woman to do so, with none other than Naomi Campbell opening the show (insert jaw drop here).
The Nigerian-Brazilian designer, now based in London, holds a menswear degree from the London College of Fashion and a master’s from Central Saint Martins. Her understated tailoring carries a precise, slightly avant-garde edge—a delicate balance shaped during her time interning with Ann Demeulemeester and under Phoebe Philo at Céline in the 2010s.
If that isn’t impressive enough, wait until you hear what came next. Reflecting on the whirlwind, Dumi admits, “I haven’t been able to take in how completely ludicrous and sheerly insane everything was.” That whirlwind included none other than Law Roach—stylist to Zendaya and the mastermind behind some of fashion’s most iconic red carpet looks—pulling one of Dumi’s designs for the Dune: Part Two press tour. The look? A sculptural wrapped crop top and skirt, complete with hoop detailing at the hips and trailing fabric that swept the floor. It was powerful, sexy, and sharp—fit for a warrior princess, and worn by one.
That same energy carried over to the Met Gala. Supermodel support, a Zendaya co-sign, and a leg up from Gabriella Karefa-Johnson gave Dumi a boost—but the real headline is her undeniable, forceful talent. From her debut collection to fashion’s biggest night, Dumi isn’t just arriving—she’s leading.
