For us, Damson Idris stepping onto the floral carpet in a custom Tommy Hilfiger race suit defined exactly what the Met Gala 2025 theme was meant to be. Complemented by a helmet embellished with 20,000 hand-placed Swarovski crystals, the British actor’s look gave a stylish nod to his upcoming Formula 1-inspired film, F1. And that wasn’t even the full spectacle.
Mr. Idris arrived in a Mercedes-AMG featured in the film. As he posed in front of the photographers, his two assistants pulled off a dramatic moment, tearing away his race suit to reveal a tartan three-piece ensemble underneath. Dandy, indeed!
And don’t get us wrong. We loved Shahrukh Khan’s debut on the Met Gala red carpet. He was his usual charming, suave self. His Sabyasachi attire, however, demanded more, both in terms of craftsmanship and symbolism. It is a costume party after all.
This year’s Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, celebrated Black Dandyism, precise tailoring, storytelling, and bold statements as well as mens’ fashion. And while the event has come to a close, the conversation about dandyism, its meaning and self-expression is far from over.
Usually, celebrities have a bit of a hard time interpreting The Met Costume Institute’s theme. This year, however, saw most of them doing a spectacular job. So, did the celebrities hitting those iconic steps nail it or fail it? As the debate is on, here are the looks that hit it right!
1. Teyana Taylor designed by Ruth E. Carter
Symbolism was at its peak in Ms. Taylor’s tailor-made three-piece pinstripe suit and dramatic padded cape adorned with intricate detailing. The standout element was the embroidered red and silver flowers on the cape and the phrase “Harlem Rose” designed on the train.
She wore red leather gloves, a bright red cane, and a red fedora hat featuring a matching feather trailing from the back. The star accessorized with David Yurman jewelry. The mastermind behind the look was Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, with whom she previously collaborated on the 2021 film Coming 2 America.
2. Jenna Ortega designed by Balmain
French luxury brand, Balmain, is at it again. After Tyla’s sand sculpted gown in 2024, the brand this year crafted a custom metallic dress that has rulers aligned into couture for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice star Jenna Ortega. Designed by creative director Olivier Rousteing, the look is a brilliant homage to the tools of tailoring and perfectly embodies the dress code, “Tailored for You.” Her bustier dress was paired with metallic silver Christian Louboutin Nenecheritza platform heels.
3. Doechii designed by Louis Vuitton
It was the Anxiety singer’s much-anticipated Met Gala debut, and she did not disappoint. Draped in custom Louis Vuitton, she stepped out in checkered trouser shorts and a matching monogrammed jacket, finished with dramatic tails, a signature touch by Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton. A rich mahogany tie added a sharp contrast to the ensemble. She accessorized with sparkling Tiffany & Co. jewels and, like many of the night’s fashion elite, wore a classic brooch which took the event by storm appearing in various details and designs. The cigar was classic! “I felt inspired by the theme of ‘student of hip-hop’ and I feel like that’s really dandy,” she told Cosmopolitan.
Zendaya also wore a Louis Vuitton, all white matte tuxedo with flared trousers silk and radzimir, and a matching waistcoat. Sabrina Carpenter, Callum Turner, Black Pink’s Lisa and Mr. Williams himself flaunted cool looks from the brand. Louis Vuitton was, after all, the main sponsor of Met Gala 2025.
4. Jodie Turner-Smith designed by Burberry
It’s Jodie Turner-Smith’s third appearance at the Met Gala. Her burgundy Burberry leather outfit and an Esenshel hat paid homage to Selina Lazevski, a Black equestrian who lived during the Belle Époque in Paris. Drawing inspiration from an 1891 photograph by Paul Nadar, the look reimagined the traditional Victorian silhouette in rich, textured leather, complete with a coordinating top hat. With dramatic shoulders, a cinched waist, and impeccable tailoring, her outfit celebrated courage and Black Dandyism.
5. Coco Jones designed by Manish Malhotra
Designed by Manish Malhotra, Coco Jones wore a cream and white long-sleeve coat with ornate embroidery, sharp lapels, and coordinated trousers. Floral inspiration was evident in the meticulous silver, white, and cream beadwork. The coat cinched at Jones’ waist for added definition and featured a long train that trailed behind her, adorned with the same intricate detailing. Combined with her sinuous long braid, her entire look was pure art! The look was elevated by a statement necklace – also by Manish Malhotra – featuring a giant blue tanzanite and diamonds. Her outfit was completed with heels by Jimmy Choo.
6. Diljit Dosanjh designed by Prabal Gurung
Diljit Dosanjh made a striking Met Gala debut, proudly showcasing his Punjabi heritage in regal traditional attire inspired by the original Indian dandy – Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. Styled by Prabal Gurung with jewels by Golecha (a reincarnation of Cartier’s famed Patiala necklace), his look was completed with a turban and kirpan. Cartier rings, bracelet and a watch added to the entire getup. The singer’s look was truly original!
Of course, we didn’t forget Rihanna’s custom Marc Jacobs ensemble proudly flaunting her baby bump. Lewis Hamilton, Dapper Dan (whose designs are a part of the exhibit), and Usher also embraced the theme with style. Shaboozey, Brian Tyree Henry, Tramell Tillman, Jeremy O. Harris, Pusha T, BJ Gray, Henry Golding, Alton Mason, and Dwyane Wade were among the other stars who delivered standout looks for the night. Met Gala 2025 got a political spin too as Kamala Harris made an elegant appearance in Off-White.
But not every look hit the mark—some simply missed the moment and fell flat.
1. Rosalia by Balmain
It wasn’t too hard to see where things fell short. Rosalía’s white, body-hugging, floor-length dress, while sleek and elegant for an ordinary evening, just didn’t rise to the occasion. On a night celebrating bold dandyism and maximalist flair, the minimalistic gown lacked in creative spark.
2. Georgina Rodríguez designed by Guram Gvasalia
This was plain painful. Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodríguez, is one of the most fashionable. For the Met Gala 2025, she wore a plain black gown with a lace-stitched neckline. While Rodríguez undeniably has the power to elevate any dress and this lingerie dress too. But this wasn’t ‘IT’ at the Met Gala night for Rodríguez whose debut was much anticipated. She paired her gown with a diamond necklace by Chopard and black heels.
3. Maya Hawke designed by Prada
Maya wore a lovely smile and glow on her face. Did her custom Prada keep up with the shimmer? She wore a peach-pink gown with a cascading sheer beige cape. She had a pink purse and forest green pointed heels to complete the look. Again, while it was an incredible look, it didn’t seem so dandy after all.
4. André 3000 designed by Burberry
André 3000 hit the Met Gala in a Burberry jumpsuit and a bold red hat but it was the baby grand piano attached to his back that demanded attention. Weighing in at 30 pounds, the piano paid homage to his surprise EP, 7 Piano Sketches, released that very day. He also carried a mysterious trash bag, its meaning still a mystery. This is a costume party, but ahemm…
5. Louis Partridge designed by Prada
Whether Louis Partridge’s Prada ensemble hit the mark is up for debate, but one thing’s certain, it stirred plenty of buzz on social media. He donned a three-piece Prada suit, complete with a blue ascot, lilac pocket square, and a black short-brim hat with a lilac ribbon, all styled with white Prada boots. The look seemingly gave off serious Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl vibes. These weren’t fashion fails. But as for whether this look is a red-carpet win or fell short of Met Gala expectations, we’ll let you decide!
