Tailored Legacies: Dandyism Reimagined at the 2025 Met Gala

The first Monday in May, also known as Met Monday, marked yet another iconic evening as celebrities, musicians, athletes, and fashion icons gathered on the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year's Met Gala held particular significance, not only for its usual fundraising for the Costume Institute but also for the powerful theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The exhibition explored the important role of clothing in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, inspired by Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. In alignment with the theme, the dress code for the 2025 Gala was "Tailored For You," inviting designers to interpret the theme through their own lens. As the exhibit spotlighted menswear, the evening saw bold suiting, dramatic silhouettes, and sharp tailoring dominate the red carpet.

This year's Met Gala celebrated the undeniable impact of Black culture on fashion, particularly through the lens of Black dandyism. Dandyism is not just about the precision of a tailored suit; it's a powerful declaration and a cultural movement reclaiming space and identity. This year's event showcased Black dandyism's role as a fashion revolution, represented by both emerging and established designers, each weaving their unique stories into the night of fashion.

Grace Wales Bonner brought the essence of Black dandyism to life with her thoughtful, tailored creations. A British designer known for blending tailoring with sportswear, she dressed co-chair Lewis Hamilton in an ivory wool tailcoat and tuxedo trousers adorned with gold-embellished brooches. Grace's collection also paid homage to the Harlem Renaissance and historical Black figures through contemporary, yet classic, design. This year marked a peak moment for the London-based designer as eight of her looks were featured in the Met's exhibition, emphasizing her role in reshaping modern tailoring.

Bianca Saunders, another British designer of Jamaican heritage, embraced both heritage and innovation. She dressed Nick Jonas in an outfit inspired by 18th-century dandy art and the sharp style of the Harlem Renaissance, seamlessly blending classic menswear with her signature draping.

Saunders also created one of the evening's most striking looks for NFL star Stefon Diggs, a dramatic all-black suit paired with a regal faux-fur cape, which echoed the strong and influential fashion statements of Black dandyism.

Following this line of cultural homage, Priya Ahluwalia dressed The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood in an outfit inspired by the stylish Congolese Sapeurs, a group whose fashion-forward sensibilities have influenced global dandyism. The ensemble featured a cropped black wool tailcoat with satin trim, marking a sophisticated tribute to classic Black tailoring traditions. Torishéju, a rising star in British fashion, created a custom two-piece for Kendall Jenner with a flattering gathered waist and shoulders paired with a dazzling diamond necklace and earrings.

Both of these British designers represented their homage to dandyism through creativity and strength, while bringing a global perspective to Black fashion's influence.

Ugo Mozie, a Nigerian designer, worked alongside Diana Ross and her son Evan to create a look that paid tribute to Ross's family legacy. The result was a timeless, soft, tailored white gown featuring an 18-foot shawl and dramatic feathered hat, blending classic style with bold statement. This collaboration celebrated the generational power of fashion as a tool for cultural expression and family pride, making it one of the most memorable moments of the night.

Turning to Raul Lopez, the designer behind Luar, waited until he felt ready to attend the Met Gala both mentally and professionally. Dressing supermodel Paloma Elsesser made the moment even more special, as Lopez has known her since she was a teenager. For her look, Lopez aimed to pay tribute to the timeless beauty of Karl Lagerfeld, drawing inspiration from his notable 1999 couture show with exaggerated, encrusted shoulders. Lopez's goal was to show that he could master evening wear, and he certainly achieved that with Elsesser's dress featuring striking shoulders and a standout train.

Throughout the night, Louis Vuitton's vision was clearly reflected in several standout looks on the red carpet. Their blend of sharp tailoring and contemporary streetwear was on full display, with pieces that honored classic menswear while feeling fresh and modern. Japanese-inspired patterns, sleek silhouettes, and unexpected fabric pairings highlighted the brand's global influences and modern edge. Helen Lasichanh, wife of Pharrell Williams, also donned Louis Vuitton on the red carpet. She wore a black leather blazer paired with a matching bodysuit, logo-printed tights, and Louis Vuitton shoes.

Sabrina Carpenter wore a custom burgundy pin-striped tailcoat with crystal buttons and a pin-striped bodysuit. Her look was paired with matching platform shoes and gold jewelry. Lalisa Manobal made a stunning debut at the Met Gala in a sharp, tailored Louis Vuitton outfit featuring the brand's signature logo across a jacket, bodysuit, and hosiery. The look was complete with a pearl chain belt and sparkling details like jeweled buttons. The standout feature, however, was the embroidered portraits by artist Henry Taylor, who also worked on Pharrell Williams's Vogue cover. Taylor's portraits have previously appeared in Louis Vuitton collections, making this artistic collaboration a fitting tribute to both style and creativity on fashion's biggest stage.

Continuing with bold red carpet moments, Doja Cat wore a custom Marc Jacobs blazer-bodysuit with Swarovski crystal-embroidered pinstripes and an ocelot-printed velvet bodice paired with custom Kiki stiletto heels. Lana Del Rey stepped out in a black velvet and brown satin flowy gown with black statement feathers and crusted black lace. The gown was featured in Michele's Valentino Vertigineux haute couture collection from the spring 2025 runway.

This year's Met Gala red carpet was all about shape and presence. The celebrated steps of the Metropolitan Museum turned into a showcase for bold designs, long capes, sculpted suits, and dramatic silhouettes that transformed the body. While some guests chose traditional tailoring, others took a more daring approach with oversized, flowing looks that redefined personal space and form. Many of these designs paid tribute to the late André Leon Talley, a legendary figure in fashion known for his unique style and undeniably infectious personality. In a letter for the Gala issue, Anna Wintour called him "a dandy among dandies," capturing his lasting influence on the world of fashion.

Overall, The 2025 Met Gala showcased a powerful blend of tradition and declaration, with designers drawing from diverse cultural influences and personal heritage. British designers like Bianca Saunders and Grace Wales Bonner brought craftsmanship and unique perspectives, while Raul Lopez and Ugo Mozie honored the legacies of past icons. The Gala highlighted the growing impact of Black designers, Sergio Hudson, Jerry Lorenzo, and others, whose work continues to shape the future of fashion. With standout looks from artists like Janelle Monáe, Rihanna, and Diana Ross, the evening celebrated the intersection of personal expression, history, and bold creativity. It was a night when fashion truly became a statement of identity, culture, and legacy, and this is only the beginning.

Tailored Legacies: Dandyism Reimagined at the 2025 Met Gala