Annually, since 1948, fashion’s most significant night takes place on the first Monday of May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Originally called the Costume Institute Benefit, this event has been billed as the world’s most prestigious and glamorous event in the fashion atmosphere. While being so iconic, the Met Gala is a haute couture charity event that fundraises for the museum’s Art’s Costume Institute, grossing an amount of 118.4 million over the past 5 years.
With every new year comes a new theme, but how is it chosen? The Met Gala theme is selected by the Costume Institute’s curator, Andrew Bolton. The theme is always connected to the Costume Institute’s annual spring exhibition, which Bolton also selects. The museum’s director and president must approve it, and finally, Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, must provide the ultimate stamp of approval. This year, the theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with a dress code of “Tailored for You.” The theme celebrates Black dandyism, a tradition of black individuals using fashion and especially tailored clothing as a powerful form of self-expression and resistance. The 2025 Met Gala is co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James serving as an honorary chair. Anna Wintour has been a key figure in the Met Gala since 1995, managing the guest list and event direction.
With every step on the red carpet, a lasting imprint of astonishing creativity, unique design, and the utmost definition of fashion resides. With so many designers giving their all, the best-dressed list is nearly endless. Among those, here are three stand-out looks.
Gigi Hadid in Miu Miu
Gigi Hadid radiated elegance in a custom Miu Miu gown. The gold, halter-neck dress was intricately draped at the hips and embellished with gold and crystal embroidery. This look paid homage to fashion icons Zelda Wynn Valdes and Josephine Baker.
A$AP Rocky in AWGE and Christian Louboutin
A$AP Rocky, a co-chair, brought a combination of sharpness and modern streetwear in custom AWGE. Rocky wore a double-breasted wool parka with a crisp white shirt, vest, and tailored suit pants. Additionally, he wore a pair of patent leather dress shoes with red soles, the signature of Christian Louboutin. While that may seem ordinary, the real gem was his show-stopping accessories, including a 90-carat diamond-studded umbrella with a pistol handle.
Anok Yai in Thom Browne
Anok Yai embodied “Superfine” entirely, in custom Thom Browne. Her ensemble reimagined the classic menswear silhouette with a feminine twist. The sleeveless gown featured a black bodice with a crisp white collar and bow tie. This innovative design paid homage to traditional tailoring while embracing Old Hollywood glamour.
The 2025 Met Gala will be remembered for its stunning fashion and celebration of heritage, artistry, and self-expression. Each year, the Met Gala is more than just a showcase of exquisite fabrics and glamourous gowns; it is a moment in time that fills the pages of what will become fashion history.
