The Met Gala hosted its 77th annual event May 5, celebrating male fashion and Black identity with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Beyond the artistry of the couture, this year’s theme brought fashion to the forefront of cultural representation. “Superfine” explores the history of Black resilience and excellence through the concept of dandyism.
During the 18th century, fashion indicated class. The industry expanded rapidly due to trans-Atlantic trade, slavery, colonialism and imperialism. Access to various materials and styles enabled the growth of segregation in fashion, defining beauty standards and wealth.
In response to the oppressive nature of fashion at the time, Black dandyism emerged as a form of resistance. The intersection of African and European style allowed the Black community to claim its autonomy in not only its clothing and attire, but in the pursuit of excellence and societal prosperity.
“‘Superfine’ is organized into 12 sections, each representing a characteristic that defines the style, such as Champion, Respectability, Heritage, Beauty and Cosmopolitanism,” The Met Costume Institution’s official exhibition description reads.
When the theme was announced Oct. 9, 2024, it sparked public discourse about cultural appropriation and stirred anxiety that the outfits would not adequately deliver the theme’s meaningful and revolutionary legacy.
So, what did different brands and designers bring to the red carpet?
Thom Browne
With sharp edges and defined silhouettes, Thom Browne once again brought his A-game to the red carpet with a lineup of 11 talents: Demi Moore, Angel Reese, Zoe Saldaña, Lorde, Tramell Tillman, Janelle Monáe, Paul Tazewell, Anok Yai, Saquon Barkley, Whoopi Goldberg and Walton Goggins.
Though typically known for his repetitive red, white and navy stripes, this year’s designs were uniquely tailored to each talent. Intricate black-and-white pieces dominated, and complex detail turned them into sophisticated pieces of art. Browne mainly used silk, satin and a dabble of beads, sequins and velvet to nail precision in each outfit.
Louis Vuitton
As the main sponsor of the night, Louis Vuitton showcased Pharrell Williams’ designs on Callum Turner, Lisa, Pusha T, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Henry Taylor, Future, Malcolm Washington and Jeremy Allen White.
Exploring different materials and styles — from tweed to velvet, quarter zip to tuxedo — the designs were customized to each individual’s aesthetic, bringing out their best features and highlighting the brand’s unmatched classiness. Doechii’s Damier “Checkerboard” pattern, Lisa’s LV logo tights and Carpenter’s monochrome blazer and silver buttons were distinctive attributes infused with “the essence of the LVERS philosophy,” the brand wrote on Instagram.
Burberry
Bringing monotone to eight different designs, Burberry featured its looks on André 3000, Angela Bassett, Jalen and Bryonna Hurts, Cardi B, Jodie Turner-Smith, Law Roach, Liu Wen and Roberto Bolle.
Partnering with stylist Roach, Burberry ensured each outfit would maintain its classical velvety feel and look while straying from its usual check patterns. Each outfit was a story of Black excellence, such as André 3000 and his baby piano on the red carpet, referencing Black musicians, or Turner-Smith’s tribute to the Black equestrian Selika Lazevski with her monotone attire and top hat statement piece.
Ozwald Boateng
Marking his 40th year in fashion, Ozwald Boateng dressed up stars Hope Smith, Omar Sy, Burna Boy, Issa Rae, Jaden Smith, Ayra Starr, Tems, Ncuti Gatwa, Henry Golding, and Colin Kaepernick, as well as his partner, Hanna Hultberg, and his children Emilia and Oscar Boateng, with his bespoke looks.
Known as a global fashion icon who incorporates African authenticity into each design, Ozwald Boateng brought his heritage and Savile Row’s quality outfits to New York this year. His designs celebrated joy through striking colors, such as Smith’s gold-yellow silk jacquard suit and Burna Boy’s royal red wool tuxedo. He also showcased the enriching diaspora of African cultures by incorporating elements like the Adinkra symbol of knowledge, an important form of communication by the Akan people in Ghana, on Golding’s suit.
Wales Bonner
Serving on the host committee, Grace Wales Bonner’s pieces were worn by co-host Lewis Hamilton and Met Exhibition Curator Monica L. Miller, along with Tyler Mitchell, FKA Twigs, Jeff Goldblum, Omar Apollo, Eric Mack, Antwaun Sargent and Eric McNeal.
Inspired by art, poetry, painting and photographs, Bonner brought Black spiritual elements to the red carpet. As a tribute to Black trailblazers, silks, pearls and diamonds from SNOW and Swarovski were used on shoes and accessories, bringing poems and photos to life. The unique use of different feathers and furs, specifically ostrich feathers on FKA Twigs’ dress, created a variety in both textures and visuals.
Ruth E. Carter
This time, instead of designing costumes for movies, Ruth E. Carter — a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Costume Design — dressed up Jasmine Tookes and Teyana Taylor for the red carpet, incorporating her knack for extravagant flair and grand details.
Carter’s designs emphasized detail and texture composition. Taylor’s burgundy suit was a combination of a velvety outer and silky inner lining layered over a gray tuxedo with matching small burgundy stripes. Enlarged flower detailing and the inclusion of shiny silver cufflinks and jewelry added an impression of royalty. Carter collaborated with Tookes to bring 1930s Harlem to the Met Gala. Inspired by Cab Calloway and Eddie Murphy in “Harlem Nights,” silk lapels accented a peplum silhouette while the asymmetrical cape was lined with beads and a statement belt.
With the use of various texture combinations while maintaining the signatures of every designer and brand, the 2025 Met Gala “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” brought fashion lovers a night of stories and legacy. Despite the pre-show concerns, the representation of a historical fashion movement was captured in many, if not all, designs, showcasing Black resistance and excellence.
