Black Dandy Royalty: 22 Met Gala 2025 Looks That Defined the Night

The 2025 Met Gala was a masterclass in style, storytelling, and cultural homage. With the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and the dress code “Tailored for You”, the night celebrated Black dandyism—a tradition where fashion becomes both armor and art. From Pharrell’s pearl-drenched Louis Vuitton ensemble to Coco Jones shimmering in Manish Malhotra, attendees honored the legacy of Black elegance with bold reinventions. These 22 icons didn’t just walk the red carpet—they redefined it.

May 6th . Written by Ryan Packer | Editor and chief of Plann Magazine

TOP 11 MEN LOOKS

1. Pharrell Williams (Louis Vuitton)

Pharrell Williams, serving as a co-chair for the evening, dazzled in a custom Louis Vuitton ensemble that featured a double-breasted blazer adorned with 100,000 pearls, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship that took 980 hours to complete. He paired this with black flared trousers and complemented the look with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, seamlessly blending opulence with the evening's theme of Black dandyism.

Pharell and his wife in Louis Vuttion at the Met Gala
A person wearing a white textured double-breasted blazer, black pants, a white shirt, a black tie, and dark sunglasses, standing on a carpeted staircase with greenery and flowers in the background. Pharell at the met gala

2. Alton Mason (Gaurav Gupta)

Model Alton Mason captivated attendees in a custom Gaurav Gupta creation, featuring a dramatic full-length black overcoat with bold shoulders and an elegant train. Beneath the coat, he wore a silver ensemble that shimmered under the Met's lights, embodying a futuristic take on classic tailoring.

Person in a glittering silver outfit with a long black cape and wide-brimmed hat, surrounded by photographers, floral backdrop. alton mason at the met gala
Person wearing a large, square-shaped black coat with a wide hat, posing at an event with photographers and floral decorations in the background.

3. Christian Latchman

Christian Latchman made a memorable debut in a striking white suit with a flowing pleated train, designed by Wales Bonner. The ensemble, accentuated with a black collar and a pink floral brooch, elegantly merged traditional tailoring with contemporary flair.

Person wearing a white tuxedo with a large floral accessory, walking on a blue carpet with floral patterns, followed by an attendant holding a long white train.
Person in elegant white ensemble with trailing fabric, standing on a floral-patterned carpet at an event with photographers and floral decorations in the background.

4. André 3000 (Burberry x Benjamin Bixby)

André 3000 turned heads by wearing a custom navy coverall from a collaboration between Burberry and his own label, Benjamin Bixby. The look was elevated by a grand piano strapped to his back, coinciding with the release of his new music project, '7 Piano Sketches,' showcasing his unique blend of fashion and artistry.

A group of people at an event, one person wearing an avant-garde outfit resembling a piano, with a red beret, surrounded by others in formal attire.
Person wearing a red beret, glasses, and a dark outfit with a piano-shaped accessory on their back, in a floral-themed setting with photographers.

5. Kody Phillips

Designer Kody Phillips delivered a statement rooted in both style and substance. Known for redefining modern design through craftsmanship that commands attention, his look featured signature rope detailing and a custom Martin Luther King Jr. pin — details that carried weight and intention. Phillips blends bold design with powerful storytelling, turning garments into cultural conversations. Ladies and Gentlemen Mr. Kody Phillips has arrived.

Person sitting in a chair wearing a white suit with gold accessories, in a room with sewing equipment and an umbrella.
Close-up of a white suit with decorative elements, including a pearl-embellished glove, a gold chain with a cameo brooch, and a gold nameplate on the sleeve. A white pocket square with black dots is visible.

6. Lewis Hamilton (Wales Bonner)

Co-chair Lewis Hamilton embraced the theme with a custom ivory suit by Wales Bonner, featuring a cropped jacket, high-waisted trousers, and a beret by Stephen Jones Millinery. The ensemble was rich in symbolism, incorporating elements like cowrie shells and baobab flower motifs, paying homage to Black heritage and dandyism.

Person in an elegant white suit with a matching beret, adorned with brooches and jewelry, standing against a neutral background.
Person wearing a white suit with a beret and intricate sleeve details, standing against a textured background.

7. Colman Domingo (Valentino)

Colman Domingo made a dramatic entrance in a pleated blue cape by Valentino, which he later removed to reveal a meticulously tailored three-piece zoot suit. The transformation highlighted his flair for theatricality and deep understanding of the gala's theme.

Person wearing a blue pleated cape with intricate sequin embroidery, surrounded by photographers at a formal event.
Undefined person wearing a checkered blazer and gray pants on a blue floral-themed carpet, surrounded by photographers and a backdrop of flowers.

8. Brian Tyree Henry (Orange Culture Nigeria)

Brian Tyree Henry showcased a custom ensemble by Orange Culture Nigeria, blending traditional Nigerian aesthetics with contemporary tailoring. The look was a celebration of cultural heritage and modern fashion sensibilities.

Man in a red and gold ornate outfit at a formal event with a patterned carpet and crowd in the background.
Person in red and gold outfit at a formal event with photographers and floral backdrop.

9. Kaytranada

Making his Met Gala debut, Kaytranada channeled his inner Miles Davis in a sleek black suit adorned with a voluminous white ruffled scarf. The look exuded a cool, jazz-inspired elegance that resonated with the evening's theme.

Person wearing sunglasses and a ruffled cream scarf-like accessory at a formal event.
A person in a black suit with a large white ruffled collar, wearing sunglasses, at an event with a blue, floral-patterned carpet, surrounded by photographers and floral decorations.

10. Keith Powers

Keith Powers impressed in a classic black suit, elevated by a polka-dot tie and a star-shaped brooch, adding a touch of individuality to the timeless ensemble. His appearance was noted for its sophistication and adherence to the gala's dress code.

Man in a stylish black and gray suit with wide-leg pants at a formal event, surrounded by photographers and onlookers.

11. A$AP Rocky (Bottega Veneta)

A$AP Rocky brought rebellious refinement to the carpet in a custom Bottega Veneta look that fused Black dandy elegance with street-born edge. The layered kilts over tailored trousers, a longline blazer, and his signature sunglasses already made a statement — but it was the revolver-shaped umbrella that sealed the moment. Equal parts drama and detail, Rocky looked like a character pulled from a Blaxploitation film in the best way. This was Bottega with a Bronx beat — dangerous, dapper, and unforgettable.

A person in a black suit and sunglasses at a formal event, surrounded by photographers.

The Women Who Stole the Show
While the men brought bold tailoring and cultural symbolism, the women turned the carpet into a full-blown runway renaissance. From sculptural silhouettes to divine draping and jaw-dropping detail, each look was a masterclass in storytelling through style. These 11 women didn’t just dress for the theme — they embodied it, elevating Black elegance into something timeless, fearless, and utterly unforgettable.

1. Coco Jones (Manish Malhotra)

Coco Jones graced the Met Gala in a custom Manish Malhotra creation, marking her debut with a look that seamlessly blended traditional Indian embroidery with modern silhouettes. The ensemble was a nod to cross-cultural elegance and craftsmanship.

A person in an ornate white dress with a long train, surrounded by photographers and a floral backdrop, on a staircase covered with a floral-patterned carpet.
Person wearing an elegant, embellished cream outfit with a long braid and a floral background.

2. Janelle Monáe (Thom Browne)

Janelle Monáe captivated in a Thom Browne two-piece ensemble that featured a trompe l'oeil tie and lapel design, exuding a 1930s-inspired aesthetic. The look was a masterclass in blending historical references with avant-garde fashion.

Person in a black, red, and white geometric outfit with striped patterns on a floral carpet at an event, surrounded by photographers.
Person in a bold, multi-colored suit with a split design of red, black, and white standing on a floral-patterned carpet, surrounded by photographers and cameras. Floral backdrop with small white and yellow flowers.

3. Tyla (Jacquemus and Pandora)

Tyla made a bold statement with her blonde pixie cut and a custom Jacquemus gown, complemented by Pandora jewelry. Her look channeled vintage Hollywood glamour, drawing inspiration from icons like Josephine Baker, and was celebrated for its modern twist on classic elegance.

Person in a stylish white gown with black stripes and voluminous sleeves at a formal event, with photographers in the background.

4. Zendaya (Louis Vuitton)

Zendaya paid homage to Bianca Jagger with a white three-piece Louis Vuitton suit, blending masculine tailoring with feminine grace. The ensemble, inspired by the zoot suit, was a powerful nod to Black dandyism and 1970s rock-and-roll history.

Person in a white suit and wide-brimmed hat posing on a floral carpet with photographers in the background.
Person in white suit and hat posing on floral carpet with photographers.

5. Cardi B (Burberry)

Cardi B turned heads in a bespoke ivy green Burberry suit designed by Daniel Lee, featuring green velvet trousers and a silk devoré shirt with ruffled accents. The look was a modern take on Victorian fashion, aligning perfectly with the evening's theme.

Person wearing a green velvet suit with ruffled lapels and wide-legged pants, standing in front of a blue curtain.

6. Jodie Turner-Smith (Burberry)

Jodie Turner-Smith stunned in a Burberry ensemble that showcased the brand's commitment to blending traditional tailoring with contemporary design, embodying the essence of the gala's theme.

Person in elaborate maroon outfit with long train, surrounded by photographers on blue floral carpet at event.

7. Sydney Sweeney (Miu Miu)

Sydney Sweeney embraced a romantic aesthetic in a Miu Miu creation, featuring delicate embellishments and a silhouette that exuded timeless elegance.

A person in a black, sequin gown with a cut-out design stands on a floral-patterned carpet, surrounded by photographers and floral decorations at a formal event.
Person in a black sequined dress attending a formal event with photographers in the background.

8. Adut Akech

Adut Akech graced the red carpet in a minimalist yet striking ensemble, highlighting her statuesque presence and the power of understated elegance.

Fashion model in a pink embellished gown with feather details at a formal event, surrounded by photographers and attendees.

9. Vittoria Ceretti

Vittoria Ceretti captivated in a look that balanced modernity with classic elements, showcasing her versatility and keen fashion sense.

Model in a large, padded black outfit with pinstripes, featuring a hood-like design around the head.
Elegant woman in a long, dark gown on staircase at a formal event with a crowd and photographers.

10. Alex Consani (Swarovski)

For her Met Gala debut, Alex Consani shimmered in a custom Swarovski suitdress adorned with 32,900 hand-set crystals.The ecru floor-length gown featured a plunging neckline, side cutouts, and crystal-encrusted lapels that wrapped around her waist and back. The design, a collaboration between Consani, stylist Carlos Nazario, and Swarovski’s Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, was brought to life by 15 artisans over 235 hours. Consani cited André Leon Talley and Patrick Kelly as inspirations, emphasizing the importance of honoring Black dandyism and preserving fashion’s deeper heritage.

Person wearing an elegant, artistic gown with exposed midriff and intricate silver embellishments on a decorated blue carpet at a formal event.

11. Rihanna (Marc Jacobs)

Rihanna made a memorable appearance in a Marc Jacobs suit dress, confirming her third pregnancy and once again proving her status as a fashion icon who seamlessly blends personal milestones with high fashion.

A person on a blue carpet with a floral backdrop, wearing a large black hat, a black fitted blazer, and wide pinstripe pants, posing for photographers at a formal event.

Final Thoughts

This year’s Met Gala wasn’t just about fashion — it was about legacy, culture, and craftsmanship. From custom pearls to historic tailoring, from bold statements to quiet tributes, every detail stitched into these 22 looks told a larger story about Black style, influence, and power. And while the spotlight fell on our top picks, a few icons still deserve their flowers: Whoopi Goldberg brought poetic nostalgia to the carpet with vintage glamour, Lauryn Hill radiated effortless wisdom in a sharp yellow suit, and Teyana Taylor gave us structured sensuality that demanded respect. If this year proved anything, it’s that when fashion honors its roots — it blossoms into something unforgettable.

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