Met Gala 2025: Black Dandyism in Couture Tailoring

"...revisit looks from haute couture brands on an evening of luxury and storytelling through fashion in New York City. This year’s Met Gala is not only a celebration of the aesthetics of style but also a deep homage to the roots, culture, and identity of Black Style. With the theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' the event underscores the importance of tailoring as a tool for storytelling, alongside the clear dress code 'Tailored for You,' which encouraged artists and global fashion brands to borrow from Black dandyism and meaningful luxury, weaving this narrative through powerful looks…”

This year, the red carpet transformed into a runway of cultural discourse. It was not just a fashion show but a conversation on 'power, resistance, and self-expression' through sharp silhouettes, textures that tell stories, and embroidery that speaks to the heart.

SAINT LAURENT

ROSÉ

Rosé appeared in a Saint Laurent look that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' blending Yves Saint Laurent's founding-era cool and femininity. The key component of the look was a silk taffeta cape, which flowed gracefully paired with a grain de poudre tuxedo suit, both the jacket and trousers matched impeccably. This look took us back to the identity of le smoking which Saint Laurent revolutionized in 1966, yet in a contemporary context, Rosé became the embodiment of modern Black dandyism, a woman who is simultaneously cool, poised, and alluring. The final touch was the Lila patent leather heels, a flawless conclusion to this sleek yet sophisticated look.

HAILEY BIEBER

Hailey wore a black grain de poudre mini tuxedo dress, sharply tailored with a silk pocket square and Sheer Cassandre logo tights, presenting a bold statement in black tailoring. The ultra-feminine look, combined with Kika platform heels, explored drag style and power dressing in pop culture, making her another symbol of luxury that never compromises on strength.

VALENTINO
LANA DEL REY

Lana Del Rey’s dark romanticism in Valentino’s Vertigineux Haute Couture was a poignant ode to the past. The luxury of dark velvet and deep brown satin, meticulously crafted by Alessandro Michele, not only reflected gothic glam but also paid tribute to the ceremonial dress of Black style, particularly within Southern Gothic culture. Lace detailing, a black bow, and feathers were Michele’s signature, transporting us to a world of ethereal beauty, a woman dressing to remember what was lost.

FREEN SAROCHA

Valentino ambassador Freen Sarocha wore an Alessandro Michele couture look, a beaded lace body suit paired with a pink satin bow skirt. The combination of wool and romantic layers of fabric reflected the freedom of Black dandyism, aligning perfectly with the theme.

BALENCIAGA
NICOLE KIDMAN

At the Met Gala 2025, which celebrated Black Tailoring, Balenciaga interpreted couture roots through Nicole Kidman’s gown inspired by 1952. The asymmetrical skirt and satin bow at the waist, paired with long black jersey gloves, created a power silhouette that was soft yet commanding. This gown was not just fashion; it was a moving sculpture of feminine authority.

BOTTEGA VENETA
A$AP ROCKY

After the event, A$AP Rocky chose a double-breasted tuxedo, classic shirt, and dressing gown from Bottega Veneta. This look merged classic masculinity with the Harlem Renaissance’s spirit and subtle formal touch, challenging tuxedo norms with its deceptively simple yet clever twist.

MCQUEEN
KAYTRANADA

Kaytranada’s McQueen look combined tailor-made precision with avant-garde experimentalism. The shirt with a belt at the collar and organza layers evoked the formality of the past, yet the modern fit and wide-leg trousers suggested Black futurism, blending history, the future, and multifaceted identity.

NATASHA LYONNE

Natasha Lyonne’s look was sweet yet raw. A lilac asymmetric dress and pink lace boots spoke to a woman who is not bound by traditional femininity. The T-Bar Sling bag and keychain completed a look that felt like it stepped out of a dream world influenced by David Bowie and Prince.

LOUIS VUITTON
LISA

Lisa’s Louis Vuitton look interpreted Black style in both feminine and rebellious ways. A sleek black moiré dress layered with a tailored jacket and high-waisted skirt, revealing Monogram lace stockings, redefined modern Black womanhood. The mood of this look echoed Josephine Baker mixed with a modern pop star.

PHARRELL WILLIAMS

As artistic director for men’s wear, Pharrell showcased a double-breasted tuxedo made from wool and silk moiré. The relaxed jacket, smoking jacket-inspired, paired with a beret and chain from the high jewelry collection, paid homage to 'Church Sunday best' in the African-American community. This look was a poem to the roots of dressing to impress.

PUSHA-T

Pusha-T’s look was a seamless blend of hip-hop aristocracy. A tailored black brocade jacket, satin shirt and trousers reflected Black dandy style, balancing opulence with the elegance of a gentleman. This look embodied the power of self-presentation and fashion as resistance.

ZENDAYA

Zendaya’s Louis Vuitton look, designed by Pharrell Williams, interpreted Black dandyism with a 1980s-inspired classic masculine silhouette. A white silk tuxedo suit paired with wide-leg trousers and a matching vest, completed with a wide-brimmed straw hat, evoked the golden age of men’s fashion while connecting with 70s female artists expressing strength and freedom through tailored suits.

SABRINA CARPENTER

Sabrina Carpenter chose a Louis Vuitton look that reinterpreted a long coat with tailoring details, paired with a gold crystal-embroidered mini dress and sharp stilettos. Her look merged traditional Black dandyism with modern self-expression and creativity, signaling the freedom of fashion in the 21st century.

FERRAGAMO
KYLIE JENNER

Kylie Jenner appeared in an espresso wool Ferragamo evening gown with a herringbone pattern and halter neckline. The corset and crystal-embellished stitching elevated the gown’s luxurious simplicity, complemented by a silk shawl and black leather heels adorned with pearls and crystals, completing her refined yet striking appearance.

MAXIMILIAN DAVIS

Maximilian Davis wore a classic Ferragamo tuxedo, modernized with a black wool blazer and satin reverse detailing. The tailored fit, completed with satin trousers and a fringed scarf shirt, exuded modern charm and sophistication, reflecting Ferragamo's luxury and modernity."

CHANEL

JENNIE

One of the most influential brand ambassadors, Jennie made a lasting impression in a luxurious look from Chanel. She wore a sleek black leather jumpsuit adorned with cabochon pearls, complemented by a delicate pearl necklace that added elegance and refinement. The outfit was completed with a hand-crafted white silk camellia flower and gem-embellished buttons that gave the look a unique flair. The lower part of the outfit featured a black leather overskirt with a white taffeta lining, giving the ensemble a perfect, sophisticated finish. Additionally, she wore a Chanel hat and shoes from the same brand, enhancing the Chanel style flawlessly.

DUA LIPA

Dua Lipa exuded both luxury and Chanel’s essence in a full black chiffon gown featuring an open-back design, striking a balance between sexiness and elegance. The dress was adorned with a corset embroidered with pearls and diamond-shaped crystals, along with a black feathered peplum and a long chiffon bow at the back. This look was further elevated by a black tweed jacket adorned with crystals and pearls, featuring intricate crystal detailing throughout. She completed the ensemble with black Chanel tulle gloves decorated with crystals and a finely embroidered belt. The outfit was rounded off with luxurious Chanel footwear.

PRADA

MAYA HAWKE

Maya Hawke embraced Prada with a long black dress featuring intricate details, embellished with geometric embroidery and leather accents that added depth and dimension. The dress combined modern cuts with classic elements, with satin detailing at the top that lent a touch of luxury and refinement. She completed the look with high heels from Prada, which enhanced the overall elegance of her outfit.

SADIE SINK

Sadie Sink shone in a silver reflective dress adorned with crystals and diamonds throughout. The design featured a sleek, straight silhouette, exuding an air of simplicity and sophistication while making her stand out from every angle. The crystal embellishments and glossy materials lent an air of opulence to the look. She paired the dress with silver Prada stilettos, perfectly complementing her stunning appearance.

LOUIS PARTRIDGE

Louis Partridge looked impeccable in a black tuxedo, designed with a clean, sleek cut. The inner collar detail added a modern touch, while the perfectly tailored trousers completed the polished look. A white cotton shirt underneath completed the ensemble. His look was further refined with glossy black leather Prada shoes, adding an extra sense of stability and sophistication.

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