The 2025 Met Gala
Theme, Dress Code, and All the Details – Coming up on May 5
The 2025 Met Gala is coming up, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the year. Let’s break down everything you should know: the theme, the dress code, and the guest list.
A quick history of the Met Gala
First things first—the Met Gala isn’t just a fashion show. It was created back in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert as a fundraising event for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Its original purpose? To mark the opening of the Institute’s annual fashion exhibit and raise money for its upkeep. Over the years, it’s become the ultimate fashion event, where art, culture, and fashion collide. The very first Met Gala had a simple theme: “Inaugural Gala Benefit for the Costume Institute of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.”
Eleanor Lambert
The first Met Gala in 1948 was a midnight dinner and cost $50 to attend.
The 2025 theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” takes inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibit and gala will focus on Black dandyism—a term for a style of fashion that blends personal flair with sharp tailoring. It’s all about looking beyond traditional fashion boundaries and using clothing to express individuality. The theme explores Black dandyism’s cultural and historical significance, from its roots in 18th-century Europe to its impact in cities like New York, Paris, and London today.
Monica L. Miller’s book that inspired the theme
What is dandyism?
Dandyism is a lifestyle and style philosophy that celebrates sharp, expressive tailoring and self-presentation. It’s often associated with flamboyance and refinement, but at its core, it’s about challenging societal norms and embracing personal expression through fashion. It’s about using style to create a sense of identity and independence, which makes it such a powerful theme for this year’s Met Gala.
What does “Superfine” mean?
The term “Superfine” refers to the highest level of craftsmanship in tailoring—think of it as the pinnacle of sartorial excellence. It’s about perfecting the art of menswear and bringing attention to the nuanced details in tailoring, like fabric quality, cut, and fit. The 2025 Met Gala is celebrating this fine art while highlighting the unique ways Black style has defined and redefined menswear over time.
The dress code: “Tailored for You”
This year’s dress code is a direct nod to the theme, emphasizing individualism and personal style. The Gala encourages guests to express themselves through classic tailoring, suiting, and accessories, but with a personal twist. The idea is to take traditional menswear and make it your own—whether that means experimenting with vibrant colors, exaggerated silhouettes, or sharp lines. The dress code isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about how the wearer brings their personality to their look.
Where is the Met Gala held?
The Met Gala will take place at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, one of the most iconic art institutions in the world. It’s the place where fashion’s most creative minds come together to celebrate art and culture.
Co-chairs and hosts
Colman Domingo
Lewis Hamilton
A$AP Rocky
Pharrell Williams
Anna Wintour
LeBron James
This year’s event is co-chaired by a powerhouse group of celebrities, including actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and musician Pharrell Williams, along with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. LeBron James will serve as the honorary chair. The host committee is filled with a diverse group of cultural icons from different fields, including musicians, artists, and athletes.
It’s worth noting that among the co-chairs, Anna Wintour is the only woman represented. For an event celebrating fashion and cultural expression, the gender imbalance in leadership is particularly noticeable, especially given the wealth of influential women in both fashion and the cultural conversations around Black style.
Why the focus on Black style and dandyism?
The 2025 Met Gala marks a significant moment for the fashion world, focusing on Black style and Black dandyism. It’s a celebration of cultural contributions that have often been overlooked in mainstream fashion. By focusing on Black dandyism, the Gala is making a bold statement about the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the world of high fashion.