The Met Gala 2025: Best Dressed
The first Monday in May delivered once again, ushering in fashion’s most iconic night: the Met Gala. Marking the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this year’s event centered on the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Here, COLLEEN ROSS breaks down the standout looks and the stories behind them
Rihanna
Always one to make an entrance, Rihanna was the final guest to arrive, stealing the spotlight as she debuted her third pregnancy in head-to-toe Marc Jacobs, styled by Jahleel Weaver. The icon wore a black cropped woolen jacket over a wool bustier bodysuit, paired with a black pinstripe wool tailored skirt featuring a bustle. A polka-dot satin cravat, diamond-tipped collar and a hat created by Jacobs in collaboration with Stephen Jones completed the look. Joined by partner A$AP Rocky, her fashion-forward reveal was a standout moment of the night.
Zendaya
Known for her ever-evolving red-carpet style, Zendaya once again commanded attention in a custom three-piece suit and floppy hat by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton. Styled by her longtime collaborator, Law Roach, the look paid homage to the zoot suit – a symbol of Black dandyism – as well as to Bianca Jagger’s iconic 1971 wedding outfit.
Demi Moore
Oscar-nominated actor Demi Moore took to the Met Gala steps in a custom striped gown by Thom Browne. Curated by Hollywood stylist Brad Goreski, the avant-garde design was inspired by suit ties – a playful nod to this year’s theme – and was elegantly finished with lab-grown diamonds by Shiphra.
Diana Ross
Music legend Diana Ross attended the Met Gala for the first time since 2003, dazzling in a glittering ensemble. Long celebrated for her iconic red-carpet appearances, Ross stunned in a glamorous sequined gown, paired with a dramatic feather-trimmed cape embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren, along with a matching hat. The look was a collaboration between Ross, her son Evan, and designer Ugo Mozie – a true family affair in both inspiration and creation.
Cynthia Erivo
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo stunned audiences throughout awards season with her fearless red-carpet looks, and has once again proved she’s not afraid to take risks with her latest appearance. Working with longtime stylist Jason Bolden, Erivo looked divine in a custom-designed gown by Sarah Burton for Givenchy that took 950 hours to make and honored dandies from the Rococo period. The actor and singer complemented the intricately crystal-embellished sculpted bodice with matching accessories and her signature nails.
Madonna
Madonna honored the theme in a custom ivory satin tuxedo by Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford, complete with a matching bow tie, cummerbund and boutonnière. Styled by Rita Melssen, the music legend and style provocateur finished her look with sheer mesh gloves, a sleek low ponytail and a berry-stained lip.
Charli XCX
Fresh from her sold-out world tour, Charli XCX epitomized gothic glamour in a suit and sheer skirt by Belgian label Ann Demeulemeester. Styled by Chris Horan, the Brat singer completed the darkly romantic look with thigh-high leather boots and a feathered headpiece.
Zoe Saldaña
Hot on the heels of her first Academy Award win, Zoë Saldana attended the event in a custom pinstriped gown by Thom Browne. The sculptural, suiting-inspired design featured a molded bodice outlined with covered buttons and finished with an oversized bow. Styled by Petra Flannery, the actor completed the look with a sleek new bob and sparkling diamond jewelry.
Doechii
Doechii has quickly become one of the most exciting stars to watch on the red carpet. For her Met Gala debut, the Grammy Award-winning artist teamed up with stylist Sam Woolf and tapped Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton to create a custom monogrammed short suit. She completed the look with a burgundy satin bow tie and matching socks, adding a playful yet polished twist to the ensemble.
Laura Harrier
Laura Harrier returned to the Met steps looking angelic in a custom suit by Zac Posen for Gap Studio, created in collaboration with It-stylist Danielle Goldberg. The ensemble featured a nipped-in vest layered over a balloon-sleeved organdie shirt and wide-leg silk pants – an homage to Black dandyism and inspired by archival photographs of Harrier’s father and grandfather.
Jennie Kim
Chanel ambassador Jennie Kim was the epitome of chic in an off-the-shoulder black satin jumpsuit with a skirt overlay, accented by a floral corsage and signature pearls from the French couture house. The Blackpink star completed her monochrome look with a classic boater hat and soft, understated makeup.
Hunter Schafer
Former PORTER cover star Hunter Schafer arrived in an immaculate custom suit by Prada. A masterclass in layering, the Euphoria star’s look featured not one, but two jackets layered over a matching shirt and turtleneck. She accessorized with a beret and white gloves, while her simple makeup, sleek bun and minimal jewelry allowed the ensemble to speak for itself.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Bold and fearless in her style choices, Jodie Turner-Smith never misses a sartorial beat. Styled by Wayman + Micah, the actor wore an impeccable custom embossed leather coat and jacquard suit designed by Burberry’s Daniel Lee, paired with a statement top hat by New York-based label Esenshel. The look was inspired by an 1891 photograph of Black equestrian Selina Lazevski, blending historical reference with modern elegance.
Aimee Lou Wood
The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood made her Met Gala debut in a deconstructed, tailored ensemble by London-based designer Priya Ahluwalia. The actor, styled by Felicity Kay, completed the pitch-perfect look with a wet-look hairstyle, ankle socks, and whimsical floral-appliquéd heels.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri and stylist Danielle Goldberg pulled out all the stops for The Bear actor’s second Met Gala. Designed by Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo, the custom look featured an impeccably tailored white shirt dress adorned with red glass beads – meant to evoke coral, a traditional element of Nigerian dress – and a leather tailcoat that paid tribute to her heritage, particularly her father, Dele. Her jewelry, including a vintage dandy pocket watch and brooch, was by Cartier.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus graced the daffodil-strewn blue carpet in a custom croc-effect top and taffeta fluted skirt by Pieter Mulier for Alaïa. Styled by Bradley Kenneth, the singer completed her all-black ensemble with a sleek up-do and a diamond choker.
FKA Twigs
FKA Twigs collaborated with Grace Wales Bonner to create a look inspired by 1920s cabaret icon Josephine Baker. The bespoke organza dress, intricately hand-embroidered with scalloped Swarovski crystals and finished with a feather-trimmed skirt, was paired with a silk-chiffon stole and custom Manolo Blahnik heels. She completed the flapper-inspired ensemble with a pixie crop and Art Deco-style jewelry.
Lupita Nyong’o
Former PORTER cover star Lupita Nyong’o is no stranger to delivering viral red-carpet moments – and she set the internet abuzz once again with her look at fashion’s biggest night. Styled by Micaela Erlanger, the Oscar-winning actor channeled a modern-day dandy in a striking aquamarine cape-effect suit by Chanel, paired with a matching boater hat – one of the evening’s standout accessories.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway delivered one of her best looks to date, thanks to powerhouse Hollywood stylist Erin Walsh. Designed by Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera in collaboration with the SCAD Museum of Art, the ensemble featured a classic white shirt paired with a glittering striped skirt. The look paid tribute to the deep friendship between the late Vogue editor André Leon Talley and Mrs Herrera. Hathaway completed her ensemble with a ’60s-inspired hairdo and a dazzling sapphire necklace.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles made a striking entrance in an embellished bright-blue satin mini dress by Harbison Studio, featuring a white collar in tribute to the evening’s theme and a dramatic, bow-accented train. Styled by Monica Rose, the seven-time Olympic champion completed the look with matching platform sandals and diamond jewelry.
SHOP RED-CARPET LOOKS
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