The Most Iconic Looks From the 2025 Met Gala

If there’s one event that never fails to electrify the fashion world, it’s the Met Gala. Each year, the grand staircase of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transforms into a glittering runway, where celebrities step out in jaw-dropping ensembles that turn heads and spark conversations. And in 2025, the Met Gala reached new heights, celebrating a theme unlike any before: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

This year’s theme honored three centuries of Black fashion and dandyism, making history as the Met’s first fashion exhibition devoted entirely to designers of color. The night was nothing short of spectacular, with icons and innovators paying homage to the brilliance of Black tailoring through bold choices, luxurious textiles, and deeply personal statements.

The rain may have poured down in New York City, but it did little to dim the shine of the gala’s attendees. From Colman Domingo’s regal tribute to Rihanna’s stunning surprise reveal, these were the unforgettable looks that defined the night.

1. Ayo Edebiri in Thom Browne

Rising star Ayo Edebiri turned heads in a structured leather tailcoat and shirtdress by Thom Browne. The look was a striking blend of avant-garde design and cultural tribute. What truly made her outfit unforgettable was the string of beads draped across her suit—an homage to her ancestors and heritage, blending tradition with a modern silhouette.

2. Zendaya’s Tailored White Suit

Never one to disappoint, Zendaya graced the Met Gala in a sharply tailored white three-piece suit from Louis Vuitton, inspired by Bianca Jagger’s iconic wedding-day look. The structured simplicity of the ensemble captured the essence of sleek sophistication and timeless glamour.

3. Colman Domingo in Valentino

Coleman Domingo

As a co-chair of the event, Colman Domingo understood the assignment. Draped in a royal-blue sequined cape by Valentino, he paid homage to the late fashion icon André Leon Talley, embodying a perfect blend of grandeur and historical significance. The ensemble featured mixed patterns, rich textures, and statement accessories that commanded attention.

4. Pharrell Williams in a Pearl-Adorned Coat

Pharrell Williams has long been a pioneer of bold style, but this year, he outdid himself. He arrived wearing an extravagant coat encrusted with 100,000 pearls, exuding luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation—all at once.

5. Diana Ross’s 18-Foot Train

Diana Ross

A legend like Diana Ross can never be outdone, and this year was no exception. She arrived in a glittering white feathered gown featuring an 18-foot train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren—an elegant nod to legacy and the power of matriarchs.

6. Janelle Monáe’s Dual-Persona Suit

Janelle Monáe took her signature style to new heights with a custom black-red- and-white reversible suit that could be flipped on the red carpet to reveal a vibrant, sequined interior. Symbolizing duality, freedom, and reinvention, her look was as much performance as it was fashion.

7. A$AP Rocky’s Harlem-Inspired Look

As a co-chair, A$AP Rocky didn’t just show up—he showed out in a Harlem-inspired suit by AWGE, complete with a custom umbrella encrusted with 90 carats of diamonds. The silhouette paid tribute to 1920s uptown cool while reimagining modern Black luxury.

8. Teyana Taylor’s Zoot Suit Tribute

Known for her fearless approach to fashion, Teyana Taylor took inspiration from the zoot suit—a symbol of Black and Latinx resistance in the 1940s—and transformed it into a high-fashion statement. With a red cape and pinstripe tailoring by Ruth E. Carter, she walked history down the red carpet.

9. Damson Idris’s Dapper Tux

Damson Idris embraced modern elegance in a red-and-gold tartan tuxedo jacket with flared pants, blending British tailoring with Black cultural influences. His look balanced heritage with contemporary swagger.

10. Lupita Nyong’o’s Vibrant Celebration of Heritage

Lupita Nyong’o never shies away from bold color, and this year she embraced African-inspired patterns in a stunning powder-blue Chanel suit. Paired with a sheer cape and traditional beading, her look was a celebration of artistry, roots, and regal femininity.

11. Nicki Minaj’s Thom Browne Masterpiece

In an unforgettable moment, Nicki Minaj arrived in a deconstructed pinstripe suit dress styled by Law Roach. Inspired by the quaintrelle—the female counterpart to the dandy—her look was both provocative and poetic, complete with a dramatic gold headpiece and cascading floral train.

12. Rihanna’s Iconic Met Gala Look—and Surprise Reveal

And finally, Rihanna stole the show. Arriving fashionably late (as she does best), she graced the red carpet in a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble: a cropped Spencer jacket, corset bodysuit, and sculptural bustle skirt. But the real showstopper? Her baby bump. Yes—Rihanna confirmed she is expecting her third child, making her appearance not just a fashion moment, but a cultural milestone.

Conclusion

The 2025 Met Gala was more than an evening of extravagant fashion—it was a celebration of Black style, craftsmanship, and history. These looks weren’t just gorgeous; they carried meaning, legacy, and personal storytelling, making this year’s gala one of the most powerful and visually stunning in recent memory.

Which look was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Read also: 6 Nollywood movies to stream this may