We Aim To Slay

Fashion lovers around the world held our collective breaths this week as the annual Met Gala was held on Monday, showcasing the incredible works of art that embody this year’s Metropolitan Museum exhibit – Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

History of the Met Gala

It Met Gala was officially launched in the 1940s as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute, which “began as the Museum of Costume Art, an independent entity formed in 1937,” according to Vogue Magazine. 

But, the article explains, the idea originally occurred to co-founders Irene Lewisohn and Aline Bernstein – a theater producer and stage designer, respectively – who thought, “If American art and local history had their own museums, where was the cathedral for fashion?” In 1946, the “Museum of Costume Art merged with the Metropolitan Museum of Art” and has been known as “The Costume Institute” eversince!

This Year’s Theme

If you were confused by this year’s theme, you weren’t alone! Not only are the themes delving into a portion of fashion history that is rarely discussed – the exquisite tailoring of black men – but there are two themes: one for the Met Museum’s upcoming exhibit, and one of the Met Gala event and red carpet.

Vogue Magazine reported in October that, “the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the Costume Institute’s…exhibition, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’” which they went on to explain is “drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book ‘Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.’”

The article goes on to explain that “the exhibition is organized into twelve sections, each representing a characteristic that defines dandy style: Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, champion, Respectability, Jook (defined in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Characteristics of Negro Expression”—an important reference for the exhibiton—as a space for dancing, drinking, and other leisure activities), Heritage, Beauty, Cool, and Cosmopolitanism.”

From a more practical standpoint, visitors of the exhibit can expect to see garments, paintings, photographs, and other forms of art that explore “the indelible style of Black dandies, from the 18th century through present day.” Picture fashion legends Dapper Dan and André Leon Talley.

According to the Metropolitan Museum, the Met Gala event dress code is ““Tailored for You,” a nod to the exhibition’s focus on menswear and suiting.” As a result, I expected to see a lot of people wearing suits, rather than tailoring other garments to reflect the overall shape of a suit. But, leading up to the event I was keeping my fingers crossed that we would see lots of late 1980s and early 1990s Mugler!

Joining the legend herself, Anna Wintour, as co-chairs for this year’s event are Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, with LeBron James serving as an honorary chair.

This year’s host committee consists of André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jordan Casteel, Dapper Dan, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, Edward Enninful, Jeremy O. Harris, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Rashid Johnson, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, Audra McDonald, Janelle Monáe, Jeremy Pope, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tyla, Usher, and Kara Walker.

This Year’s Event

This year’s Met Gala carpet itself was a stunning shade of blue, decorated with white daisies and lined with hedges of the same flowers. The evening opened with a performance by the Silk & Sound Choir, and kicked off with the Queen of Elegance herself, Diana Ross!

And while there were many looks that I enjoyed I have to be honest, I was neither over- nor underwhelmed – I was simply, whelmed. 

I predicted that most everyone would wear a suit, and most people did. But the sheer amount of women who just wore a skirt over a button down – ala Carolina Herrera – and called it a day was astounding. Let me clarify that the Carolina Herrera aesthetic is one that I love and aim to emulate – but when there’s a theme, you dress on theme!

My Favorite Looks

There are some fashion icons that we can assume will look incredible – Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihana, Zendaya… – and this year was no exception, but there were several unexpected standouts!

By far, my favorite look of the evening was

Teyana Taylor

Maybe it’s because of the color palette; maybe it’s the attention to detail; maybe it’s the way she exuded relaxed confidence. Whatever the reason, this look – designed by two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter – will serve as my menswear-inspired inspiration for years to come!

Jennie

Jennie, member of BlackPink, looked elegant and chic in Chanel. I loved the exaggerated detail of the skirted jacket over the tuxedo pants, and that she kept her accessories to a minimum opting to let the pearl detail on the jacket – and the hat – speak for themselves.

Anne Hathaway

Despite what I said above, I actually really liked this look! Partially because I happen to adore all things Anne Hathaway; partially because this look was, in fact, designed by Carolina Herrera – one of my favorite designers! – and partially, of course, because this look was crafted in honor of one of the most beloved dandies of all, André Leon Talley. 

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell was named the Men’s Creative Director at Louis Vuitton in 2023 and since then has infused a new life into the brand. His attention to detail has only strengthened the partnership – beautifully brought to life in the 100,000 pearls used to craft this exquisite blazer – definitely a piece I’ll be yearning to add to my collection!

Colman Domingo

The co-chair wowed in Valentino, gracing the carpet in a floor length royal blue cape before revealing his final look – a gracefully tailored suit, adorned with an oversized floral brooch and a polka dot kerchief.

Joey King

This Miu Miu suit is amazing! Most definitely something I’d wear, but this is where my styling preferences differ – I would have opted for either a solid colored top (most likely white), or I would have skipped the shirt entirely and just worn the blazer cinched at the waist. 

Zendaya

Zendaya stunned once again wearing an all white, custom zoot suit – a staple of Black dandyism known for the high-waist and tight-cuff silhouette – designed by Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton.

Adut Akech 

If Teyana Taylor was my favorite menswear-inspired look, model Adut Akech embodied all of my pageant girl dreams! This look consisted of a mini dress and floor length tailcoat, lined with hand-crafted organza feathers. The custom Swarovski look featured a feather-inspired custom collar, which took a team of four people 145 hours to apply the 25,550 Swarovski crystals!

Lupita Nyong’o

It was refreshing to see any drop of color on Monday night, as about 90% of attendees opted for a black and white color palette. For me, Lupita’s Chanel suit, in the palest, iciest shade of blue made for an elegant statement!

Doechii

While I’m not the biggest fan of her music, there was something so adorable and innocent about Doechii’s custom Louis Vuitton look. I appreciate the overall simplicity, and the detail of having the LV logo seemingly embossed on her cheek!

Jenna Ortega 

I found this look – custom Balmain – to be so fascinating, only made more so by learning that the entire dress is made from rulers! But, I think Jenna’s hair and makeup are the real stand out for me. She opted for classic waves and elegant makeup that accentuates her features and would be appropriate for a number of events!

Kim Kardashian

I am unapologetically obsessed with Kim Kardashian, and I found this croc-leather two-piece look to be a welcome departure from her usual “barely-there-and-nude” wardrobe. That top is one I would wear paired with skinny jeans and a pair of motorcycle boots – perfect for date night, or a night out with your girlfriends!

Laura Harrier

I’m obsessed with this look! Not only the tailoring and fit of the ensemble itself, but the billowing sleeves and pant legs are speaking to me! And, I appreciate that she left her hair and makeup simple and clean, allowing the look to truly steal the show!

Brian Tyree Henry

Similarly to Teyana, I was immediately taken by the use of burgundy and gold in this look. Yes, these are two of my favorite colors, but there’s a level of wearability to this equestrian inspired look that makes it stand out!

What Do You Think?

Who were your best dressed picks from the 2025 Met Gala? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

I’ll be back next week to debut my very first brand partnership and PR package – from LUS Brands! They recently released a new product – the Volumizing Foam, and you can see my unboxing and initial product reaction on YouTube now! 

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!