The first Monday in May – a day I anticipate each years. It’s a day full of frivilocity, whimsy, boldness and lots of glitter and glam. It’s Met Gala day of course! You know, the most coveted fashion invite, the event that blocks offs blocks of the Upper West Side in NYC as fans line up to catch a glimpse of the most outlandish look – and maybe their favorite star too. But it’s not just about who is on the guest list and what they are wearing, in fact this event would cease to have started in 1946 had it not been for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute. As a way to raise funds for the program, they decided to host the Met Gala to coincide with the spring fashion display. It quickly became a coveted red carpet for fashion designers, stylists and celebrities of all sorts.
The Costume Institutes new spring fashion exhibit titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” also inspired the Met Gala theme for 2025. Tailoring in the black community was maybe originally noted by dandy’s – definition: a man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance. When you think of dandy’s you probably think of British socialites from eras goneby. But there were in fact many black dandy’s, dating back as far as the 18th century and slavery. More recently we think of legendary black dandy’s Frederik Douglas, W.E.B. Du Bois and Andre Leon Talley, the man who inspired this years Met Gala theme. Leon Talley was a fashion journalist, Vogue Editor and larger than life personality. He lived the definition of a dandy in his everyday fashion, and likely inspired modern-day dandy’s like Colman Domingo and Pharrell Williams, who co-chaired tonights event.
As always, the red carpet was abuzz. So many incredible looks made their way up the infamous Met steps and into a party most of us fashionistas (and dandy’s) will only dream of attending. Much of the nights fashion was tailored and structured with an avant garde flair – a true nod to tailoring, which is the essence and excellence of fashion.
Here are my picks for best dressed at the 2025 Met Gala. Who made your list?
Joey King – I adore this over the top tailored suit. It elevates the theme while sticking with it.Alicia Keys & Swizz BeatzJodie Turner Smith – Tailoring leather is no easy feat, and this is done beautifully.Janelle Monae – Always nails the Met Gala theme.Teyana Taylor – Masculine dandy with feminine flair. Perfection. Bling and accessories were key to fine dandy fashion and she added all the right ones.Mindy Kaling – One of my favorite looks of the line. Simple but still elevated for the event, and flawlessly exectued.Andra Day – A pop of pink was fun to see among the sea of dark colors.Whitney Peak, Damson Idris, Tracee Ellis RossPusha T, Valentina Ferrer with J Balvin, Savannah JamesTessa Thompson – Such a unique silhoutte, with true homage to the dandy era, but a modern take. I love everything about it.Jeremy Pope (inspiration was about the structure of the garment and what’s underneath), Lana Del Ray, Tom FrancisMonica Barbaro – Mary Poppins meets the future, but in the most chic way possible. Focusing on tailorng, it’s impeccable. All the extra details are pretty perfect too.Zendaya – The girl can do no wrong when it comes to fashion. She understands every assignment. And so does her stylist.Zoe Saldana – Hard to see from the photo but the tailoring on this is like a glove on her body.Imaan Hammam – Proves that a covered up neckline and wide leg pants can be completely sexy when done right. Only miss for me is the divided toe shoe.Colman Domingo in Valentino – The true definition of a modern day dandy, in everything he wears. This is no exception.Jennie – It might seem like a straightforward play on the theme, but it’s constructed to perfection and is gorgeous from every angle. The ladylike version of a dandy.Lauren Amos – This shows the underbelly of the garmet and the final project. A testament to the labor that goes into creating a beautiful piece of clothing. Bravo. Makeup and hair color are a bit off putting, but for the beauty of the outfit, I’ll let it slide.Angel Reese, BJ Gray, Demi MooreMona Patel in Thom Browne – Somehow not flashy but so flashy all at once. One of the best looks of the night.Walton Goggins – A glimpse intoo the art of patternmaking. It’s not a simple task when it’s hidden, so showcasing as the look is tailoring at its finest.Dua Lipa, Jeremy O. Harris, Sydney SweeneyAngela Bassett – The silhouette is not only perfect but very unique. The accessories are spot on and the camera the best little accent.Simone Biles – A beautiful bold color makes her standout, as well as the embelleshiments on her gown.
Sarah In Style 