The 2025 Met Gala had a heightened sense of purpose, with the “Tailored for You” theme celebrating 300 years of Black self-expression across the diaspora. This theme recognized the contributions Black people have made to high fashion. It was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, which is currently the focus of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition. With the red carpet now over for another year, it’s time to reflect on how the celebrities interpreted the theme.
Five Australian fashion experts shared their thoughts on the standout looks of the night. They are Samala Thakialee Cronin, Lynn Mathuthu, Tamara Leacock, Natisha Tabua, and Sofia Stafford.
Precision Tailoring and a Moment in Fashion History
Tamara Leacock, the designer behind Naarm/Melbourne-based label REMUSE, shared her thoughts on some key looks.
Tyler Mitchell’s outfit, designed by iconic Black English designer Grace Wales Bonner, caught Leacock’s attention. She noted that Mitchell’s attire embodied Black dandyism and multi-dimensionally expressed Black masculinity. The look featured precision tailoring and provocative excess, which was complemented by precise hair and makeup. Leacock wished that more Met Gala guests would have used the theme to platform Black designers, considering the current times of diversity and equity reversal.
Doechii’s Iconic Moment
US rapper Doechii, wearing Louis Vuitton, also impressed fashion experts. Leacock described Doechii as a Black queer femme artist who consistently plays with dandyism and sartorial explorations of Black masculinity. She praised Doechii’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton creative director Pharrell Williams and the customisation of her suit, which incorporated the LV logo into the makeup. Leacock also appreciated Doechii’s Afro hairstyle, which added a refreshing difference to the look.
Zuri Hall’s Custom Look
Zuri Hall wore a custom backless suit gown by up-and-coming Black designer Bishme Cromartie. Leacock noted that Hall’s outfit featured reimagined garment elements, with a potential nod to sustainability aesthetics. The look demonstrated an innovative approach to fashion while paying homage to Black cultural references.
Storytelling Through Silhouette and Harlem Rose
Samala Thakialee Cronin, the Butchulla and Woppaburra designer behind Naarm/Melbourne-based label MumRed, found much to admire in Colman Domingo’s attire. Domingo wore a beaded and embroidered royal blue cape by Valentino, paying tribute to the late André Leon Talley. Cronin highlighted the combination of Zoot Suit Riots, the Moors, and Mansa Musa references in Domingo’s look, which celebrated Black resilience and style. Domingo’s second outfit, a zoot-suit-inspired reveal, embodied storytelling in silhouette and showcased Black history through fashion.
Teyana Taylor’s Powerful Look
Teyana Taylor made a bold statement with her striking red pinstripe suit by Ruth E. Carter, designed in collaboration with Marc Jacobs. Cronin called her ensemble a powerful celebration of Black excellence with a dandy twist. The addition of an ostrich feather plume, rose pin, and cane reinforced the look’s political and powerful nature. Cronin found that Taylor’s outfit was both political and beautiful, reminding people of the ongoing struggle for self-definition in today’s world.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Boss Energy
Whoopi Goldberg made a memorable appearance in a custom Thom Browne creation. Mathuthu described Goldberg’s look as exuding “Boss energy,” noting that she embraced dandyism with a sharp, elegant suit-dress, a sequinned hourglass coat, and a sculpted top hat. The addition of silver-capped fingers completed the look with the perfect touch of sophistication.
Quiet Power and Transcending Gender Norms
Sofia Stafford, the designer behind Naarm/Melbourne-based label Sabatucci, was drawn to Imaan Hammam’s reinterpretation of the zoot suit. Hammam’s ensemble featured a stunning one-piece creation that reflected Black cultural innovation and creative freedom. Stafford praised the statement cane, which symbolized self-expression, dignity, and resistance. The ostrich feather hat added elegance and whimsy, making Hammam’s look a statement of pride and defiance.
Hunter Schafer’s Thoughtful Look
Hunter Schafer wore a multi-layered Prada look that combined classic tailoring with contemporary elements. Stafford found the ensemble quiet yet powerful, as the crisp white shirt, black blazer, and coordinating trousers paid homage to the iconic Black Panther uniform, symbolizing political resistance. Schafer’s look was thoughtful, refined, and a powerful interpretation of the Met Gala’s theme.
Janelle Monáe’s Gender-Defying Style
Janelle Monáe made a fashion statement with her Thom Browne look, designed in collaboration with Paul Tazewell. Stafford admired the “time-traveling dandy” look, which blended 1930s tailoring with futuristic elements. The structured overcoat, which revealed a deconstructed suit beneath, transcended gender norms and celebrated personal expression. Monáe’s look stood out as a celebration of cultural and historical references.
Zendaya’s Elegant Twist
Zendaya, wearing Louis Vuitton, was noted for her elegant white suit with super-high-waisted pants. Mathuthu pointed out the similarities between Zendaya’s look and Imaan Hammam’s, both showcasing beautiful tailoring and accessorized with hats. The look, reminiscent of André Leon Talley’s “Sunday best” style, was a celebration of Black cultural references and self-expression.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Bold Use of Color
Lupita Nyong’o wore a light blue suit with a flowing cape and matching hat by Chanel. Mathuthu appreciated the color, which stood out amidst a sea of neutral tones on the red carpet. The suit’s chiffon cape and subtle Chanel camelia highlighted Nyong’o’s sophisticated yet playful approach to fashion.
Rihanna’s Playful Approach to Tailoring
Rihanna made a bold statement with her black-and-white outfit by Marc Jacobs. Mathuthu praised Rihanna’s ability to defy traditional fashion norms, playing with silhouette, structure, and tailoring in a way that did not align with any specific rules. Rihanna’s outfit embraced the essence of dandyism, reminding everyone that the point is to break free from restrictions and express individuality.
Khaby Lame’s Vintage-Inspired Look
Khaby Lame, wearing BOSS, made an unforgettable appearance in a vintage-inspired grey pinstripe zoot suit. Tabua appreciated the cultural depth of the look, which resonated with the Black American community’s historical desire for visibility and political expression. The trench coat and pocket watch accessories gave the ensemble even more significance, making Lame’s look a perfect embodiment of the Met Gala’s theme.
Coco Jones’s Couture Craftsmanship
Coco Jones turned heads with her handcrafted white suit jacket by Manish Malhotra. Tabua admired the artistry and craftsmanship of the ensemble, which featured an exaggerated suit jacket cascading to the floor. The suit was a perfect example of fashion as art, embodying expression through craftsmanship and design.
Alton Mason’s Contemporary Culture
Alton Mason, in a glittering co-ord with a heart-shaped cut-out and eye patch, wore BOSS. Tabua praised Mason’s look for its unapologetic expression of contemporary culture, capturing the essence of the current generation’s embrace of their cultural backgrounds. Mason’s look had an anime superhero vibe, which Tabua appreciated as a powerful symbol of self-expression.
This year’s Met Gala was a celebration of Black dandyism and sartorial resistance, showcasing a variety of interpretations of the theme that celebrated Black history, cultural expression, and fashion as an art form.
