The annual event returned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the first Monday in May. This year’s Met ball, an invite-only event overflowing with A-list talent, celebrated the museum’s Costume Institute and its spring exhibit, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
The exhibit and the dress code, “Tailored for You,” focused on Black dandyism, and the midnight blue carpet was overflowing with Black excellence all night. With celebrity attendees including A$AP Rocky, Spike Lee, Janelle Monaé, Usher, and more, the famed steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art were full of immaculate suiting, custom couture, and inventive takes on tailoring. A focus on Black history and personal style was present in each ensemble, from Diana Ross’ feathered 18-foot train to Rihanna’s reveal of her baby bump.
Rihanna Debuts Baby Bump at Met Gala
Rihanna arrived to cheers and camera flashes at 10 p.m., almost an hour after the last attendees headed inside the event. Though Mindy Kaling, Angel Reese, and Megan Thee Stallion left before her arrival, Rihanna’s entrance was not to be missed.
She came with an important plus one: her just-announced pregnancy was on full display. Rihanna accentuated her baby bump with a voluminous pinstripe gown and a massive hat on top of her cascading braid.
Her ensemble featured a cropped suit jacket, detached collar, and padded jacket attached at her waist. Polka dots were featured in the form of an ascot and a pocket square. The wait, as usual for the fashionably late star, was absolutely worth it. Rihanna walked by in a Marc Jacobs look, celebrating her outfit and co-chair A$AP Rocky.
Teyana Taylor Gets Relatable at the End of the Carpet
After co-hosting for hours, Taylor joked about how her Met Gala look had changed as the event wore on.
She said, “I took off my jacket, my back hurt, babe. I’ve been standing up in that outfit all day. I’m just trying to get in there, get the food, get to the bathroom – I’ve been holding my pee for the last three hours.”
“Life is great,” she added with a smile, expressing her overall happiness despite the discomfort.
Stefon Diggs Finds Inspiration on Pinterest
NFL star Stefon Diggs spoke with USA TODAY about his Bianca Saunders look, which included a black suit with a light brown and cream fur coat. He said, “We collaborated on a look. Black designer, very proud moment, trying to give her her flowers, she’s done some great things.”
He added that his inspiration came from Pinterest, where he found elements that reminded him of James Brown’s tailoring and Teddy Pendergrass’ fur.
Lizzo Makes a TikTok at the Met Gala
Lizzo, ever the trendsetter, took to the top of the Met steps to film a TikTok video. As she filmed, she whispered, “I’m making a TikTok, shh!” showing off her fun, relaxed side at the event.
Pharrell Is Cool as Ever
Pharrell Williams, one of the co-chairs of the event, arrived looking as cool as ever in a pearl-encrusted suit jacket and sunglasses. His wife, Helen Lasichanh, wore LV tights in support of her designer husband.
Pharrell’s jacket was made with 15,000 pearls, taking 400 hours to create.
Diana Ross Makes a Grand Entrance
Diana Ross certainly knows how to make an entrance. Dazzling in an 18-foot-long feathered train, the iconic diva stunned in a white feathered cape over a bejeweled gown.
She was flanked by her son, Evan Ross, who helped her adjust her oversized feathered hat as she made her way down the carpet.
Debbie Allen Channels Black Elegance
Debbie Allen arrived on the carpet with her husband, Norm Nixon, telling USA TODAY that she was channeling “a night of elegance and Blackness and cultural identity.”
When asked about her ideal Black dandy, she immediately replied, “Norman Nixon,” giving a loving glance at her husband of over four decades.
Gigi Hadid Shines in Gold
Gigi Hadid, fresh off celebrating her 30th birthday and making her relationship with Bradley Cooper Instagram official, was a vision in gold. Her gold gown was custom Miu Miu, celebrating the legendary Josephine Baker.
F1 Driver Lewis Hamilton in All White
Lewis Hamilton made a striking appearance in a cream-colored tuxedo, complete with a matching bow tie and hat. The F1 driver added a golden brooch for an extra touch of sophistication.
Colman Domingo Embodies Dandy Fashion
Colman Domingo embraced the dandy theme with style, wearing a glittering black and silver suit jacket. He later revealed a perfectly tailored suit underneath his cape.
Domingo reflected on the men who shaped his sense of fashion, including his brother, stepfather, and biological father.
LaLa Anthony Pays Tribute to Virgil Abloh
LaLa Anthony arrived in archival Off-White by the late Virgil Abloh. As a Vogue livestream host, she paid homage to the legendary designer.
Anna Wintour Opens the Carpet
Anna Wintour arrived in her signature pale blue coat and silk white gown. As the top editor at Vogue, she has revolutionized the Met Gala, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Teyana Taylor’s Early Arrival
Teyana Taylor was one of the early arrivals for the event. She wore a wine-colored cape with a black suit, completing her look with a top hat, cane, and gloves.
Emma Chamberlain Stuns in a Backless Dress
Emma Chamberlain turned heads with her sleek pinstripe dress, which mirrored the crisp tailoring of a men’s suit. The halter collar and flowing train gave a feminine twist to the Black dandy theme.
Despite the rain, the stars continued to shine brightly on the carpet, making the 2025 Met Gala a night to remember.
