The 2025 Met Gala attendees came and brought all the glamour on the iconic carpet and steps. While many people followed the dress code, “Tailored For You,” others didn’t. Well, such is the Met Gala, and that was to be expected. I naturally had my favorites, and it would be a disservice not to share my takes. So, without further ado, here are my picks from the night:
Coralie’s Note: Here’s a quick guide to the 2025 Met Gala exhibition and theme for reference.
Brian Tyree Henry in custom Orange Culture
It’s a simple ensemble that absolutely nails the dress code and then some. The placement of the two brooches and the matching gloves and knee-high boots gives the dandy look a very aristocratic and chivalrous vibe, which was no doubt an intentional vibe to the historical origins of the Black Dandy. And that robe!!! My god, it was giving Andre Leon Talley in the best way possible. Orange Culture, by the way, is a Nigerian brand.
Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfiger
Pardon the theatre kid in me, but I love a well-executed theatrical entrance. This was Idris’ third rodeo and will probably be his most memorable for a while. It was dramatic and memorable, and it made perfect sense for a fundraiser for The Costume Institute. To add context, the race suit (designed by Tommy Hilfiger) was part of the growing promotion for his upcoming film, F1 (yes, you read that correctly), where Idris will be portraying one of two drivers in a fictional eleventh Formula One team… Brad Pitt plays the other one.
That ruby red suit underneath, also designed by Tommy Hilfiger, with the golden tartan jacket, was slick and beautifully matched his skin tone. The tailoring itself had that suave 1970s dandy edge without being remotely campy. And that brooch from Idris’ jewelry line DIDRIS? Perfection. My favourite part of this ensemble from start to finish has to be the helmet covered in 20,000 Swarovski hand-placed crystals.
Lewis Hamilton in Grace Wales Bonner
Speaking of F1, Lewis Hamilton also appeared that night in an ivory look designed by Grace Wells Bonner. This was a particularly special night for the Ferrari driver - not only was he the co-chair of this year, but this year marked the tenth anniversary of his Met Gala debut. Though many all-white looks were on display, this one had to be my favorite. Yes, it was tailored, but the look felt tailored for him, which was the whole point of the dress code. The finer details, specifically the cowrie embroidery and the touch of contemporary with the beret, are the highlights of this look.
Here are some words from the GOAT himself:
A$AP Rocky in AGWE
Can you feel the radiant joy pouring from the photo? I certainly can. I can’t think of a better way to embrace the theme and the spirit of proud self-expression that is Black Dandyism than in a self-designed look. That’s right - AGWE is Rocky’s creative agency. That was a custom look for him and by him. He tailored his look for himself. From head to toe, the look is a breathing intersection of his love for fashion and his neighborhood, Harlem. It’s slick, it’s impeccable, it’s A$AP Rocky (who was one of the co-hosts). I have to make a special shoutout to that umbrella pistol handle. It’s too cool not to acknowledge. Here’s a fun interview he did with Vogue that night:
Rihanna in Marc Jacobs
What better way to announce a pregnancy than on the Met Gala carpet itself? This look was honestly perfect. The hat, the maternity tailoring (tailored for her!!!), and the tasteful mix of polka dots and pin stripes creatively and perfectly adhere to this dress code. It’s historical, it’s modern, it’s haute couture, it’s fashion, it’s art, and it’s Dandy. Rihanna always understood the assignment, but this one will be another addition to the list of her most memorable looks.
Well, this is it for now. This is not a farewell or a conclusion to the Met Gala Countdown series, but rather a hold, as we say in theatre. The exhibition announcement for 2026 will probably be sometime this fall. When the time comes, I will make haste to break everything down and muse about the dress code as usual. Until that happens, bye for now!
