Greetings, Tigers! I’m Zoey, your guide for today’s fashion story. As we wrap up the school year, let’s make the seventh and final issue of the year one to remember!

The 2025 Met Gala took place on the first Monday of May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, with official arrivals kicking off at 5:30 P.M. ET. Among the first guests to make an appearance was the renowned Anna Wintour, who has been at the helm of one of the world’s most influential fashion magazines for decades and serves as Conde Nast’s chief content officer. This year, Wintour dazzled in a custom silver gown by Louis Vuitton, adorned with embroidered floral patterns, complemented by a matching powder-blue coat and her signature bob hairstyle. This year’s theme, “Tailoring Black Style,” dives into the significance of clothing and fashion shaped by Black identities throughout the Atlantic diaspora. It highlights the twelve defining characteristics of Black dandyism, a term that represents how Black individuals utilize fashion and personal style as a form of self-expression, resistance, and a reclaiming of dignity in the face of societal constraints. The theme, dubbed “Tailored for You,” emphasized a focus on menswear and the art of tailoring.

BEST DRESSED

This year’s Met Gala best-dressed list features a dazzling array of stars, including the likes of Zendaya and Diana Ross, among a total of 55 celebrities. Here, I’ll spotlight five of my personal favorites. The stars on this list showcased a remarkable range of tailored attire, offering a fresh and modern take on suiting. Kicking things off is A$AP Rocky, who donned a striking design from his own AWGE label. His ensemble included a double-breasted technical jacket, drawing inspiration from the marmot jackets he frequently observed growing up in Harlem. During his final fitting, the rapper remarked, “Marmots are a Harlem tradition; they were our teenage jackets.”

In a striking appearance, Colman Domingo donned a stunning ensemble by Valentino that drew inspiration from the rich history of the Moors, particularly their impact on the Harlem Renaissance. Collaborating closely with his team, Domingo explored a variety of accessories, silhouettes, and intricate details to infuse his outfit with a bold flair.

Khaby Lame, the Senegalese-Italian influencer renowned for his TikTok videos, made a striking debut at the Met Gala on Monday, and he certainly made an impression. Decked out by Boss, Lame showcased a sleek grey suit adorned with 24 pocket watches and complemented by a partially worn trench coat. While his outfit may not have been the flashiest on the red carpet, it exuded timeless elegance, especially when paired with the classic spectator shoes, a nod to the iconic fashion of the 1950s. Marco Falcioni, the creative director of Boss, highlighted his favorite aspect of the ensemble: “The pocket watches sourced from three flea markets perfectly embody a style that merges Black dandyism with TikTok culture.”

Jodie Turner-Smith made a striking entrance at the Met Gala, donning a stunning burgundy suit set by Burberry that paid homage to the iconic Black equestrian, Selena Lazevski. The British actor completed her look with an essential hat, showcasing her unique style. In previous comments, Turner-Smith expressed her admiration for Burberry, stating, “Burberry is such a classic British brand, and it’s extra special to work with a fashion house that is representative of my roots, my beginnings.” With her radiant skin and rich, dark velvet lips, Turner-Smith truly captivated the evening with her bold fashion statement.

The grand finale of this review features the stunning Ugbad Abdi, who graced the runway in a breathtaking suit by Michael Kors. Abdi made a striking appearance in a sleek grey suit complete with a fur-lined cap and shimmering pinstripe pants and coat. But what truly stood out was her remarkable silver paisley cape, a showstopper in its own right. This extraordinary outfit draws inspiration from the late André Leon Talley, celebrated for his love of capes and cloaks. Michael Kors remarked, “We were inspired by fashion’s ultimate Black dandy, André Leon Talley. His mix of impeccable tailoring is interpreted in a crystal pinstripe flannel trouser suit, while his passion for dramatic, statement-making capes and cloaks shines through in the metallic brocade cape.” Undoubtedly, this look is a visual masterpiece that captivates the audience. Abdi expressed how the outfit made her feel, saying she felt “empowered and unapologetically grand.” Without a doubt, this ensemble stands out not only as my personal favorite but as an exquisite highlight of the event.

Thank you, Tigers, for sticking with me throughout this school year, and I wish you guys a great summer!

References

Abloh, V., & McCarthy, J. (2025, May 6). See Every Look from the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet. Vogue. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/met-gala-2025-red-carpet 

Allaire, C. (2025, May 5). Like a True Dandy, A$AP Rocky Wore His Own Design to the 2025 Met Gala. Vogue. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.vogue.com/article/asap-rocky-met-gala-2025-awge-suit-red-carpet 

Allaire, C. (2025, May 6). The Best-Dressed Stars From the 2025 Met Gala. Vogue. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/best-dressed-stars-met-gala-2025 

Anderson, R. (2025, May 5). Here’s when the 2025 Met Gala will start and end. CBS News. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/met-gala-2025-start-end-time/ 

Mitchell, K. (2025, May 6). Get Ready With Khaby Lame For The 2025 Met Gala – Essence | Essence. Essence Magazine. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.essence.com/fashion/khaby-lame-2025-met-gala/ 

Soteriou, S. (2025, May 6). Anna Wintour Seemingly Walked The Met Gala Red Carpet With A Stain On Her Dress. BuzzFeed. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniesoteriou/met-gala-2025-anna-wintour-stain-on-dress