Hits, Misses, and Metaphors: My Take on This Year’s Met Gala

Just one more Met Gala Think Piece

May 08, 2025

Monday’s Met Gala healed me in ways I never would’ve imagined. The theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” celebrated the history and influence of black dandyism, a style and attitude centered around refined taste, elegant attire, and a strong sense of self-expression.

My first memories of dandyism takes me back to summers in Florida with my Grandma growing up. And being with your southern grandma meant you were in your Sunday’s best EVERY weekend, even if you’re “not feeling well”. I vividly remember my white socks with lace trim, white little heels and those loud and uncomfortable barrettes clinking together in my hair. All of which I used to find incredibly annoying (I am not a morning person) but when I read this line in the Met Vogue issue “Looking 'sharp' was a way to communicate to people that I was taken care of.” by Jeremy Harris, it’s like certain moments just made so much more sense. I now have an entirely different perspective on why my family placed such high value as to how we looked and I appreciate them for it now more than ever.

The MET usually is a hit or mess for me overall but I had a feeling this theme wouldn’t let me down. So the way it works is that theres a theme, which was centered around black dandyism and the dress code was “Tailored for You”. Keeping that in mind, let’s go through some of the most popular looks and explore the interpretation, execution, and noting any gaps in the presentation.

BTW, If you loved this years theme and want to learn more, visit the Met Gala Exhibit with me! Link at the the end for a free RSVP.

Starting with the co-hosts…

This year the hosts were Pharrell Williams, ASAP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, and Colman Domingo. While I don’t think they could’ve picked a more fly group of men, the collective overall left people wanting more. I believe the disconnect is in the various approaches to the theme. For example, Pharrell Williams’, who gave us seemingly nothing, was likely purposeful. In the Vogue issue, he said “I see dandyism as a set of rules and standards that reflect a certain sophistication and well-traveled taste. For black people to hit that mark or exceed it and be consistent with it, is a matter of pride. And consistency garners respect.” From his perspective, he shows up and out at every occasion and this consistency shall be valued more than a one time spectacle…

I thought I would be most blown away by Domingo and Rocky - however the F1 Formula Driver Lewis Hamilton stole the show. We gain understanding of his mindset from his Vogue interview: “Black men have always had to be more excellent than our white counterparts.” This sentiment translated well to the carpet with his pristine and incredibly well-tailored suit.

Met Gala All-Stars (Teyana Taylor, Janelle Monae, Zendaya, Cardi B)

I hope that Janelle Monae, Teyana Taylor, and Cardi B slept peacefully at night knowing they gave us everything we needed. No notes. Incredibly on theme and still incredibly tailored to each of their individual characters.

This is the first year I have to question Zendaya’s look. She was wearing a very similar suit to two other women (including Jasmine Tookes who may have outdone her simple but well tailored white suit, as much as it pains me to say). Her inspiration was Diana Ross from Mahogany, so it’s good to know they had a vision, I think people just expected more. I will chalk it up to her being a very busy woman who is also in the midst of planning the most important wedding of the 2020’s to Tom Holland. Also her stylist, Law Roach had A LOT more responsibilities than usual. His duties include curating the Vogue photoshoots of the co-hosts, getting invited on his own and not a plus one for the first time, and dressing your faves like Nicki Minaj and Tyla. But I didn’t particularly like any of their looks either lol. whispers So maybe he should consider going back to focusing on the Met Gala queen only.

The Music Crew (Tyla, Arya, Coco Jones, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Doechii)

Tyla had the brilliant foresight to go down the pinstripe route which not many others did but the issue here is execution. Tyla’s dress had messy lines that wouldn’t be favorable anytime but especially not when the theme is focused on Superfine tailoring.

Coco Jones and Sabrina Carpenter are some of the best dressed from the event in my opinion. What Sabrina excelled in was being on theme but also tailoring it to be true to her own personal style. Comparatively, CoCo Jones stepped out of the box but excelled in execution.

I love watching Bad Bunny go so deeply back to his roots after his fake relationship with Kendall Jenner. Bunny not only wears a good suit but like the theme points out that fashion can be a sense of empowerment to yourself or your community. By adding a Traditional Puerto Rican Pava Hat, he continues to double down in his commitment to authenticity. Which is very dandy of him :).

Doechii was dressed in a Pharrell Williams-designed Louis Vuitton short suit with a monogram tuxedo jacket in the brand's monogram and shorts in the signature checker. What she did was what I expected Pharell to do. When I saw Doechii appear on the red carpet, I knew immediately THIS is what the theme called for, I am so proud of her and also would’ve reacted the same way about my team not having the umbrellas to shield me from the pappz too early.

Sports Association (Serena and Venus Willams, Savannah James, Jalen Hurts and Bry Burrows, Simone Biles)

I try my best to defend the Williams sisters but I have lost all hope with this years gala. I honestly don’t know what Serena was going for but I actually like her makeup. For Venus, had she added a more neatly-tailored collar shirt to the base of this outfit, I think it would’ve landed better than what happened here. She then could have then used some fancy unique-pleaded pants as her nod to tennis. Or they both could’ve just wore something that was inspired by their father.

Savannah James stunned in Hanifa, without her husband, LeBron, who was an honorary chair of the night but unfortunately had to miss due to an injury (he really needs to sit down somewhere). I really wish I could’ve seen their looks together, because maybe I am missing something here. To me, the corset color decision cheapened an overall great look. I also wish she started the mermaid a little lower so there’s more length for her waist and legs.

Rarely will I say a man outdressed his woman, especially when that man is Simone Biles husband. I think the perp here is the proportions. As a fellow petite queen, I too often find myself with struggling to have a balanced look but I think it could have gone a long way had it been a little more leg showing.

Reality TV and Influencers (Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Sofia Richie, Emma Chamberlain, Hailey)

A lot of people abstained from voting on any of these looks and with good reason. There’s something about everyone that just doesn’t sit right with me. After long and careful consideration I do think I Kylie’s is the best. I think it would’ve been fun to see in maybe a different color but it was incredibly well tailored (unlike Kim’s) and tailored for who she is (unlike Kendall’s). Someone online mentioned “Does Kendall know she’s not Kate Middleton?” and I can’t stop thinking about it.

At first glance I honestly really liked Emma Chamberlain’s look. Until I saw a lot of negativity surrounding the look in which I then had to ponder why Emma’s didn’t land for most. Because I thought the dress itself was actually cute. But here’s where the difference in intent and execution start to come to light. She’s got the pinstripes and the suit-like dress, so she tried there but dandyism was more about being elegant than about having edge. I think the super low cut-outs, the pixie, and the stocking like gloves were just not what the theme called for. So with proper tailoring and different hair, I think it would’ve worked better.

Sofia Richie almost got a pass until I remembered her father is Lionel Richie, who isn’t necessarily dandy but most certainly, fashion forward. And she went with a dress with a bow…girl.

Actors from my fav TV Shows (Brian Tyree Henry, Damson Idris, Jenna Ortega, Lisa)

Brian Tyree Henry might be top ten male looks from the night. There is a something so black AND royal about this outfit. From the cape to the knee high boots and he styled himself…I am incredibly proud.
Lisa, a K-Pop star, sparked the only true outrage from the event as there was rumors that her undergarments had the face of Rosa Park on it. LVMH has come out to deny that it’s Rosa parks and instead licensed artwork. Either way, Lisa’s previous racist allegations does not help her case here. I personally would not feel comfortable with anyone’s face that close to my nether region but to each their own ig?