If fashion were theater, then the Met Gala is Broadway’s opening night, the Oscars and a fireworks show — all rolled into one dazzling spectacle.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s grand staircase transformed into a living runway May 5, buzzing with the sharpest tailoring and bold fashion risks. The annual Costume Institute Benefit — known to most as the Met Gala — invited guests to step into “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
The theme honors the artistry, culture and history of Black dandyism — a style defined by sleek elegance and sharp tailoring. Black Americans developed the Black dandy look to reclaim agency, explore self-expression and protest expectations placed on them by the white establishment.
The dress code, “Tailored For You,” challenged designers to reinterpret tailoring traditions for all bodies and all identities — and the results didn’t disappoint.
Hats were a common accessory, but not the only one. Jon Batiste brought a saxophone, while André 3000 arrived with a piano strapped to his back, an accessory that references Black artists’ contributions to the music industry.
But beyond the visual intrigue, a few looks transcended the moment and cemented themselves as Met Gala legends.
Zendaya: Suited in sophistication
You simply cannot discuss Met Gala fashion without mentioning Zendaya.
The actress and style icon arrived in a custom Louis Vuitton zoot suit that channeled the bold energy of 1970s and 80s power dressing. Her look was a tribute to the trailblazing Black women who reimagined the suit as a symbol of strength and artistry.
Zendaya’s ensemble featured a single-breasted white tuxedo, crisp waistcoat, silk shirt, tie and flared trousers. She truly embodied “power chic” — a look that says she could close a merger and leave you breathless in the same evening.
Zendaya’s presence evoked the elegance of a high-powered executive with the intrigue of a Bond antagonist. She masterfully balanced professionalism, sensuality and mystique, presenting a look that was both controlled and captivating.
Zendaya didn’t simply wear the suit — she embodied it, reaffirming her status as one of fashion’s most compelling red carpet forces.
Colman Domingo: Caped in charisma
Actor, director and producer Colman Domingo did not come to play — he came to slay.
As a co-chair of the event, Domingo had every reason to make a statement. In custom Valentino, he delivered a look that was both a heartfelt tribute and a commanding fashion moment. Domingo kicked off the evening by sweeping up the carpet in a regal, floor-length blue cape adorned with intricate embroidery.
His ensemble was a direct homage to the late, great André Leon Talley, the former Vogue editor who wore a blue cape to the gala in 2011 and whose influence continues to resonate throughout the fashion world.
But Domingo wasn’t content with just making an entrance. True to the creative spirit of the Met Gala, he shed the cape to reveal a sharply tailored gray, black and white suit.
The contrast of textures, the oversized lapel flower and the crisp lines made the ensemble a masterclass in modern menswear. Bold, elegant and utterly original, it was a look that commanded attention and admiration.
However, what truly set Domingo apart was how seamlessly he embodied the night’s theme. His look was not just a nod to Black dandyism, but a celebration of its history and flamboyance. The cape channeled Talley’s larger-than-life persona, while the suit underneath was a testament to the power and artistry of Black tailoring.
Sydney Sweeney: A silver screen siren
Actress Sydney Sweeney channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a black, shimmering Miu Miu gown inspired by Hitchcock-favorite actress Kim Novak’s look in “The Demon of Women.”
With its circular neckline and sparkling brooch, the gown exuded vintage allure and film noir elegance. Sweeney looked like she’d just stepped out of a black-and-white classic — ready to solve the case and break a few hearts along the way.
Yet, despite the gown’s undeniable beauty, it missed the thematic mark. It makes sense that Sweeney would reference Novak, as she is set to play her in an upcoming biopic, directed by Domingo.
However, this year’s Met Gala centered on celebrating Black dandyism and the legacy of Black tailoring.
While Sweeney’s look was a triumph of timeless fashion, its tribute to a white Hollywood icon felt out of step with the evening’s deeper cultural meaning.
Teyana Taylor: Turning tailoring into theater
Music artist and actress Teyana Taylor brought the Met Gala carpet to a standstill, wearing a custom Marc Jacobs gray pinstripe suit that fused Black dandyism with high drama. The nearly floor-length coat jacket featured defined shoulder pads and a luxurious red velvet and silk cloak that gave her the aura of a fashion superhero.
But Taylor didn’t stop at tailoring — she went full maximalist with her accessories. Her David Yurman jewelry glittered under the lights, but it was the smaller details that made the look extraordinary: a feathered fedora, jumbo rosettes, stacked wallet chains, custom Kiki boots and a pleated durag train that billowed behind her like a royal cloak.
Taylor honored the night’s theme while elevating it, proving that true fashion rewrites the rules. In a sea of similar suits, her oxblood-striped spectacle stood out as one of the night’s boldest and unforgettable statements.
Sabrina Carpenter: Stepping out in style
Actress and music artist Sabrina Carpenter made a bold entrance on the blue carpet, wearing a striking Louis Vuitton bodysuit with dramatic, floor-grazing tails that followed her like a pop-princess cape.
The look was sleek, modern, and a touch daring — exactly what you’d expect from a star climbing both the charts and the fashion ladder. It also felt very true to signature Carpenter style, echoing the glittery bodysuits she’s been rocking during her “Short n’ Sweet Tour.”
Carpenter sealed the deal with a luminous, red carpet-ready makeup look crafted by Prada Beauty. Embracing her signature blushed cheeks and defined eyes, she glowed with a fresh, youthful energy — a major upgrade from last year’s washed-out tones.
While her makeup was a win, the hair left something to be desired. The style felt limp and underwhelming, especially when compared to her long, wavy hair during Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour.” Someone, please, please, please bring back that iconic hairstyle!
All in all, Carpenter’s Met Gala moment was a clear step forward: daring fashion, polished glam and a playful sense of self. Now, if the hair could match the rest of her star power, she’d be unstoppable.
Ultimately, many stars crafted stellar looks for this year’s Met Gala, but some shone more brightly than others. While some created eye-catching looks that showed little connection to the theme, others took the opportunity to highlight the legacy of Black dandyism in the fashion industry today.
