The Must-Watch 2025 Met Gala Live Red Carpet Fashion Updates

Follow along for every can’t-miss detail from fashion’s biggest night.

Happy first Monday in May to all who celebrate—the 2025 Met Gala is here. The red carpet has been unfurled. Celebrity stylists are taking their first deep breath after months of prep work. And your favorite stars are shuffling up the Met Steps in couture gowns and two-piece suits, ready for fashion’s biggest night.

So, what can you expect? "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" is the 2025 Met Gala's red carpet theme, with a focus on "dandyism"—defined as Black liberation and resistance expressed through meticulous and exuberant fashion—from the 18th century to the present day. Red carpet-wise, that will translate into bespoke tailoring, bold colors, striking prints, and rich textiles. With expected appearances from Met Gala royalty like Zendaya, Janelle Monáe, Rihanna, and formidable style icons like Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and Academy Award-nominated actor Colman Domingo holding down the fort as co-chairs, fashion excellence is guaranteed.

Fortunately, the Marie Claire team is here—stationed on the red carpet sidelines and on their laptops at MC HQ, covering how to watch the 2025 Met Gala, rounding up the evening’s best-ever vintage looks, and detailing every must-watch beauty moment—to make sure you don't miss a moment. Follow along here for live updates, photos, and our editors’ commentary on every 2025 Met Gala’s red carpet look.

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First up, the particulars. The red carpet is officially set to begin at 6:00 p.m. EST/3:00 p.m. PST, but early attendees often arrive as early as 5:00 p.m. EST/2:00 p.m. PST. As for how to watch the 2025 Met Gala, it will be streamed live on Vogue.com and across its social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and E! will also provide red carpet coverage via Live From E!: Met Gala 2025. Viewers can watch the network on cable television, stream it on Peacock, or access it via Hulu Live, YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV subscriptions.

Hi, friends! I'm Emma Childs, Marie Claire’s fashion features editor, and I'll be guiding you through our coverage of the 2025 Met Gala. Right now, your favorite celebrities are still making their way to the Met steps, so I can't dive into the red carpet fun just yet. But what I can do is get the party started by sharing the MC team's top trend predictions and the stars we're most excited about seeing tonight…

For last night's pre-Met Gala 2025 dinner, Rihanna wore a custom Prada pinstripe suit, featuring a contrasting brown blazer, cinched in with a black belt and gold chain, and black and white baggy trousers. Does this mean we can expect RiRi to wear a similarly tailored, polished yet quirky, color-clashing look tonight? Perhaps!

Rihanna in a Prada pinstripe suit at the pre met gala 2025 dinner

(Image credit: Prada)

After Tyla's personal style-packed debut at the 2024 Met Gala as a sand hourglass that Balmain brought to life, expectations are high for what the singer does next. Luckily for those who couldn't wait until tonight, she gave a teaser last night: in a NYC outing, Tyla wore a striped bubble dress and bowler hat by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker. Complete with a necktie and waist-defining waistcoat, Tyla's look was an unmistakable reference to tonight's "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme.

Tyla is seen in the Upper East Side on May 04, 2025 in New York City ahead of the met gala

(Image credit: Getty Images)

We have eyes on our first red caret look of the night! Former Marie Claire cover star and team's second favorite Emma (after me, of course!), Emma Chamberlain emerged from The Carlyle Hotel in a custom Courrèges navy blue pinstriped dress that was a deconstructed, feminized take on a suit jacket. I'd wager this was the handiwork of her friend and long-time fashion stylist, Jared Ellner.

Emma Chamberlain leaves The Carlyle Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Emma Chamberlain outside The Carlyle Hotel.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"I've been on the edge of my seat for weeks, wondering which vintage looks would make their way to the 2025 Met Gala. Considering Black Dandyism's origins in the 1800s, there are centuries of references to pull from—literally. Early conversations I've had with this year's celebrity guests have hinted they're looking toward the Harlem Renaissance for inspo, with influential figures like Josephine Baker on the mood board. There's also a clear front-runner for accessory of the night: statement hats, paired with equally strong suits. I just can't reveal who's wearing them quite yet."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

In what comes as a surprise to no one, Colman Domingo's 2025 Met Gala look is sensational. The actor was spotted leaving his hotel in a pleated, royal blue cape with an ornately structured, gold sequined collar. While not confirmed just yet, experts believe his look is likely Valentino—by "experts believe," I mean Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike sent me a Slack message with her prediction.

Colman Domingo leaves The Carlyle Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Colman Domingo leaving The Carlyle Hotel.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Entertainment director Neha Prakash is live on the red—er, blue—carpet, designed by artist Cy Gavin.

"I know tonight is technically about menswear, but I’m beyond excited to see how the ladies show up and show out tonight. Janelle Monae, Rihanna, Zendaya, Grace Wales Bonner, Janizca Bravo! We’re up for an incredible night."—Nikki Ogunnaike, editor-in-chief, who'll be appearing live on NY1's broadcast at 7:30 p.m. EST to chat all things Met Gala.

"I predict we’ll see a slew of fedoras, likely styled alongside sharp, tailored suits. Historically worn by African American men during the Harlem Renaissance, this iconic hat style is deeply rooted in Black dandyism."—Lauren Tappan, fashion editor

"It’s obvious but bears repeating anyway: Suits, suits, and more suits. Tonight, we’ll see a lot of meticulous tailoring on both the men and women walking the red carpet, from pleated trousers and tailcoats to tuxedos and brocade waistcoats. My money’s on Janelle Monae, who's a member of tonight's hosting committee, to stand out in the suiting category—perhaps by paying homage to blues singer and entertainer Gladys Bentley, who blurred gender lines by wearing masculine tuxedos and top hats throughout the Harlem Renaissance."— Emma Childs, fashion features editor

Portrait of American Blues musician Gladys Bentley (1907 - 1960), in a tuxedo, top hat, & gloves, as she holds a walking cane at Harlem's Ubangi Club, New York, New York, circa 1930.

Gladys Bentley in her signature tuxedo

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"While on the topic of tailoring, I also expect to see a lot of zoot suits tonight. Consisting of high-waisted draped pants and oversized suit jackets with dramatic shoulders and large lapels, the baggy suit originated during the Harlem Renaissance and is a core component of Black dandyism, as the excessive use of fabric was an act of protest during World War II’s rationing years.

A$AP Rocky loves a suit—have you seen MC’s up-close clip of the rapper waxing poetic about quiet luxury tailoring?—so I’ll wager that the rapper will show up in a sublime supersized suit tonight."— Emma Childs, fashion features editor

Boys in zoot suits.

Two teen boys in zoot suits circa 1943.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"I also expect to see André Leon Talley channeled tonight. A legendary fashion journalist and Vogue’s first-ever Black creative director, Talley is renowned as a contemporary dandy who had a penchant for Savile Row suits, volume, specifically Norma Kamali’s sleeping bag coats, opulent textiles like jacquard and moiré, and an unwavering appreciation for glamour. With Talley’s indomitable spirit present, there’ll be no “famine of beauty” tonight."— Emma Childs, fashion features editor

In a cherry red frock coat, feather cap, and durag that doubles as a train, and super platform boots, Teyana Taylor kicked the evening off with a very strong start. The One Battle After Another actress's look was designed by the one and only Marc Jacobs.

Teyana Taylor attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Teyana Taylor's epic Marc Jacobs look.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

33 minutes later, she's arrived! Marie Claire caught an up-close look at Emma Chamberlain, who's a special correspondent on Vogue's broadcast, walking the carpet.

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Saturday Night Live star Ego Nwodim, who's co-hosting the Vogue livestream, looked prim and playful in a black peplum jacket with frills and tailored cigarette pants. Her look was custom Christopher John Rogers, with Boucheron jewelry complementing.

Ego Nwodim attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Ego Nwodim in her bespoke Christopher John Rogers two-piece suit.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A duo that can't be beat: Two of tonight's co-chairs, Colman Domingo dressed in Valentino, and Lewis Hamilton in custom Louis Vuitton, were the picture of poise.

Met Gala Co-Chair Colman Domingo and Co-Chair Lewis Hamilton attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City

Colman Domingo in Valentino and Lewis Hamilton in custom Louis Vuitton.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Take two! Colman Domingo removed his regal blue cape to reveal a graphic Valentino look, consisting of a black and white checked blazer, striped button-down, polka-dotted neckerchief, and matching rosette brooch. Take a closer look, and you'll realize Domingo's look, styled by Wayman and Micah, is accented with micro-sized pearls and sequins. Now that's how you show appreciation down to the details.

Colman Domingo, Met Gala Co-Chair, attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Colman Domingo, Met Gala Co-Chair, attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Pamela Anderson has just stepped onto the red carpet, debuting a darling bob with micro bangs and a mega-watt sculpted metallic gown by Tory Burch.

"A-list alert: Sydney Sweeney was one of the earliest arrivals of the night, in a custom Miu Miu gown styled by Molly Dickson. She did her followers a favor and shared her reference photo on Instagram Stories—a snap of Kim Novak in the 1968 film The Legend of Lylah Clare."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

Sydney Sweeney attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Sydney Sweeney in her high-shine gown.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In an Instagram Story, Lewis Hamilton's stylist, Eric McNeal, gave a more insight into the Formula 1 driver's Wales Bonner look: "The color of ivory denotes purity and status; cowries pass from hand to hand. the regal sash turns shamanic. Ancestral beads and freshwater pearls shine with garnet-coloured diamonds...eternal amules."

Lewis Hamilton, Met Gala Co-Chair, jewelry detail, attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (

Lewis Hamilton in his Wales Bonner look.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

: Lewis Hamilton, Met Gala Co-Chair, jewelry detail, attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (

Lewis Hamilton wearing a 1980s fancy white, yellow, and pink diamond brooch by Briony Raymond.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Coco Jones walked up the Met Steps in a phenomenal Manish Malhotra ivory look, featuring a plunging, cascading jacket and crystal-embellished trousers.

Coco Jones attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Gigi Hadid was a golden vision in a custom Miu Miu gown. Her metallic moment featured a halter neckline, a knot around the waist with sarong-like draping, and cascading bronze sequins and gems.

Gigi Hadid at The Carlyle Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York, New York.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Styled by Molly Dickson, Sadie Sink opted for dark romance in a custom Prada gown with a plunging neckline and base layer lace shrug.

Sadie Sink attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The incomparable Whoopi Goldberg arrived in a mixed-media jacket by Thom Browne made of black satin and ivory sequins, which were layered to look like textured feathers. She chose a top hat, necktie, colorful brooch, and handbag as coordinating opulent accessories.

Whoopi Goldberg attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Gigi’s Miu Miu look is one of my early highlights. The gown was literally dripping off of her (tailored to perfection!), and her glam was perfectly understated given how dramatic her gown was."—Julia Marzovilla, fashion e-commerce editor

Gigi Hadid attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York Cit

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In tightly tailored and sculpted Thom Browne gown with sequined sleeves and a contrasting button front, Zoe Saldaña made a graphic impact on tonight's blue and daisy-speckled red carpet.

Zoe Saldana attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As a diva who needs no introduction, Diana Ross promptly shut down the red carpet in a beautiful crystal-embellished gown, feather-trimmed hat, and a white sequinned shawl-cum-train that trailed 18 feet behind the musical icon and was embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren. Her show-stopping look was by Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie.

Diana Ross attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York Cit

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There she is! Zendaya arrived at the 2025 Met Gala in an impeccable Louis Vuitton by Pharrell three-piece suit and floppy-brimmed hat styled by her long-time image architect, Law Roach. There's so much to appreciate with her look, from her flared trousers to the sneaky crystal snake brooch on the back, but we can't help but wonder if this is a teaser of what's to come with her upcoming nuptials to Tom Holland. Will Zendaya pull a Bianca Jagger and get married in a bridal suit?

Zendaya attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Lorde has risen! Styled by Taylor McNeill, the Kiwi singer arrived in a grey look featuring a bandage bandeau top, matching maxi skirt, and a slate-colored oversized blazer, which she quickly tossed off once she hit the red carpet.

Lorde attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

We caught Zendaya in a stealth mode as she made her way inside the musuem.

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Lupita Nyong'o chose a beautiful baby blue Chanel suit for the occasion, with a sheer cape that she had some fun playing with in the wind.

Lupita Nyong'o leaves The Carlyle Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Two words immediately came to mind when I saw Zendaya's Met Gala look: Bridal. Suit. I know Law Roach has been teasing her wedding wardrobe over the past few weeks since she revealed her engagement, but I didn't expect to see a glimpse so soon. This white Louis Vuitton set by Pharrell Williams is headed straight to the best-dressed list and thousands of brides' Pinterest boards."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

Zendaya attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Of her white button-down shirt and crystal-studded striped maxi skirt by Carolina Herrera, Anne Hathaway told Vogue's red carpet correspondents, "We dressed for one person and one person only: We wanted André Leon Talley to look down in heaven and scream, 'Glamour!'"

Anne Hathaway attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Co-chair A$AP Rocky stepped out on the carpet in a classic black three-piece suit custom-made by Awge (his own brand) and a crystal-topped Briony Raymond umbrella—which, whether it was intended to be just a prop or not, came in very handy for the rainy NYC weather.

A$AP Rocky attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Dua Lipa was a sultry sight in a midnight black Chanel look that featured a diamond-mesh torso insert, fluffy, feathered skirt, and sheer skirt. She accessorized her 2025 Met Gala red carpet look with sheer gloves and an abundance of silver necklaces and earrings.

Dua Lipa attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"I don't know where to start with Megan Thee Stallion's red carpet look by Michael Kors. Her cape reminds me of Diana Ross's from a short while ago, but the embellished flowers and towering ponytail are all her own. Everywhere I look, I'm obsessed."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

No pants, no problem. Sabrina Carpenter wore a Louis Vuitton by Pharrell maroon bodysuit, white collared dickey undershirt, and a cropped blazer with super-long tails. The singer shared that Pharrell was the one to make the no-pants decision: "You're quite short, so no pants for you," she told the Vogue livestream about her 2025 Met Gala red carpet look.

Sabrina Carpenter attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Pregnant woman are having their moment on the red carpet. Following Rihanna's third pregnancy reveal, Karlie Kloss served up the third bump-forward look of the evening thus far."—Kelsey Stiegman, contributor

Karlie Kloss attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City

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In an Alaïa crocodile crop top and black taffeta maxi skirt, with an eye-catching Cartier collar, Miley Cyrus made a dramatic statement. "I think of these gowns as armor and protection and strength," the Grammy-winner told the Vogue livestream about her 2025 Met Gala look.

Miley Cyrus attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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If there's one thing about Tracee Ellis Ross, it's that she knows how to pull off a statement silhouette. Her puffy pants in baby pink satin, magenta bow sash, ruched white blouse, and maroon suit jacket by Marc Jacobs were no exception—"animated joy and artistry," as Ross told the Vogue livestream. She topped her Met Gala look off with a pink and red hat by Stephen Jones.

racee Ellis Ross attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Miss D-O-E—it's Doechii! The rapper paid homage to logomania legend Dapper Dan in a custom Louis Vuttion by Pharrell short suit, featuring the iconic LV monogram and gray and ivory checker print. An oxblood satin bow tie and matching Mary Jane loafers were perfect polishing touches.

Doechii attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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The GOAT is here! Tennis super-legend Serena Williams looked like a mermaid in a draped light blue gown with a lace, peek-a-boo cutout across the leg, and a complementary sea foam green quilted shawl.

Serena Williams attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City

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"While embodying a student of hip-hop,' Doechii absolutely aced the Met Gala's dress code, 'Tailored for You.' The award-winning artist arrived on the red carpet in a polished Louis Vuitton suit that paid homage to Black dandyism's celebration of pristine tailoring."—Lauren Tappan, fashion editor

Doechii attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Inspired by the refined style of her dad and grandfather, Ayo Edebiri graced the Met Gala’s iconic steps in a polished Ferragamo dress and suit jacket that honored the art of tailoring. The burgeoning actress took her look to the next level with sheer gloves. Stitched to perfection, this outfit has undoubtedly made its way onto every best-dressed list."—Lauren Tappan, fashion editor

Ayo Edebiri attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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The first impression Chappell Roan's Met Gala look had on senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage? "Harlequin couture."

Chappell Roan leaves The Carlyle Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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"I just wanted to feel gangster," Doja Cat told Vogue about her thought process when planning her 2025 Met Gala look with Marc Jacobs. With super sharp shoulders, a striking animal-printed bodice, silver piped pinstripes, and, yes, no pants, the singer's mission was more than accomplished.

Doja Cat attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Priyanka Chopra was polka-dotted perfection in her front-button, black and white halter gown. Black velvet gloves and an off-kilter wide-brim hat added extra drama to the actress's retro look.

Priyanka Chopra attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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In a red ruby-studded custom Givenchy jacket and open, voluminous black skirt, Cynthia Erivo channeled a gothic and dramatic vision.

Cynthia Erivo attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

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Cynthia Erivo at The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Demi Moore went in a sculptural and striped direction for her appearance, turning herself into a surrealist necktie. She opted for a Thom Browne gown done in a graphic lined print with an architectural, curling accent over her head and a sweeping train. All together, Moore's Met Gala red carpet look was an on-the-nose—er, neck—interpretation of tailoring.

Demi Moore attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Styled by Jason Bolden, Nicole Kidman epitomized old-school elegance in a fit-and-flare black Balenciaga gown with bow bands around the waist. "I wanted something tailor-made for me," Kidman told Vogue, and she had that dream actualized: her strapless dress, inspired by a gown from Cristóbal Balenciaga’s 1952 collection, took a whopping 700 hours to make.

Nicole Kidman attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Lana Del Rey, captured by MC live, wore a feather-plumed black gown made of black velvet and light-reflecting satin by Valentino Haute Couture.

"Keke Palmer really did her homework for this Met Gala. Her Vera Wang gown honors Dorothy Dandridge, the first Black woman to be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards in 1954. It's a smart way to nod to the theme while also channeling her own star power—an all-around win in my book."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

Keke Palmer attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Us too, Ayo, us too.

Track star Sha’Carri Richardson can now add red carpet sensation to her resume, too; the American track and field sprinter chose a lilac lace turtleneck and butter yellow, knotted gown designed by Valentino’s Alessandro Michele.

Sha’Carri Richardson attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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One word comes to mind with Laura Harrier's Met Gala look: volume. Underneath a tailored vest, Harrier wore a gauzy, puff-sleeved blouse with airy, exaggerated palazzo pants in ivory satin made by Zac Posen.

Laura Harrier attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City

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A moment for the back of the dress! Sofia Richie Grainge's 2025 Met Gala look was a cutesy, cap-sleeved gown adorned with one small and one very large bow on the back.

Sofia Richie Grainge attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Talk about a train: Shakira's bunched, ballet slipper pink one eclipsed six steps behind her as she made her way into the museum.

Shakira attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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In a micro-mini blazer dress by Saint Laurent, Hailey Bieber's Met Gala red carpet look was yet another piece of evidence showing her penchant for pantless—or nearly pantsless—silhouettes.

Hailey Bieber, fashion detail, attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Another angle of Nicole Kidman's fabulous look, captured in-real-life by the MC team.

For her second appearance on the Met Gala red carpet, Tyla chose a white and black-striped, off-the-shoulder Jacquemus column gown and coordinating top coat. A diamond choker and diamond stud earrings from Pandora completed her Marilyn Monroe-inspired look.

Tyla at The Mark Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York, New York.

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It's always a treat to see a superstar support a smaller designer: for her Met Gala red carpet look, Kendall Jenner chose a custom grey look designed by Torishéju Dumi, composed of a plunging, ruched-shoulder peplum blazer and mermaid skirt.

Kendall Jenner attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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I was waiting with bated breath for Janelle Monáe—and here she is. The singer and member of tonight's hosting committee had a dramatic outfit change, removing her trompe l'oeil Thom Browne overcoat to reveal a fire engine red and black suit with striping along the legs.

Janelle Monáe attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Janelle Monáe attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Kim Kardashian loves to make a Met Gala statement. This time, she chose a crocodile leather Chrome Hearts creation, consisting of an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting gown draped in silver chains and a matching wide-brim hat.

Kim Kardashian attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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No client needed: celebrity stylist and image architect Law Roach had his own moment on the red carpet in this ink black velvet suit with contrasting satin lapels.

Law Roach attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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There's my girl! I always look forward to Cardi B on a red carpet. Tonight, in a lush green, embroidered, and sequined top coat with a capital-P Plunging ruffle blouse by Burberry, the rapper did not disappoint.

Cardi B attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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It wouldn't be a red carpet without a naked dress. Tonight, we have Halle Berry (a 2024 MC cover star) in LaQuan Smith to thank. Hers featured strategically placed black sequined stripes on a nude mesh base, with a satin bolero jacket as some top coverage.

Halle Berry attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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Madonna did indeed "strike a pose!"

Tonight also saw the revival of the kiss curl trend, as seen here with Quinta Brunson's curly-cue strand by her ear. (Psst—make sure you're keeping an eye on our 2025 Met Gala live beauty dispatch and best beauty moments, too!)

Quinta Brunson attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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One of the night's last stars to climb the Met Steps, Kylie Jenner arrived in a burlesque-inspired custom Ferragamo gown featuring a sheer, boned bodice with tweed chest cups and a thigh-baring skirt.

Kylie Jenner attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (

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Charli XCX is a brat when she's bumping that—and when she's walking the Met Gala red carpet in custom Ann Demeulemeester.

Perhaps on purpose, perhaps a happy accident—Lauryn Hill's yellow umbrella was a bright spot on tonight's red carpet.

RiRi, you're always worth the wait. As the last arrival on the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, Rihanna paid perfect homage to tonight's theme in a gorgeous bustier sewn from striped ties, a button-down pinstripe jacket repurposed into a skirt, and a cropped bolero jacket, all custom-crafted by Marc Jacobs. A maroon polka-dotted tie, blue pocket square, and off-kilter wide-brim hat tied her tailored look together.

Rihanna attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

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"The 2025 Met Gala is as notable for who lights up the carpet as who....declines to show up, period. A clique of some of the event's most notable prior attendees—including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Blake Lively, and Bella Hadid—were MIA from this year's red carpet. For Bey and Tay, 2026 will mark an entire decade since their last Met Gala. Please: Put your fans out of their fashion misery!"—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

"Marie Claire editors have been deliberating all night over our favorite red carpet moments. Now, we can finally sign off with our list of the best dressed 2025 Met Gala guests. Our team kept returning to two themes: looks that really understood the assignment, and looks that made a breathtaking first impression. More often than not, our favorites did both."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor