As the fashion industry gets ready for the 2025 Met Gala, which has the subject Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, this year’s topic explores the rich history of Black dandyism and its development in fashion history, drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s groundbreaking book Slaves to Fashion.
Black designers have continuously reinvented elegance and defied traditions on the Met Gala red carpet, from Christopher John Rogers’ architectural genius to LaQuan Smith’s sensual perfection and Kenneth Nicholson’s inventive tailoring.
In addition to adorning celebrities and their contributions, whether in the form of complete outfits or painstakingly designed accessories, the designs have told tales of ingenuity, resiliency, and heritage.
In keeping with this year’s theme, we look back at some of the most memorable Met Gala moments where Black designers made a lasting impression, honoring the clothing and accessories that have influenced the story of the most glitzy night in fashion.
SOLANGE KNOWLES
Knowles paired her gown with exquisite shoes from Brother Vellies at the Manus x Machina Met Gala 2016.
NAOMI CAMPBELL
Campbell accessorized her Valentino gown with jewelry by Nigerian designer Maki Oh at the Camp: Notes on Fashion Met Gala 2019.
JANELLE MONÁE
Monáe styled her Christian Siriano gown with accessories by Pyer Moss at the Camp: Notes on Fashion Met Gala 2019.
SERENA WILLIAMS
Williams wore custom Nike x Off-White sneakers by Virgil Abloh with her Versace gown at the Camp: Notes on Fashion Met Gala 2019.
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
Ross adorned her Moschino ensemble with sculptural earrings by Mateo New York at the Camp: Notes on Fashion Met Gala 2019.
ERYKAH BADU
Badu completed her Thom Browne ensemble with custom accessories by Black artisans at the Met Gala 2021.
LEWIS HAMILTON
Hamilton wore a romantic lace ensemble by Kenneth Nicholson at the Met Gala 2021.
KEKE PALMER
Palmer dazzled in a golden halter gown by Sergio Hudson at the Met Gala 2021.
CIARA
Ciara finished her Dundas ensemble with custom shoes designed by Sergio Hudson at the Met Gala 2021.
AYESHA CURRY
Curry stunned in a shimmering gold gown by Sergio Hudson at the Met Gala 2021.
ALICIA KEYS
Keys accessorized her AZ Factory ensemble with jewelry by Pristine by Cece at the Met Gala 2021.
CYNTHIA ERIVO
Erivo adorned her Louis Vuitton ensemble with rings by Beads Byaree at the Met Gala 2021.
GABRIELLE UNION
Union wore a sculptural white gown by Christopher John Rogers at the Met Gala 2022.
LA LA ANTHONY
Anthony turned heads in a burgundy cutout gown by LaQuan Smith at the Met Gala 2022.
TEYANA TAYLOR
Taylor layered jewelry by L’Enchanteur with her Iris van Herpen ensemble at the Met Gala 2022.
MICHAELA COEL
Coel curated and wore jewelry by Black artisans alongside her Schiaparelli couture gown at the Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty Met Gala 2023.
DANAI GURIRA
Gurira stunned in a custom gown by Taofeek Abijako at the Met Gala 2022.
USHER
Usher wore a tailored black ensemble by Wales Bonner at the Met Gala 2023.
Stay tuned for all the glamour from this years Met Gala!
