Met Gala 2025: Who Ate, Who Starved, and Who Needs to Be Banned
By Trinity Barnette
The Met Gala Is the Hunger Games of Fashion—And This Year, the Assignment Was Tailored for You
Every first Monday in May, the Met Gala transforms from a fundraiser into a battlefield—where celebrities, stylists, and designers risk it all in hopes of making fashion history. The stakes? Immortality. The risk? A viral flop. But this year’s red carpet wasn’t just about couture—it was about culture.
The 2025 Met Gala theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, a celebration of Black fashion throughout history, with a particular focus on the legacy of the Black dandy—a figure who challenged societal norms through sharp tailoring and unapologetic self-expression (Met Museum). The accompanying dress code, titled “Tailored for You,” asked guests to interpret this theme through the lens of menswear and suiting, blending historical references with modern reinvention (The Cut, CBS News).
Rooted in resistance and refined in elegance, the Black dandy’s legacy is one of fashion as power—style as both statement and survival. And for once, the assignment wasn’t vague or open to interpretation. It was direct. And some guests? They devoured it like their careers depended on it. Others… well, let’s just say they should’ve been left on read.
So let’s get into it. Who ate? Who starved? And who needs to be banned from the Met Gala guest list indefinitely?
Colman Domingo: King of the Carpet (Twice)
If the Met Gala is fashion’s Super Bowl, Colman Domingo didn’t just win—he shut out the competition and then lapped them for fun. The Emmy-winning actor showed up in not one, but two headline-stealing looks that turned the red carpet into a runway of reverence, legacy, and unapologetic flair. His first ensemble, a custom royal blue Valentino cape adorned with ornate silver embroidery, wasn’t just stunning—it was spiritual. A tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley, the outfit echoed Talley’s regal 2007 Met Gala look with commanding ecclesiastical energy. It was fashion as history, fashion as gospel, and Domingo wore it like a sermon.
But he didn’t stop there. Later that night, he revealed a second look—and let’s just say, Colman Domingo doesn’t know how to miss. Swapping grandeur for retro sophistication, his follow-up was a vintage-inspired dream: a black-and-white windowpane checkered blazer, gray wool trousers, and a polka-dot pussybow blouse tied beneath a sculptural brooch that looked like it belonged in a museum. It was Harlem Renaissance meets Studio 54, and it sealed his status as the best-dressed man of the night. No debate.
What He Wore:
Look 1: Custom Valentino cape lined with silver embroidery, inspired by André Leon Talley
Look 2: Checkered blazer, gray trousers, polka-dot pussybow blouse, oversized floral brooch
Source: Elle Magazine – Colman Domingo Met Gala 2025 Photos
Anna Wintour: Icy, Elegant, and Unbothered
The queen of the Met didn’t just show up—she arrived as a living institution. Anna Wintour glided down the carpet in an icy blue coat layered over a silver brocade gown, cinched delicately at the waist. Her signature bob was untouched. Her presence? Imperial. While others fought for attention, Anna whispered, “I am the standard.”
Everything about her look was a quiet flex: the subtle florals, the opalescent shimmer, the soft nod to the garden theme. No theatrics. Just timeless dominance. She didn’t need to prove herself—she is the proof.
What She Wore: Icy blue overcoat layered atop a silver floral brocade gown.
Source: Parade Magazine
Lewis Hamilton: Soft Power in Cream Couture
Lewis Hamilton pulled up like the romantic lead of a Bridgerton/F1 crossover—and stole the show. Wearing an ivory double-breasted suit masterfully tailored to perfection, Hamilton exuded aristocratic energy without arrogance. He paired the look with gold jewelry, a pearl-and-crystal brooch, and a beret that made it clear: this was a man who knows his angles and his influence.
This wasn’t just red carpet dressing—it was refined masculinity at its finest. Romantic, poetic, and quietly powerful. Lewis didn’t just attend the Met Gala—he ruled it softly.
What He Wore: Ivory double-breasted suit, gold jewelry, pearl-and-crystal brooch, and a cream beret.
Source: Vogue
Teyana Taylor: A Harlem Rose in Full Bloom
Teyana Taylor didn’t walk the Met Gala carpet—she turned it into her stage. Collaborating with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Taylor honored the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” in a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble that blended Harlem swagger with divine feminine power.
She wore a sharply tailored gray pinstripe suit beneath a maroon velvet cloak adorned with jeweled embellishments and a sash embroidered with “Harlem Rose,” a nod to her 2018 song. The accessories? A maroon fedora, silky durag, cherry red gloves, and a cane dripping with David Yurman jewelry. It was a love letter to Black identity, artistry, and evolution.
What She Wore: Custom Marc Jacobs gray pinstripe suit, maroon velvet cloak, “Harlem Rose” sash, maroon fedora, durag, red gloves, cane, and David Yurman jewelry.
Source: ABC News
Ego Nwodim: Architectural Elegance in Black Origami
Ego Nwodim didn’t walk the Met Gala carpet—she commanded it like a fashion general. Wearing custom Christopher John Rogers, she served sculptural drama with the precision of a seasoned assassin. Her sharply tailored black blazer exploded into a dramatic peplum of layered tulle and ruffles, giving the illusion of high fashion origami mid-bloom. The look was all edge and elegance: sleek cigarette trousers, lethal red heels, and a silhouette so structured it could cut glass. Her jeweled headpiece added the final flourish—vintage glamour dipped in vengeance.
But it wasn’t just about the tailoring. It was the attitude. Ego looked like she just closed a billion-dollar deal, stole your man, and rewrote the history of red carpet power moves—all before dessert. Every angle was a masterclass in modern couture: bold, fearless, and unforgettable. Christopher John Rogers didn’t just dress her. He armed her.
What She Wore: Custom Christopher John Rogers structured black blazer and pants with peplum ruffle detailing, red pointed-toe heels, crystal headpiece
Source: Fashionista
Sarah Snook: Tailored Drama With a Crimson Undercurrent
Sarah Snook stepped onto the carpet like a gothic heiress ready to rewrite the will—and the dress code. Wearing a structured black look that straddled the line between Victorian villain and modern-day matriarch, the Succession star embraced power dressing with theatrical flair. The asymmetrical lapel, cinched waist, and crimson-lined train delivered high-drama elegance without veering into costume. And the brooches? Iconic. Each one looked like it held a secret from the Roy family vault.
It was a look that said: I’ll close the deal, bury the body, and still make the best-dressed list. No fuss, no noise—just cold-blooded couture.
What She Wore: Structured black suit with peplum waist and red-lined train by Thom Browne, brooch embellishments
Source: Yahoo Entertainment
Jeff Goldblum: Dark Wizard Meets Couture Crypt Keeper
Jeff Goldblum didn’t walk the carpet—he emerged from the shadows like a fashion warlock conjured by Thom Browne himself. Cloaked in a spellbinding black floor-length overcoat with sculptural shoulders, Goldblum delivered a masterclass in how to age with edge and elegance. Beneath the coat was a layered black waistcoat and shirt, paired with trousers that whispered “I haunt art galleries in Paris for fun.”
The look balanced eerie and ethereal—equal parts Edgar Allan Poe and Vogue runway. With round spectacles perched like a final enchantment and a silver brooch that looked like it could hold ancient secrets, Goldblum leaned into the theme like a man who knows he’s the moment. And he was.
What He Wore: All-black ensemble by Thom Browne, including a tailored overcoat with exaggerated shoulders, matching waistcoat and trousers, silver brooch, and signature spectacles.
Source: Esquire
Jennie Kim: Modern Royalty in Alaïa
Jennie Kim proved, once again, that elegance doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Arriving in a white custom Alaïa gown with a cinched corset and dramatic high slit, the BLACKPINK star gave us 90s supermodel edge with K-pop precision. The look was sculptural, minimalist, and lethal—all at once. Her black opera gloves added contrast, while her slicked-back bun and diamond drop earrings completed the silent slay.
Jennie didn’t just attend the Met Gala. She floated through it like a couture ghost—hauntingly beautiful and absolutely unforgettable.
What She Wore: Custom white corseted gown with a thigh-high slit by Alaïa, paired with black opera gloves and diamond drop earrings.
Source: Teen Vogue
Alton Mason: Victorian Vampire Meets Supermodel Swagger
Alton Mason turned the carpet into a runway séance. Dressed in a sculpted black corset, lace blouse, velvet gloves, and a pearl chain harness, the supermodel resurrected the ghost of opulence past and gave it a Gen Z twist. His tailored black trousers and floor-length train added just the right amount of drama—like if Dracula booked a cover shoot for Dazed & Confused.
He didn’t walk. He levitated. Fashion historians, take note.
What He Wore: Black corset over lace blouse, velvet opera gloves, pearl chain harness, tailored trousers with a long black train.
Source: Alton Mason via Instagram
Khaby Lame: Comedy King Turned Couture Icon
Khaby Lame clocked the Met carpet like he was born on it. In a stunning black-and-white Louis Vuitton tuxedo with beaded embroidery and a dramatic satin sash, the TikTok star redefined influencer elegance. He kept his trademark straight-faced charm but brought high-fashion polish to the night’s theme.
And when he hit his iconic “why are you making it complicated?” hand gesture while dripping in designer? That was the tweet.
What He Wore: Custom Louis Vuitton tuxedo with beaded embroidery and satin sash, styled with classic black dress shoes and a diamond brooch.
Source: SoapCentral
Rihanna & A$AP Rocky: The Reigning Royals of the Met
Every year, the Met Gala has its stars—but then there’s Rihanna. And when she shows up with A$AP Rocky on her arm? It’s not an entrance. It’s a coronation.
Rihanna, draped in a custom Thom Browne pinstripe maternity suit, turned pregnancy into power. The exaggerated silhouette—featuring wide-leg trousers, a dramatically cinched waist, and a cascading train—was pure theatrical brilliance. Accessorized with a polka-dotted necktie, layered brooches, and a slanted wide-brimmed hat that could block out the sun and your opinions, she embodied high fashion and high command. The look was less about femininity and more about dominance. She wasn’t dressing for the theme—she was the theme. It screamed, “I run this carpet. Pregnant or not.”
By her side, A$AP Rocky gave us a sharp, subdued counterbalance—effortlessly suave in a tailored black three-piece suit and long coat with subtle Gothic undertones. A silver-handled cane and black sunglasses elevated the look from clean-cut to cutthroat. He wasn’t trying to upstage her—he was playing his role perfectly: the stylish consort to a queen.
Together, they walked like a headline in motion. If the Met Gala were chess, Rihanna was the queen, Rocky the knight, and the rest of the room? Pawns.
What They Wore: Rihanna in custom Thom Browne
A$AP Rocky in custom Bottega Veneta
Sources:
Vogue – Rihanna’s 2025 Met Gala Look
Saquon Barkley: Classic Suit, Franchise Energy
Saquon Barkley didn’t just pull up to the Met Gala—he pulled up like a franchise player who knows his worth. Dressed in a custom black tux by Allentown native Terrence Taylor, the Philadelphia Eagles star proved that timeless elegance doesn’t need embellishment to make a statement. The three-piece suit was sharply tailored and accented with a crisp white pocket square, a classic bow tie, and a confidence that said, “I look good and I can outrun your whole team.”
It was giving old-school respectability with new-age dominance. The man didn’t fumble a single detail.
What He Wore: Custom black tuxedo with satin lapels, classic black bow tie, pocket square, and black patent dress shoes.
Source: WFMZ News
Mona Patel: Futuristic Femme Fatale
Mona Patel came to the Met Gala in boss mode, looking like a tech mogul from the year 3025. The Indian-American CEO wore a kinetic spine shirt that moved—yes, moved—every time she did. Her look, paired with a robotic companion, was a head-turning mix of AI couture and bold futurism. The architectural silhouette, complete with metallic detailing and avant-garde flair, blurred the lines between fashion and function.
She didn’t just serve. She uploaded a new standard.
What She Wore: Kinetic spine shirt, metallic accents, structured pants, and a robotic “date” accessory that became a viral moment.
Source: The Week
Hunter Schafer: Couture Commander in Chief
Hunter Schafer walked the carpet like she was about to lead a fashion coup—and win. Wearing custom Thom Browne, she combined ghostly elegance with sharp military precision. Her double-breasted white jacket, wide-leg black trousers, and structured black cape felt like a blend of classic tailoring and eerie regality. The crisp white gloves and sculpted beret sealed the look like a final order.
If style were war, Hunter just conquered.
What She Wore: Thom Browne custom look: white double-breasted blazer, black wide-leg trousers, draped cape, white gloves, and a sleek white beret.
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade: Power Couple, Period
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade reminded everyone that chemistry is the best accessory. Gabrielle wore a sleek, strapless black gown with a flowing white-and-gold cape train that whispered luxury with every step. Dwyane matched her energy in a pearl-white tailcoat with a sequined floral vest that turned a classic look into something bold and personal.
They didn’t coordinate. They choreographed—and stole the show.
What They Wore: Gabrielle Union: Strapless black gown with cape train and diamond jewelry.
Dwyane Wade: White tailcoat, floral sequin vest, and black trousers.
Source: Times of India
Zendaya: Bridal Dandyism in Louis Vuitton
Zendaya arrived at the Met Gala 2025 embodying the essence of the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Styled by her longtime collaborator Law Roach, she wore a custom white three-piece Louis Vuitton suit designed by Pharrell Williams. The ensemble featured flared trousers, a tailored blazer with silver snake detailing, a matching vest and tie, and a dramatic wide-brimmed hat. Her look paid homage to the iconic style of Bianca Jagger and the historical significance of the zoot suit in Black fashion culture. Completing her look with a sleek bun and minimal diamond jewelry, Zendaya’s appearance was a masterclass in modern elegance and thematic precision.
What She Wore: Custom white three-piece Louis Vuitton suit with flared trousers, tailored blazer featuring silver snake detailing, matching vest and tie, wide-brimmed hat, styled by Law Roach.
Jodie Turner-Smith: Equestrian Elegance in Burberry
Jodie Turner-Smith made a powerful statement at the Met Gala 2025 in a custom Burberry ensemble inspired by Selika Lazevski, a Black equestrian from Belle Époque Paris. The burgundy leather outfit featured a cinched waist, a full bustle, and a coordinating top hat, reimagining Victorian silhouettes through a contemporary lens. Styled by Law Roach, the look honored the historical roots of Black dandyism while showcasing modern craftsmanship and design.
What She Wore:
Custom burgundy leather Burberry ensemble with cinched waist, full bustle, and coordinating top hat, styled by Law Roach.
Source: https://people.com/met-gala-2025-jodie-turner-smith-burberry-equestrian-look-photos-11722495
Coco Jones: Modern Glamour in Manish Malhotra
Coco Jones embraced the Met Gala 2025 theme with a stunning debut in a custom Manish Malhotra ensemble. Her look featured a low-cut cream-colored suit jacket adorned with lace embroidery and pearls, paired with matching trousers. The standout element was her dramatic XXL braid that nearly reached the floor, adding a bold touch to her sophisticated appearance. Completing her look with soft glam makeup, including snatched eyes and a nude lip, Coco Jones exemplified modern elegance and thematic relevance.
What She Wore: Custom cream-colored lace-embroidered suit by Manish Malhotra, adorned with pearls, paired with matching trousers, styled with an XXL floor-length braid.
Source: https://www.glamour.com/story/coco-jones-met-gala-hair-2025
Who Starved: When Couture Collapsed and the Assignment Was Fumbled
Now that we’ve praised the ones who understood the assignment, it’s time to shift gears—to those who clearly never opened the syllabus. For every jaw-dropping masterpiece on the Met Gala carpet, there’s always someone who shows up looking like they got dressed in the dark with a Pinterest board from 2013. And listen, not every miss is a total disaster—some were just confusing, off-theme, or deeply unserious. But others? Crimes against fabric. Violations of taste. Offenses that should result in immediate exile from next year’s guest list.
So let’s unpack the fashion felonies. Who flopped? Who failed? And who needs to be banned (with love)?
Lisa from BLACKPINK: A Controversial Misstep
Lisa’s Met Gala debut was overshadowed by controversy. Her outfit featured what appeared to be Rosa Parks’ face stitched into the fabric, sparking online backlash. While aiming for a statement, the execution felt misguided and detracted from the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
What She Wore: A black ensemble with controversial imagery.
Source: E! Online
Pharrell Williams: Underwhelming in Louis Vuitton
As a co-chair, expectations were high for Pharrell. However, his white double-breasted Louis Vuitton suit lacked the flair anticipated for such a role. The look felt safe and didn’t fully embrace the evening’s theme.
What He Wore: White double-breasted Louis Vuitton suit.
Source: WWD
Maya Hawke & Sadie Sink: A Duo That Didn’t Deliver
The “Stranger Things” stars reunited on the red carpet, but their outfits failed to impress. Maya’s pale pink gown and Sadie’s black lace dress lacked cohesion and didn’t align with the gala’s theme.
What They Wore: Maya in a pale pink gown; Sadie in a black lace dress.
Source: E! Online
Anne Hathaway: A Missed Opportunity
Anne’s tailored look, featuring a voluminous ponytail, was intended as a tribute to André Leon Talley. However, the ensemble felt disjointed and didn’t capture the essence of the theme.
What She Wore: Tailored ensemble with a voluminous ponytail.
Source: People
Pamela Anderson: Bold Hair, Bland Dress
Pamela debuted a new hairstyle that turned heads, but her silver gown lacked the impact expected for the Met Gala. The look didn’t resonate with the event’s focus on Black style and tailoring.
What She Wore: Silver gown with a new hairstyle.
Source: Men’s Journal
Heidi Klum: A Return That Fell Flat
After a 12-year hiatus, Heidi’s return in a black strapless gown was underwhelming. The dress didn’t offer any innovative take on the theme and felt like a safe choice.
What She Wore: Black strapless gown.
Source: InStyle
Savannah James: Solo Appearance, Solo Impact
Attending without LeBron, Savannah’s burgundy ensemble lacked the boldness and thematic relevance expected. The outfit didn’t make a lasting impression on the red carpet.
What She Wore: Burgundy ensemble.
Source: E! Online
Lorde: Nearly Naked, Nearly Thematic
Lorde’s silver ensemble featured a floating bandeau top and lace-detailed skirt. While daring, the outfit didn’t effectively tie into the gala’s theme, making it feel more like a fashion risk than a thematic statement.
What She Wore: Silver ensemble with floating bandeau top.
Source: People
Gayle King: Space-Themed Confusion
Gayle’s outfit, described as resembling a “space trip,” left many puzzled. The look didn’t align with the gala’s focus and felt out of place among the tailored ensembles.
What She Wore: Space-themed outfit.
Source: Daily Mail
Shakira’s pink gown with a massive train was more prom than Met Gala. The outfit lacked the sophistication and thematic relevance expected at the event.
What She Wore: Pink gown with a massive train.
Source: Instagram
Regina King: Artistic Embroidery Miss
Regina’s bespoke suit featured artistic embroidery but failed to make a strong impact. The ensemble didn’t fully capture the essence of the theme.
What She Wore: Bespoke suit with artistic embroidery.
Source: People
Vera Wang: Unrecognizable Appearance
Vera’s look, featuring a new hairstyle and oversized sunglasses, made her nearly unrecognizable. The outfit didn’t resonate with the gala’s theme and felt disconnected.
What She Wore: White dress with new hairstyle and oversized sunglasses.
Source: People
Clairo’s Valentino outfit, while structured, didn’t align with the gala’s theme. The look felt more like a fashion editorial than a tribute to Black tailoring.
What She Wore: Valentino ensemble.
Source: Cosmopolitan
Amelia Gray: Red Lace Overload
Amelia’s red lace Valentino bodysuit was overwhelming and didn’t tie into the theme. The outfit felt more like a costume than a couture statement.
What She Wore: Red lace Valentino bodysuit.
Source: Cosmopolitan
Joey’s custom Miu Miu look lacked the sophistication expected at the Met Gala. The ensemble didn’t effectively interpret the theme.
What She Wore: Custom Miu Miu ensemble.
Source: Just Jared
Joe Burrow: Quarterback Fumble
Joe’s outfit landed him on both best and worst-dressed lists. The look lacked the boldness and thematic connection expected at the gala.
What He Wore: Unspecified ensemble.
Source: Cincinnati.com
Closing Thoughts on Who Starved:
Listen—flopping at the Met Gala is one thing. But flopping this hard at an event built to honor Black fashion history and tailored excellence? That’s a different level of tone-deaf. Whether they played it too safe, misunderstood the theme entirely, or came dressed for a different event altogether (looking at you, space-cadet Gayle), the following celebrities served confusion, not couture. Some missed. Some misunderstood. And some? Some need to be banned from attending ever again.
Let’s get into it.
Who Needs to Be Banned: The Repeat Offenders and Unholy Offenses
This list isn’t just about bad outfits. It’s about consistent crimes against fashion, missing the assignment so egregiously that we have no choice but to escort them to the exit. Some of y’all didn’t just starve. You showed up hungry, disoriented, and wearing confusion as couture.
Shakira: The Met Gala Is Not a Quinceañera
That massive hot pink dress? Unforgivable. Not only did it ignore the theme, but it looked like something ripped from the clearance section of a Sweet 16 magazine. You’re Shakira, not a contestant on Say Yes to the Dress: Barbie Edition.
Reason for Ban: 14 yards of tulle and zero concept.
Joey King: Miu Miu and Misinformed
This was her Met Gala debut—and honestly, it should’ve been her last. The proportions were awkward, the styling was giving prom night in Ohio, and the theme execution? Nonexistent.
Reason for Ban: Missed so hard on her first try, we don’t need to see the second.
Regina King: Not the Queen of This Court
The embroidery was cute—in theory. But the overall execution felt confused and half-committed. This is the Met, not a press junket. The tailoring was underwhelming, and she’s way too legendary to be this forgettable.
Reason for Ban: A disappointing swing from someone we expect better from.
Anne Hathaway: André Wouldn’t Approve
We love Anne. But this was a misfire. The ponytail, the proportions, the off-theme styling—it just didn’t deliver. The ensemble felt more like a Vogue editorial reject than a Met Gala masterpiece.
Reason for Ban: Fashion crimes in the first degree.
Gayle King: Launched Into the Wrong Galaxy
It wasn’t just the outfit—it was the whole vibe. She showed up dressed for Star Trek: The Pageant Years while everyone else was giving Harlem Renaissance. Nothing about this was tailored, thematic, or sensible.
Reason for Ban: Astronomical misinterpretation of the assignment.
Heidi Klum: Give the Fabric Back
Twelve years off and this is what she brought? A boring black dress with the excitement of a funeral brochure. Heidi—you’re a Project Runway host. You know better.
Reason for Ban: Wasted potential. Again.
The singer-songwriter looked like she wandered into the gala by accident after filming an indie music video in Brooklyn. The hair? Flat. The outfit? Confused. The vibe? Trying to be nonchalant but ended up just… messy.
Reason for Ban: Because someone had to say it.
Amelia Gray: What In the Lace-Lined Hell?
She’s been trying to prove she’s high fashion for a while now, but this look was a theatrical misstep. It gave Halloween lingerie and not in the good way.
Reason for Ban: Lace overdose. Disqualified on sight.
Emma Chamberlain: Back at It Again with the Confusion
At this point, she’s a repeat offender. She always pushes boundaries—but pushing them into chaos doesn’t make it couture. The dress barely stayed on, and the look had zero sense of homage to Black tailoring or style.
Reason for Ban: Two strikes too many. Time to retire.
Final Thoughts:
The Met Gala is not a costume party for clout. It’s a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and creativity. When you’re invited to honor Black fashion and tailoring—and you show up looking like you got dressed in the dark—you don’t just flop. You offend. And that’s why these celebs don’t just go on the worst-dressed list. They go on the banned list.
