It’s finally the first Monday of May—which means this evening is the Met Gala. Officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, the Met Gala is an annual fundraising gala in New York for the museum’s Costume Institute—it’s both a major source of funding for the Institute and the grand opening for its new fashion exhibition. The event is famous for its star-studded guest list and the jaw-dropping, often avant-garde outfits that guests wear in response to the year’s theme.
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about—or what exactly this year’s theme means—here’s your guide to the Met Gala 2025 and its groundbreaking exhibition.
When Is the Met Gala 2025?
The 2025 Met Gala takes place on Monday, May 5, 2025, with red carpet arrivals around 5:30 pm ET. The red carpet livestream will begin at 6:00 pm ET and typically runs until about 8 pm ET. The exhibition will open to the public on May 10 through Oct. 26, 2025, at The Met Fifth Avenue, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall (Gallery 999, Floor 2).
Where Can You Stream the Met Gala?
The Met Gala 2025 red carpet can be watched on Vogue’s livestream as well as on E! Live from the Red Carpet!.
The Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
This year’s Costume Institute exhibition is titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style explores the importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, particularly in the United States and Europe,” the Met Museum writes. Black dandyism refers to the tradition of Black men—and, increasingly, people of all genders—using fashion, especially refined tailoring, as a powerful form of self-expression and resistance. This style takes classic European menswear and makes it one’s own, blending sharp tailoring with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and cultural significance. The Black dandy is not simply “well-dressed”—they are intentional, creative, and often subversive, using clothing to challenge stereotypes, assert humanity, and claim space in societies that have marginalized and erased Black identity.
Why This Theme, and Why Now?
The history of Black dandyism is deeply intertwined with the politics of race, power, and representation. During the 18th and 19th centuries, enslaved and free Black men in the West were often forced to adopt the dress codes of their oppressors. But many turned this imposed style into a form of resistance, using meticulous dress to assert dignity, intellect, and individuality.
The exhibition is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s influential 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Miller, who serves as a guest curator, explores how Black dandyism has shaped identity, creativity, and cultural history. As she explains, the Black dandy “reimagines the self in a different context” and “pushes boundaries—especially during the time of enslavement, to really push a boundary on who and what counts as human, even.” The show will also draw on Zora Neale Hurston’s 1934 essay Characteristics of Negro Expression.
This is the Costume Institute’s first exhibition focused solely on menswear since 2003, and the very first to spotlight only designers of color—coming at a time when conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion are urgent and ongoing.
What Will You See in the Exhibit?
The exhibit will feature a wide range of items—garments, paintings, photographs, accessories, texts, and even films—spanning from the 18th century to the present day, organized into 12 sections, each examining a different aspect of Black dandyism—Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability, Jook, Heritage, Beauty, Cool, and Cosmopolitanism. It includes 19th-century livery worn by enslaved people, zoot suits from the 1940s, contemporary designs by Virgil Abloh, Pharrell Williams, Grace Wales Bonner, and more.
The Dress Code: “Tailored for You”
This year’s dress code is “Tailored for You,” inviting guests to interpret the art of tailoring and menswear through their own lens. We’re expecting to see an array of sharply tailored suites, creative twists on classic menswear, and bold personal statements.
Who’s on the Committee?
Pharrell Williams, Anna Wintour, and Lewis Hamilton attend a press conference announcing the Spring 2025 Costume Institute exhibition “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Anna Wintour (perennial chair)
- Pharrell Williams
- A$AP Rocky (yes, Rihanna will be there)
- Colman Domingo
- Lewis Hamilton
- Honorary co-chair: LeBron James
Host Committee:
- Musicians: Andrè 3000, Janelle Monàe, Usher, Tyla, Doechii
- Actors/Filmmakers: Regina King, Spike Lee, Ayo Edebiri
- Athletes: Simone Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Angel Reese
- Fashion Notables: Dapper Dan, Grace Wales Bonner, Olivier Rousteing
- Artists/Writers: Kara Walker, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Rashid Johnson
Who are the Met Gala Red Carpet Hosts?
Every year, a small group of celebrities and influencers to the red carpet. This year’s hosts are:
- Teyana Taylor
- La La Anthony
- Ego Nwodim
- Emma Chamberlain
Who Will Be Attending the Met Gala 2025?
The full guest list is secret, but expect the biggest names in fashion, music, sports, and film to make an appearance. Here are some other confirmed attendees:
- Hailey Bieber
- Kara Walker
- Simone Biles
- Zendaya
- Jeremy Pope
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Joey King
- Anne Hathaway
- Miley Cyrus
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand’s social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.
