There are red carpets, and then there’s the Met Gala — that rare night when fashion stops being just clothes and becomes a full-blown cultural conversation. On Monday night in New York City, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed into a living runway of imagination, identity, and homage as guests turned out in show-stopping interpretations of this year’s theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
For the first time in over two decades, the Gala centred exclusively on menswear — but this wasn’t about standard tuxedos or businesslike blazers. This was a masterclass in reinvention.
Inspired by the Costume Institute’s new exhibition on the “Black dandy,” the theme invited designers and celebrities alike to explore the rich history, elegance, and defiance that have long shaped Black sartorial expression. Think exaggerated suiting, heritage references, and an exploration of masculinity through a lens that was both bold and beautiful.
The result? A visual feast of fashion where tailoring became theatrical, subversive, and deeply personal. Guests played with structure and silhouette, mixing nostalgia with novelty. Traditional menswear codes were challenged, expanded, and, in some cases, completely rewritten — and not just by the men. Women, too, leaned into sharp shoulders, layered suits, and architectural cuts, proving once again that tailoring knows no gender when it comes to style.
There was drama. There was reverence. There was joy. From sweeping capes to monochrome statements, from nods to iconic figures in Black fashion history to quietly powerful tributes, the night reminded us that style isn’t just about looking good — it’s about saying something.
And while we’ll get into our favourite looks in just a bit, let’s take a moment to appreciate what this year’s Met Gala did so well: it told a story. One stitched with history, pride, rebellion, and beauty. A reminder that Black style has always been more than aesthetic — it’s been a tool for visibility, freedom, and reinvention.
Now, if you’re ready, here are some of the most unforgettable looks of the night…
