Met Gala 2025: "Tailored for You" – A Celebration of Black Dandyism and Personal Style

The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, embraced the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," with the dress code aptly titled "Tailored for You." This year's event celebrated the rich history and cultural significance of Black dandyism, highlighting the artistry of Black designers and the profound impact of tailored fashion on personal and collective identity.

Exploring the Theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

The accompanying Costume Institute exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," delves into over 300 years of Black sartorial excellence. Curated by Monica L. Miller and Andrew Bolton, the exhibit showcases garments, accessories, and artworks that trace the evolution of Black dandyism from the 18th century to the present day. It features designs by notable figures such as Virgil Abloh, Grace Wales Bonner, Dapper Dan, and Foday Dumbuya, illustrating how tailoring has been used as a form of self-expression, resistance, and empowerment within the Black community. 

Red Carpet Highlights

The "Tailored for You" dress code invited attendees to interpret the theme through personalised expressions of style, resulting in a diverse array of looks that honoured the essence of Black dandyism:

• Lewis Hamilton, serving as a co-chair, donned a striking silk tailcoat adorned with embroidery, a brooch, beret, and shimmering buckled shoes by Manolo Blahnik. The ensemble, designed by Wales Bonner, paid homage to Afro-Atlantic heritage and the fusion of European tailoring with African aesthetics.

• Demi Moore captivated onlookers in a Thom Browne gown resembling a men's necktie, featuring over 1.4 million beads and taking more than 7,600 hours to craft. The intricate design echoed the theme's focus on tailoring and personal expression. 

• Gigi Hadid embraced vintage glamour in a golden sequined Miu Miu gown, complemented by retro Victory Roll-styled hair. Her look celebrated the fusion of tailoring and glamour, inspired by pioneering American designer Zelda Wynn Valdes. 

• Angela Bassett, making her Met Gala debut, embodied the theme in a blue velvet jumpsuit layered over a sheer suit and black tie, accessorised with a silver purse, black cane, and black hat. Her ensemble paid tribute to the historical significance of Black dandyism. 

The Significance for Emerging Designers and Stylists

The 2025 Met Gala underscored the importance of storytelling through fashion, particularly in celebrating cultural heritage and individuality. For emerging designers and stylists, it serves as a powerful reminder of how tailoring and personal style can convey profound narratives and challenge societal norms. The event highlighted the potential for fashion to act as a medium for cultural expression and identity formation.

COLABO's Perspective

At COLABO, we champion the fusion of tradition and innovation in fashion. The Met Gala's celebration of Black dandyism aligns with our mission to support emerging talent and foster collaborations that honour cultural legacies while pushing creative boundaries. We encourage designers and stylists to draw inspiration from this year's theme, exploring how tailoring can be a canvas for storytelling and empowerment.

Join the Movement

Are you an emerging designer or stylist ready to showcase your work and collaborate with like-minded creatives? Join COLABO today and become part of a community dedicated to redefining fashion through inclusivity, innovation, and cultural appreciation.