Met Gala 2025 Celebrates Black Fashion with Jaw-Dropping Looks and a Sweet Baby Surprise

The 2025 Met Gala wasn’t just another glamorous red carpet event—it was a historic celebration of Black fashion, creativity, and identity. With the theme “Tailored for You: Superfine Black Style,” the night honored the legacy of Black dandyism, a movement that has shaped fashion, culture, and self-expression for centuries. From Rihanna’s pregnancy reveal to jaw-dropping outfits inspired by menswear, the gala was a vibrant mix of tradition, rebellion, and pure star power.

Rihanna Steals the Show (Again!)

As always, Rihanna saved her grand entrance for last—and it was worth the wait. The music and fashion icon walked the rain-soaked carpet in a dramatic Marc Jacobs pinstripe suit, her baby bump proudly on display. The outfit featured tied sleeves that cascaded into a bustle, paired with a wide-brimmed hat and mermaid-style hair. Earlier that day, she’d announced her third pregnancy, and the Met Gala became the perfect stage to share her joy. Her partner, A$AP Rocky, later confirmed the news, calling it a “blessing” and thanking fans for their love.

The Theme: Black Dandyism Takes Center Stage

This year’s Met Gala was groundbreaking. For the first time, it focused entirely on Black designers and menswear-inspired fashion. The theme paid tribute to the “Black dandy”—a figure who uses sharp tailoring, bold patterns, and fearless style to challenge stereotypes and celebrate Black identity. Think of it as fashion with a message: elegance as resistance.

The red carpet became a runway for creativity. Stars blended classic menswear elements—like pinstripes, suits, and top hats—with feminine twists, proving that style has no rules. Australian fashion expert Tamara Leacock summed it up: “This wasn’t just about clothes. It was about storytelling, history, and pride.”

Standout Looks: Suits, Sparkles, and Surprises

Zendaya kicked things off in a crisp white Louis Vuitton pantsuit, pairing it with a matching wide-brimmed hat. Simple yet striking, her look screamed confidence. Meanwhile, Janelle Monáe turned heads in an exaggerated Thom Browne pinstripe ensemble, blending drama with sleek tailoring.

Teyana Taylor brought the heat in a fiery red zoot suit designed by Ruth E. Carter (known for Black Panther costumes). With a feathered top hat, cane, and cape embroidered with “Harlem Rose,” she channeled 1940s Harlem glamour. “She didn’t just wear the outfit—she became the story,” said designer Samala Cronin.

Doja Cat stayed true to her wild reputation in a Marc Jacobs bodysuit covered in tiger stripes and broad shoulders. But it was Cardi B who owned the power moves, strutting in a plunging Burberry pantsuit with green contacts to match her ivy-themed look.

For the men, co-host A$AP Rocky kept it cool in a self-designed black suit and diamond-studded umbrella. “Anna Wintour told me to wear a Black designer, so I wore me,” he joked. Meanwhile, Pharrell Williams stunned in a Louis Vuitton jacket covered in 15,000 pearls arranged like pinstripes.

OMG Moments: From Top Hats to Twerking

The night wasn’t short of surprises. Megan Thee Stallion twerked in a thigh-high slit Michael Kors gown, while Dua Lipa channeled 1920s flair in a feathery Chanel dress. Madonna, ever the rebel, rocked a taupe tuxedo with a cigar, and Kylie Jenner fused menswear with corset drama in a Ferragamo creation.

But the biggest showstopper? Whoopi Goldberg. The legend arrived in a Thom Browne sequined coat, suit dress, and top hat, accessorized with silver-tipped fingers. “She didn’t need to shout. Her quiet power said it all,” Cronin noted.

Why This Met Gala Mattered

Beyond the glitter, the 2025 Met Gala made history. It celebrated Black designers, spotlighted overlooked cultural movements, and challenged fashion’s norms. For Australian expert Lynn Mathuthu, the night was a reminder: “Black style isn’t a trend—it’s a legacy of resilience and joy.”

The accompanying Costume Institute exhibit, Slaves to Fashion, digs deeper into this history, exploring how Black individuals used clothing to reclaim dignity and identity. As guests like Colman Domingo (in a royal blue cape honoring late icon André Leon Talley) proved, fashion is more than fabric—it’s a language of pride.

The Final Takeaway

This year’s Met Gala wasn’t just a party. It was a love letter to Black creativity, past and present. From Rihanna’s baby bump to Teyana Taylor’s Harlem-inspired cape, every detail celebrated the beauty of Blackness in all its forms. As A$AP Rocky put it: “We showed the world what we’ve been cooking up.” And honestly? The world loved every bite.