Dimitrious Kambouris
Zendaya wearing Louis Vuitton
On Monday, May 5th, the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted the annual MET Gala, a glamorous evening of designer dreams. The evening was attended by a plethora of renowned artists, including, but not limited to: Sabrina Carpenter, Zendaya, Dua Lipa, Colman Domingo, and Alicia Keys, all of whom arrived in full glam. This year’s gala raised an astounding $31 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, according to The New York Times.
The dress code of this year’s Met Gala was “Tailored for You,” aligning with the Met’s 2025 spring exhibit, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The exhibit centers around the influence of Black culture in the fashion world, particularly highlighting dandyism, a classical style most popular in aristocratic societies of the past. Once considered a rebellious form of self-expression, dandyism defied the rigid expectations of society and turned fashion into a political and cultural statement.
Given the theme’s openness to interpretation, the red carpet featured an eclectic mix of styles and designers. CNN reported that many guests—especially men—chose looks inspired by period fashion, often described as “Bridgerton style” or “Regal Chic.” “I loved watching all of the different outfits that are so unique,” said Victoria Brock, a sophomore. “I’ve always liked period pieces, and I thought it was really cool how the artists were able to take a pop culture spin on it at the gala.”
While some critics claimed certain attendees failed to put on an outfit that was amazing and fit the theme, others were celebrated for their creativity and bold expression. Standout looks ranged from modern takes on Edwardian tailoring to vibrant reimaginings of historical silhouettes that honored Black excellence through fashion. Sophie Fox, a sophomore at Indian Hills, claimed, “I think this year, I saw the most designs that followed the theme while taking creative liberties to tie them into today’s style. My favorite was Rihanna’s.”
Social media was quick to erupt with praise, memes, and critiques. Some fans applauded the risks taken by stars like Colman Domingo, whose gold-embroidered ensemble nodded to Harlem Renaissance glamour, while others questioned whether a few attendees truly understood the cultural roots of the theme. As with every Met Gala, the evening sparked conversation not just about fashion, but about history, identity, and how art can continue to evolve.