The Star-Studded Event and Its Purpose
The MET Gala, an extravagant fundraising event held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, took place on the first Monday of May. This year’s theme, dedicated to Black fashion through the diaspora in the United States, saw a dazzling array of celebrities gracing the red carpet.
Notable Attendees and Their Ensembles
- Teyana Taylor: The actress and composer made a striking appearance with an intricate outfit, including a silver-chain adorned waistcoat, a plumage hat, and a resplendent rose-patterned cape.
- Diana Ross: The afro-American singer donned an extensive white cape, adding to the evening’s grandeur.
- Anna Wintour: As the event’s grand priestess and Vogue’s editor-in-chief, her blue cape with a white collar paid tribute to the late Andre Leon Talley, Vogue’s first African-American creative director.
- Colman Domingo: One of the 2025 co-chairs, his blue cape with a white collar honored the memory of Andre Leon Talley.
- Lewis Hamilton: The Formula 1 driver looked dapper in a cream suit, matching bowler hat, and sparkling diamonds.
- Pharrell Williams: Now a designer for Louis Vuitton, he wore a short white jacket embellished with pearls.
The Exhibition’s Theme and Relevance
This year’s MET Gala theme aligns with the Costume Institute’s exhibition, which explores American fashion from the 18th century to the present. The exhibition focuses on how Black communities in the U.S. and Europe initially adopted certain styles, later reclaiming and reinventing them.
An example is Black dandyism, an aesthetic rooted in slavery that symbolizes elegance and liberation.
This exhibition comes five years after the “Black Lives Matter” protests following George Floyd’s death, and in a time when President Donald Trump is cutting funds for diversity initiatives.
“The exhibition was planned long ago, but its significance and purpose have grown amidst the current political climate,” said Anna Wintour to AFP.
“Our Talents, Our History”
Expected guests include Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, filmmaker Spike Lee, and rising rap star Doechii. However, basketball legend LeBron James, originally set to be the honorary president, withdrew due to a knee injury.
Pharrell Williams, whose brand sponsors the Costume Institute’s exhibition, emphasized the importance of celebrating cultures born from slavery, which still impacts American society.
“We are the survivors of perhaps the worst trials ever endured by a group of human beings, and not only have we survived, but we’ve carried music, culture, beauty, and a universal language across an ocean and four centuries,” Williams stated.
“This gala will celebrate us, our talents, history, food, resilience and beauty, style, and strength.”
Fundraising Details
The MET Gala raises funds for the Costume Institute. As reported by The New York Times, a seat at the 2024 dinner cost $75,000, while a full table went for $350,000. The renowned Manhattan museum stated that the previous year’s edition raised approximately $26 million.
