Jodie Turner-Smith
The inspiration behind Jodie Turner-Smith’s ensemble was Selika Lazevski, a Black equestrian who lived in Belle Époque Paris, and whose existence is only documented in six black-and-white photographs taken in 1891, which are now in the collection of the French Ministry of Culture. Burberry and Law Roach collaborated to bring together Turner-Smith’s 2025 Met Gala look, reimagining the historical pieces from the photographs, including the top hat, bustle coat and corset.
Zendaya
Audiences tune in every year to see the magic Zendaya and long-time collaborator Law Roach will bring to life. For the 2025 Met Gala, Zendaya wore a three-piece Louis Vuitton suit that paid homage to the Zoot suit, a staple of Black Dandyism. In addition, it served as a reference to a look worn by Diana Ross in Mahogany, a 1975 film directed by Berry Gordy. The suit was modernised for 2025 with a body-loving cut and completed with a wide-brimmed hat and snake brooch affixed to the back.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross made her return to the Met Gala carpet after a 22-year hiatus, keeping family close by embroidering her ensemble with the names of her five children and eight grandchildren - thankfully the 18-foot-long cape offered more than enough space. The gown, adorned with crystals and beads, was designed in collaboration with Ross, Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie and Ross’ son, Evan. The icon accessorised with a feathered hat that complemented the feather-trimmed cape and hemline.
André 3000
André 3000 is arguably the epitome of modern Dandyism and his Met Gala look had multiple meanings. The most obvious came by way of the grand piano strapped to his back; this was to ensure audiences knew that the artist had surprise-dropped an instrumental piano album moments before stepping onto the carpet. As for the navy-blue jumpsuit, it marked the return - and rebuilding - of André’s menswear brand, now rebranded to Benji Bixby. The Burberry x Benji Bixby ensemble also referenced the rapper’s affinity for graphic jumpsuits during the (glorious) Outkast era.
Megan Thee Stallion
Black history-makers, icons and sartorial trailblazers weren’t only honoured on the 2025 Met Gala red carpet through fashion. Megan Thee Stallion channeled Josephine Baker with a cascading three-tiered ponytail akin to the one Baker wore during a performance in the '50s. As well as an activist, Baker was the first Black actress to star in a major motion picture and one of the most successful African American performers in French history. Adding to the celebration, Megan’s gown was a tribute to the elaborate, glamorous gowns worn by American singer and actress Eartha Kitt.
Colman Domingo
This year’s Met Gala co-chair had multiple inspirations behind his sweeping, brilliant-blue cape. One such influence was the Moors and their influence on the Harlem Renaissance; the striking hue was the result of research that connected the freeing of slaves with fine materials and colourful garments. Domingo also paid homage to the late André Leon Talley, Vogue Editor-at-Large, who was famous for his extravagant capes.
Anne Hathaway
André Leon Talley, the late Editor-at-Large of Vogue, served as inspiration for Wes Gordon, who dressed Anne Hathaway in Carolina Herrera for the 2025 Met Gala. The look not only honours a decades-long friendship between Talley and Herrera, but honours Talley directly. Gordon dove into Talley’s personal archives, which had been donated to the Savannah College of Art and Design, and emerged with a vision - he dressed Anne in a crisp white shirt as an appreciation of craftsmanship, tailoring and Talley's known adoration for the sophisticated simplicity of a button-down.
Gigi Hadid
Zelda Wynn Valdes was referenced through Gigi Hadid’s gold Miu Miu gown, which was heavily embroidered with gems and featured a halter neckline. Zelda Wynn Valdes was a pioneering Black fashion designer and costumer whose clients included Ella Fitzgerald, Maria Cole, Marlene Dietrich and Josephine Baker, the latter of which served as direct inspiration for Gigi’s gown; it is an almost identical design to one worn by Baker in 1951.
