Met Gala 2025: Everything You Need to Know About Fashion’s Biggest Night

It’s today, May 5, 2025, and the fashion world is losing it because the Met Gala 2025 is happening right now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City! Known as the “Oscars of fashion,” the Met Gala is the ultimate mix of glitz, creativity, and culture, and this year’s event is no exception. With Anna Wintour at the helm and a theme centered on dandyism, the Met Gala 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is sparking all kinds of excitement. Let’s break down what’s going down, why it matters, and how it’s connected to Black identity and style. Plus, I’ve got answers to all your burning questions in a handy FAQ. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What Is the Met Gala 2025 All About?

The Met Gala is a mega fundraising party for the Met’s Costume Institute, happening every year on the first Monday in May. It’s been a thing since 1948, but Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief, turned it into a global obsession since she took over in 1995. Think A-list celebs, jaw-dropping outfits, and a red carpet that sets trends for the whole year. In 2024, the gala raised a whopping $26 million, and Met Gala 2025 is expected to bring in even more to support the Costume Institute’s exhibits, programs, and more.

This year’s event, happening today, celebrates the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The Met Gala 2025 theme focuses on dandyism—specifically Black dandyism—and how Black folks have used fashion to shape their identities and push boundaries. The dress code, “Tailored for You,” is all about personal style through sharp, tailored looks, especially menswear. Expect suits, bold fabrics, and creative spins on classic style that scream individuality.

The Met Gala Theme 2025: Why Black Dandyism Is a Big Deal

So, what’s dandyism? Back in the 18th century, it was about men dressing super polished and fancy, often to show off status. But Black dandyism? That’s a whole other level. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the Met Gala 2025 theme digs into how Black people, especially men, used style as a way to reclaim power, express themselves, and challenge stereotypes. From enslaved people adding flair to their Sunday best to the bold looks of the Harlem Renaissance, Black dandyism is about turning fashion into a statement of freedom and pride.

The “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit, running from May 10 to October 26, 2025, will showcase clothes, paintings, photos, and more, highlighting Black style from the 1700s to now. It’s organized into 12 sections—like “Heritage,” “Cool,” and “Respectability”—showing how Black dandies have shaped culture. Designers like Dapper Dan and pieces from the late Virgil Abloh will be featured, alongside art by Tyler Mitchell and others. It’s the first time since 2003’s “Men in Skirts” that the Met’s focusing on menswear, and it’s got everyone talking.

Who’s Running the Show? Co-Chairs and Host Committee

Anna Wintour is, as always, the queen of the Met Gala, handpicking the guest list and setting the vibe. But she’s not alone this year. The Met Gala 2025 co-chairs are Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams—all Black men known for their killer style. Colman’s red-carpet looks are always fire, Lewis brought fashion to Formula 1, A$AP Rocky’s a style icon (and Rihanna’s other half), and Pharrell’s the creative director of menswear at LouisMIS Vuitton. LeBron James is the honorary chair, adding some serious star power.

There’s also a host committee packed with big names like Simone Biles, André 3000, Ayo Edebiri, Doechii, Janelle Monáe, Spike Lee, and Usher, to name a few. These folks from fashion, music, art, and sports are helping make the night unforgettable. With this crew, you know the red carpet’s gonna be next-level.

The Guest List: Who’s Showing Up?

The Met Gala guest list is top-secret until the red carpet starts, but we’ve got some hints. Expect regulars like Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna (especially since A$AP Rocky’s co-chairing). Rumored attendees include Lizzo, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, and Bollywood star Kiara Advani, who’s making her debut. Athletes like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese might pop up too, since the guest list is said to be “heavy on athletes” this year. And keep an eye out for social media stars and influencers, who’ve been getting invites more and more.

One person not attending? Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson, who’s boycotting the event, calling it too extravagant amid global issues. But with 450-600 guests total, the steps of the Met will still be packed with stars.

The Red Carpet: What to Expect

The Met Gala 2025 red carpet kicks off around 5:30 p.m. ET today, and it’s where the magic happens. Celebs will interpret the “Tailored for You” dress code, so expect sharp suits, bold tailoring, and maybe some archival pieces from Black designers like Patrick Kelly or Willi Smith. Since the theme’s about Black dandyism, we might see vibrant colors, oversized silhouettes, fedoras, or bowties—think Janelle Monáe’s dandy style but on steroids.

Last year’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme brought floral looks and hourglass shapes, with Zendaya rocking vintage Givenchy and Kim Kardashian in a corset that sparked all the memes. This year, with a focus on menswear and personal flair, the looks could be even wilder. Will someone show up in a modern take on a Harlem Renaissance suit? Or maybe a leather jacket inspired by Dapper Dan? We’re hyped to find out.

How to Watch Met Gala 2025

Wanna catch the action? Vogue’s got you covered with a livestream on their digital platforms, including YouTube, starting at 6 p.m. EST today. Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, and Ego Nwodim are hosting, giving you all the red-carpet tea. E! News will also have a livestream from Lincoln Center, hosted by Zanna Roberts Rassi, Maria Taylor, Elaine Welteroth, and Yvonne Orji. No phones are allowed inside (yep, there’s a no-social-media rule), so the livestream’s your best bet for real-time updates. Hashtags like #SuperfineStyle, #CostumeInstitute, and #MetGala will be trending, so follow along on X for the buzz.

Why the Met Gala 2025 Matters

The Met Gala isn’t just about pretty dresses—it’s a cultural moment. The Met Gala 2025 theme shines a light on Black dandyism, showing how style has been a tool for resistance and self-expression in Black communities. As Monica Miller puts it, Black dandies have used fashion to “push boundaries” on identity, especially in tough times like enslavement or segregation. This theme feels extra powerful in 2025, when conversations about race, identity, and culture are front and center.

Plus, the Met Gala is a massive fundraiser. Tickets cost around $75,000 each, and tables go for $200,000-$300,000, all going to the Costume Institute. It’s a night where fashion meets art, history, and social issues, and Anna Wintour’s curation makes sure it’s a global talking point.

A Quick Look Back: Past Met Gala Moments

To get why Met Gala 2025 is such a big deal, let’s rewind. In 2024, the theme was “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” with a “Garden of Time” dress code that brought out floral gowns and archive looks. 2023 honored Karl Lagerfeld, with celebs channeling Chanel and his cat, Choupette (yes, really). And who can forget 2017’s bathroom selfie scandal, when stars broke the no-phone rule? Each year, the Met Gala delivers iconic moments, and 2025’s focus on Black dandyism is set to be one for the history books.

Wrapping It Up

The Met Gala 2025, happening today, May 5, 2025, is more than a fashion show—it’s a celebration of Black dandyism, identity, and creativity. With Anna Wintour and her all-star co-chairs leading the charge, the red carpet’s gonna be a vibe. Whether you’re here for the suits, the celebs, or the cultural impact, this is one night you don’t wanna miss. Tune into the livestream, keep an eye on those hashtags, and get ready for some looks that’ll have us talking for months!