The Dandy List: Our Top 2025 Met Gala Looks
Who understood the assignment?
Another Met Gala for the books! This year’s exhibition theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style centered the legacy of Black Dandyism, though the official theme was “Tailored for You”—a reference to the exhibit’s focus on menswear. It was a celebration of Black culture and excellence. We saw broad-ranging references to Black activists, figures, and artists - Olaudah Equiano, André Leon Talley, Josephine Baker, Dapper Dan, as well as references to fine art, paintings, and even personal ancestors!
Accessories truly stole the show and completed the fits: from the high-fashion Pava Bad Bunny rocked, berets, cowboy hats, chapeaus, top hats, dramatic trailing capes, pearls, beads, shells, ornate rings, canes, monocles, cigars (some of which seemed lit), —and yes, even an entire piano strapped to André 3000’s back.
The hair and make-up looks were also giving; folks across the gender spectrum playing with the boundaries of masculinity and femininity. We saw beautiful skin, snatched cheekbones, sharp beard lines, androgynous eyebrows, perfectly picked-out Black power fros, finger waves, coils and slicks, intricate braids, flippy bobs, and countless takes on Dandy-inspired manicures.
So who understood the assignment? With so many fantastic looks, Shellie and I wanted to share our Dandy List - our top looks from the 2025 Met Gala. Enjoy!
Shellie’s Top 5 Looks
Jodie Turner Smith in Burberry
Why I love it: Turner-Smith said her custom leather Burberry equestrian look was inspired by an outfit of an equestrian rider from the 1800’s named Selika Lazevski. She said her look was a reminder to people that “We (Black people) have always been here expressing ourselves. The concept of a dandy is that there’s freedom in that expression.” Reflecting on the equestrian theme, she added, “It’s a privilege to be dirty and unkempt… and we didn’t have that privilege. We always had to be polished—clean, nice. But whatever we touch, we take it to the moon, because we’re excellent.”
Brian Tyree Henry in custom Orange Culture Nigeria
Why I love it: The vibrant red suit with all its adornments really captures the essence of the dandy. Brian Tyree Henry wore a finely tailored red suit as part of a collaboration with Nigerian designer Orange Culture. It’s playful, yet polished, and gives homage to the dandyism of African culture. Henry designed the look himself with the collaboration of Orange Culture saying “Nobody knows me better than me..I like to experiment and play.”
Maluma and Willy Chavarria inWilly Chavarria
Why I love it: The soft pastel pink worn by Willy Chavarria leans into the themes of disrupting traditional notions of masculinity. The tailoring and styling of both suits are a beautiful homage to the legacy of the Chicano zoot suit and Pachuco culture of the 1940’s. The legacy of the zoot suit in chicano culture goes beyond fashion and is rooted in a legacy of social and political resistance that led to riots in cities around the U.S.
Jasmine Tookes designed by Ruth E. Carter
Why I love it: Jasmine Tookes in a beautiful all white suit fitted with an elegant cape and gloves designed by Ruth E. Carter. Tookes tailored suit was inspired by “Harlem Nights” and the silhouettes of Harlem entertainers in the 1930’s such as Cab Calloway. According to Carter, she “saw an opportunity to channel the legacy of Black male elegance.”
Ugbad Abdi in custom Michael Kors
Why I love it: Bold and beautiful. Loud yet still chic. Another amazing example of blurring the gender lines. I love the wide brimmed hat with the bowtie and wide zoot suit style pants. The variation of the Pinstripe print pants and the print of the cape compliment each other perfectly without clashing. The fur lining of the cape gives the perfect amount of opulence.
Nicole’s Top 5 Looks
Imaan Hammam in custom Magda Butrym
Why I love it: This is such a gorgeous, powerful zoot suit–inspired take on the classic suit silhouette: a white jumpsuit with structured shoulders and wide-leg trousers, paired with a polka dot tie and Margiela x Louboutin heels. I love the proportions and the snatched waist. Her look also featured a bossy black cane with a silver handle and silver pointed-toe heels. Bonus points for the dramatic black feathered fascinator perched atop a sleek bun.
Lauryn Hill in custom Jude Dontoh
Why I love it: Lauryn Hill STUNNED in a avant-garde butter-yellow suit, sweeping cape, and a full fro, lipstick carefully matching her necktie. The suit is a powerful nod to Ghanaian royalty, where highly revered are shielded by an umbrella as a symbol of elevated status and respect. I loved seeing her at The Gala looking regal.
Coco Jones in custom Manish Malhotra
Why I love it: This floral cream and white embroidered ensemble is full-on Dandy, baby! The coat is dramatic and long, beaded and embroidered with silver, white, and cream florals. The lapels are crisp and sharp, yet the waist is beautifully cinched. The trousers are perfect. And I love that she’s not wearing a shirt under the jacket—it’s such a power move.
Adut Akech in couture paired with Swarovski jewels
Why I love it: Adut’s outfit consists of two pieces - a bubble gum pink mini dress and a floor-skimming tailcoat lined with hand-crafted feathers, and encrusted with Swarovski crystals. A custom feather-inspired collar completes the look, making Adut look like she is blossoming. “This year my approach was to embody the characteristics of the Swarovski Swan and to merge them with a study of dandy style,” Engelbert, Swarovski ‘s Global Creative Director, said ahead of the event. The textures are fun, interesting, and glamorous, giving high femme as the tailcoat lining fades to pink. Bonus points for the pops of metallic pink around her eyes and glossy lips- perfect Summer beauty inspo.
Photo Credit: Getty Images Omar Apollo in Wales Bonner
Why I love it: If you know me, you know I love leopard print. Omar’s look features a black mohair tailcoat with satin lapels, worn over a leopard-print waistcoat embellished with Swarovski crystals and beading. Inspired by poet and activist Langston Hughes, it was a look Omar was excited to wear. Omar is precious: “I think it's cool that we're celebrating Black designers and Black fashion and Black people,” he said. “I'm happy to be around so much greatness and excellence.” I love seeing London-based Caribbean designer Grace Wales Bonner’s work — the way she uplifts her mixed heritage through her artistry is inspiring. Also, love the whimsical little pencil mustache.
May these looks continue to inspire, uplift, and remind us that there’s power in something as simple as getting dressed. PS - this is not the last you’ll hear from us about Dandyism! Stay tuned!
What are your favorite looks from the 2025 Met Gala?
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