The first Monday of May is marked with the iconic annual Haute-Couture fundraiser for the Costume Institute, widely recognized as the MET Gala, now in its 77th edition. To put it mildly, it’s a cultural spectacle. It dominates the zeitgeist and serves as a pioneering force in the world of fashion, history, culture and everything in between. And if you don’t fully get what the big deal is, we’re here to explain the nitty-gritty details and why the 2025 MET Gala should be on your radar, as a modern man.
What is the Theme of the 2025 Met Gala?
This year, the Gala embarks on its 77th celebration, by paying homage to black culture and tailoring in specific. The biggest celebrities will strut the carpeted floors of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume exhibit while carrying the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring in Black Style.” This theme is inspired by Monica L Miller’s advocacy of Black Dandyism as established in her ground-breaking academic text, ‘Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,’ 2009.
It is a nod to black emancipation and the longstanding history of bold and powerful fashion statements employed by the Black community to challenge the sartorial standards set by dominant power structures.
The Costume institution curated by Monica Miller alongside Andrew Bolton, will showcase African American rebellion in the form of clothing, artifacts, texts and photographs to honour the essence of their optimism and creativity. Twelve sections of the Dandy discourse will be on display—Ownership, presence, distinction, disguise, freedom, champion, respectability, jook, heritage, beauty, cool and cosmopolitanism. By cementing Black Dandyism at its core, the exhibit aims to capture the strategic utilization of fashion by the black community, not only as a symbol of self-definition but also to re-examine systemic power structures that have clouded their existence from the very outset.
It serves as a testament to the indelible force of fashion harnessed by the Black community as an instrument of resistance from a marginalized perspective. It sheds light on the manner in which they birthed fashion statements as a voice to speak out against the injustice and intersectionality faced on various levels of caste, class, race and gender. Incorporating a harmonious blend of garments, gestures and wit as a means to assert agency whilst redefining the narrative on their own terms.
Which Indian Celebrities are Expected to Attend the 2025 MET Gala?
As prominent fashion houses gear up to flaunt their meticulously crafted garments which will be adorned by an influential mix of celebrities, catering to the dress code – “Tailored For You.” This open-ended dress code attests to the acceptance of personal style while leaning towards suiting, expecting looks inspired from the avant-garde blitz of the Harlem Renaissance to the evergreen Congolese Sapeurs, inviting creative interpretation similar to the way African-Americans subverted the conservative dress-codes enforced upon them.
The excitement for the MET is especially high this year, given the rumoured number of Indian attendees. From murmurs of Shah Rukh Khan being dressed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee for the elusive red carpet to word of Kiara Advani strutting her stuff in a custom Gaurav Gupta number, we can expect to see A-listers like Deepika Padukone, Diljit Dosanjh, Priyanka Chopra, Isha Ambani and Natasha Poonawala among others in attendance.
Who are the Co-Chairs of the 2025 MET Gala?
To augment the overall cultural impact, the illustrious co-chairs, along with Conde Nast’s Anna Wintour, this year are Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and honorary chair, LeBron James. And here’s why this refined selection is so pertinent to the theme of the MET this year:
Colman Domingo: Nominated as the first openly-gay black man for Best Actor Oscar, he set the carpet ablaze with his debut during the 2024 Met Gala in a custom Willy Chavarria ensemble featuring a white cape, black trousers and the calla lily accents, served as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and André Leon Talley. This culturally rich look aligns with the principles of Dandyism in perfect harmony.
Lewis Hamilton: A persona who has taken the fashion industry by storm, whose personal style is always rooted in unapologetic cultural expression. From his refusal to conform to the sartorial standards set out for men – right from breaking the FIA-issued dress codes in F1 to partnering with three esteemed Black designers for the 2021 Met Gala, ensuring them a spot at the table to promote Black designer excellence. His styling ethos lies in his irrefutable embrace of Black identity as evident in his multi-season collaboration with Dior, where his latest collection explores the theme of ‘afrofuturism’. His previous collab with Tommy Hilfiger – TommyXLewis reflected black diversity too and he serves as the ideal match for the exploration of Black Dandyism.
A$AP Rocky: Hailing from Harlem with Caribbean and Southern lineage, he’s best known for his inventive wardrobe choices and making waves in the music industry. He is often caught in the public eye, donning unconventional outfits that echo the Black Dandy man in its authentic form, producing looks like during the 2021 MET wherein he was enrobed in an ERL suit paired with bespoke hand-stitched quilt. He’s mastered the art of red-carpet looks with rich textiles, bold accessories and bright colours, his garment statements will forever be etched in history’s fashion look-books. From serving as the ambassador for Dior Homme to being awarded the Cultural Inventor Award, A$AP has never shied away from breaking the stereotypes and upholding his Black heritage.
Pharrell Williams: Securing his position as Creative Director at Louis Vuitton, he has always championed for Black visibility. With a strong portfolio of unique fashion collaborations ranging from Chanel and Adidas to launching his own labels he has taken Black fashion trends to global markets.
To enhance this star-studded affair, Lebron James will be the guest of honour branding the Met with his debut. Bridging the gap between sports and fashion with bravado.
Where to Watch the 2025 MET Gala in India?
So, don’t forget to set your alarms and mark your calendars for May 5, 2025, exclusively livestreamed on Vogue’s digital platforms at 3.30 AM IST. The event is said to be hosted by singer and actor Tateyana Taylor alongside ‘Saturday Night Live’ celebrity Ego Nwodim and producer La La Anthony.
Lose yourself in the world of glitz and glamour as your favourite celebrities strike the MET, paying homage to the virtuous splendour of defiant fashion employed by the Black Dandy Man.
