Retro Glam and Babybumps: The Met Gala 2025

Last Monday, the Met Gala took place, an event not only a celebration of fashion, but also of culture and art. Each year, the gala has a specific theme to which guests match their outfits. And frankly, this year was again impressive. The looks were not only fashion-worthy, but often a work of art in themselves.

What is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala, also known as the Met Ball, is an annual benefit gala in support of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is considered the most important fashion event in the world, where celebrities and designers come together to showcase their style.

It also marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition. In short, an evening where fashion history will be made.

The theme of 2025

This year’s Met Gala featured the exhibition ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, inspired by the book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The theme explores the influence of black culture and dandyism on fashion, from the 18th century to the present. Fashion is a tool for shaping identities, and this Met Gala, guests gave their clothes a deeper meaning, bringing the theme to life on the red carpet.

Iconic outfits from the Met Gala 2025

The Met Gala 2025 showcased fashion, art, and cultural stories, with guests matching their outfits to the theme of black style and dandyism. Below, we have collected some of the evening’s most striking looks.

Rihanna’s Baby Bump

Rihanna was one of the most talked-about stars of the evening. Her outfit, designed by Marc Jacobs, attracted plenty of attention and fairly so. The artist wore a grey-black pinstripe suit, transformed into a dress, paired with a cropped blazer and a black Marc Jacobs hat. The look was finished off with a tie.

Her choice emphasised both classic dandyism and her own unique style. And let’s face it, her baby bump undoubtedly got as much attention as her outfit itself.

Damson Idris

Damson Idris stood out with his impressive entrance. The actor wore a Tommy Hilfiger racing suit, styled with a helmet adorned with over 20,000 Swarovski crystals. After unveiling his racing suit, he appeared in a red outfit by Tommy Hilfiger. His look was a mix of sophistication and creativity, paying homage to dandyism.

Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton made a statement with a look by Grace Wales Bonner, styled by Eric McNeal. The ivory jacket over striped dinner jacket trousers, with embroidered belt and beaded and shell embellishments, was finished with a beret by Stephen Jones and an Asscher-cut brooch by Briony Raymond.

Cynthia Erivo

Wicked-star Cynthia Erivo sparkled in a Givenchy creation by Sarah Burton. The ensemble consisted of an embroidered jacket and corset, combined with a black tulle skirt. Her nails added flair to the look. Erivo’s outfit highlighted her unique style and elegance.

Audra McDonald

Actress and singer Audra McDonald made an impressive entrance in a cream-coloured crêpe column gown with satin fabrics that flared outwards. Silk roses of diamond cords adorned the centre. The look, designed by Charles Harbison, was inspired by Daughters of the Dust.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor impressed in a burgundy zoot suit designed by Ruth E. Carter. The outfit, adorned with feathers, lace, and crystals, was a tribute to her song Rose in Harlem, with the words subtly embroidered on the cape. She paired her outfit with a matching hat and durag. It was not just a look, it was a statement.

Sofia Richie Grainge

Richie beamed in a white dress from Tommy Hilfiger. The dress had a high neckline and a dandy-like bow at the back. Her minimalist beauty look with a sleek bun and natural make-up emphasised her sophisticated style.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian made a bold impression in a black leather Chrome Hearts ensemble, consisting of a corset and skirt in crocodile-print leather. The influencer paired the outfit with a black leather hat and diamond jewellery from Moussaieff. So chic.

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill shone in a butter yellow coat with a cape and wide-leg trousers. The singer and rapper paired this with a cerulean blue Hermès Kelly bag, a burgundy tie, and bold gold jewellery. Her make-up with blue eyeshadow and purple lips completed the look.

Cardi B

Cardi B impressed in a tailored green velvet Burberry outfit by Daniel Lee. The ensemble included a ruffled silk shirt, satin cumber band, and floral velvet trousers, completed with dramatic green eyeshadow and a voluminous lob.

Kiss Curls: Retro Glamour on the Red Carpet

The Kiss Curl trend made a striking comeback at the Met Gala 2025. Stars such as Teyana Taylor, Sydney Sweeney, Simone Biles, Dua Lipa, and Bad Bunny embraced the iconic hairstyle, which originated in the 1920s and was made famous by Josephine Baker.

The small, stylised curl on the forehead was combined with modern hairstyles this year, giving it a contemporary twist and bringing retro glamour to life on the red carpet.

This was the Met Gala 2025, and what an edition. From extravagant outfits to unforgettable moments, it was another evening of fashion, culture, and art. I already can’t wait for what next year will bring us.

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