Met Gala 2025 Theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', The Dress Code, And Co-Chairs: Everything We Know So Far

The first Monday of May is the equivalent of Christmas morning for every fashion enthusiast. Yes, that is the day fashion's biggest event, The Met Gala takes place. As we inch closer to the date, here is everything we know about fashion’s biggest night out - and why this year’s theme is already being called one of the most powerful yet.

Last year's theme, Garden of Time, saw many usual attendees return, bringing glamour and artistry to the forefront. This year’s Costume Institute show is titled Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, spotlighting the rich legacy of Black style in a way the Met Gala has never done before. The theme was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, and the exhibition will present a cultural and historical examination of the Black dandy, from the figure’s emergence in Enlightenment Europe during the 18th century to today’s incarnations in cities around the world.

Curated by Andrew Bolton and author-scholar Monica L. Miller, Superfine is a deep dive into Black dandyism- a cultural and sartorial movement that reclaims tailoring and classic menswear through the lens of Black identity. It’s a love letter to individuality, subversion, and the long-overlooked legacy of Black style.

This year’s dress code, Tailored for You, invites guests to interpret and embody themes of personal expression with formalwear. Compared to last year’s theme, which brought many colourful, ethereal looks that incorporated floral and earthy details, this year’s dress code is setting the tone for more stark, structured suiting looks. What could be spotted on the red carpet then? Think bold takes on classic suiting from different decades, including the sharp, exaggerated zoot suits, vibrant, statement styles of the ’60s and ’70s and accessories such as top hats, overcoats, suspenders, and ties.

The exhibition is also groundbreaking for being the Costume Institute’s first show devoted entirely to menswear since 2003’s Bravehearts: Men in Skirts, and the first ever to spotlight only designers and changemakers of the Black community. The Costume Institute’s 2025 spring exhibition presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style from the 18th century to the present through an exploration of the concept of dandyism.

The show is divided into 12 themed sections, each highlighting a different aspect of this unique style. There’s Champion, which looks at athletic wear and uniforms; Respectability, which focuses on leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Frederick Douglass and the importance of grooming and tailoring; Beauty, celebrating the bold fashion of the ‘70s and ‘80s; and Cool, spotlighting casual wear like denim and tracksuits that changed the game in the ‘60s and beyond. Expect to see standout pieces from modern Black designers like Denim Tears, Wales Bonner, and Botter, as well as striking photos by Tyler Mitchell. A special exhibition catalogue will also feature essays from over 30 artists, writers, and cultural voices, adding even more depth to this powerful celebration of Black style and storytelling. This theme hence reflects the institute’s broader dedication to diversity.

This year's co-chairs (L-R) Pharrell, Anna Wintour, and Lewis Hamilton

Leading the night are co-chairs Anna Wintour, Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton, with LeBron James serving as an honorary co-chair. And for the first time since 2019, a host committee has been assembled — a star-studded mosaic of Black excellence featuring Simone Biles, Jonathan Owens, Jeremy O. Harris, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Audra McDonald, Tyla, and Usher.

With Superfine, the Met Gala abandons performative opulence in favour of depth, dignity, and honour.

With tailoring as the canvas and Black creativity at the centre, every look is part of a larger legacy.

The 2025 Met Gala red carpet will be held on May 5, while the corresponding exhibition will open to the public on May 6 and run through October 26 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.