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When someone says "the first Monday in May," we're not thinking about work, meetings, or what's for dinner. We're thinking about fashion's most iconic night out: the Met Gala. The annual spectacle where the worlds of art, fashion, and celebrity collide in a deliciously dramatic red carpet showdown.
So, whether you're planning to live-tweet the chaos, recreate a look for your TikTok, or watch the madness unfold with a bowl of popcorn in hand, here's everything you need to know about Met Gala 2025, including the theme, the dress code, and why this year's exhibition is especially meaningful.
When Is the Met Gala 2025?
Mark your calendars for Monday, May 5, 2025. That's when your feed will be flooded with corsets, capes, and couture. The red carpet usually kicks off around 5:30 p.m. ET, and the exhibition itself opens to the public May 10 through October 26, 2025, at The Met Fifth Avenue in New York City.
What's the Met Gala, Anyway?
A quick refresher for the uninitiated. The Met Gala is officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, a fundraising gala that supports the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's not just a glamorous excuse to get dressed up. It also celebrates the grand opening of the museum's new annual fashion exhibition.
The 2025 Theme: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style"
Get ready for sharp cuts and serious cultural statements. This year's exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," explores the role of fashion in shaping Black identity, especially through the lens of Black dandyism. If you've never heard the term, think of tailored suits, bold prints, bright colors, and major swagger.
The Met explains it like this: "The exhibition explores the importance of style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, particularly in the United States and Europe."
Basically, it's not just about looking good (although that's part of it)—it's about self-expression, resistance, and reclaiming space through fashion.
Why This Theme Matters Right Now
Black dandyism isn't just a vibe; it's a history lesson. In the 18th and 19th centuries, enslaved and free Black people were often forced to dress like their oppressors. But many used those same styles to reclaim power and project dignity. Over time, tailored fashion became a tool for visibility, creativity, and rebellion.
The exhibition is inspired by Monica L. Miller's 2009 book "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." Miller is a guest curator for the show, and she explains, "The Black Dandy reimagines the self in a different context."
Expect to see everything from 19th-century livery to modern designs by Virgil Abloh, Pharrell Williams, Grace Wales Bonner, and more. The exhibition spans 12 themes: Freedom, Cool, Respectability, and Beauty.
The Dress Code: "Tailored for You"
This year's dress code is all about individuality through tailoring. Think classic menswear, but make it fashionable with bold silhouettes, unexpected fabrics, genderless looks, and personal touches that say, "Yes, I understood the assignment."
In other words, don't be surprised if someone shows up in a bedazzled zoot suit with a matching grill.
Who's Hosting the Party?
You know Anna Wintour never misses. But she's joined by a dream team of co-chairs this year:
- Pharrell Williams
- A$AP Rocky
- Colman Domingo
- Lewis Hamilton
- LeBron James (honorary co-chair)
The host committee is stacked, too. From Andrè 3000 to Simone Biles, Ayo Edebiri, Janelle Monáe, and Dapper Dan, this is the most exciting and inclusive list we've seen in a minute.
Lizzo, Mary J. Blige, and models Amelia Gray and Ashley Graham will also reportedly be in attendance, along with college basketball star Paige Bueckers.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds will be skipping this year, along with Gisele Bündchen, who declined the invite.
What Can We Expect?
High drama. Sharp tailoring. A heavy dose of culture, history, and storytelling.
Whether you're here for the fashion history or just want to see if someone shows up in a three-piece suit made of feathers (honestly, it's possible), Met Gala 2025 is shaping up to be one for the books.