What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala, officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is a fundraising gala(festival) that happens annually with the sole purpose of raising funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City.
Initially founded by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert in 1948 (just about the time the Costume Institute was established), and being the only department of the Metropolitan Museum that must fund itself, the Gala became its main source of funding. It however had its roots entrenched in the hallmark of history with an esteemed profile under the influence of Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, who’s also been chairing the event since 1995 till date.
The Met Gala also serves as an event launcher for the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition with the Gala’s theme always programmed to coincide with the Institute’s annual exhibition. Lo and behold, what started as a modest fundraising dinner has now morphed into one of the world’s most celebrated and highly-revered fashion events, as it is graced annually by the presence of top-class celebrities and maestros all across the multiverse of fashion, music, politics, sports and the entertainment industry at large.
The Met Gala 2025
Theme
It would interest you to learn that this year’s edition of the Met Gala is happening today, the 5th of May, 2025, with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style“, and as aforementioned, the theme also applies to the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition which is slated to run from the 10th of May, 2025 to the 26th of October, 2025.
Inspiration
Research has it that the theme is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book titled, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, 2009, which highlights the history and significance of Black Dandyism (an excessive display of consciousness as to one’s appearance or dressing) and how Black fashion and tailoring has been a symbol of self-expression and defiance.
This is evident in how the term “superfine” connotes exceptionality both in the contexts of fabric quality and the foppish feeling that comes from being clad in greatly tailored clothes.
Dress Code
Titled “Tailored for You”, the dress code for Met Gala 2025 is open-sourced and inquisitive as guests are expected to interpret following the Black culture tailoring and men’s attire that the theme connotes. So we expect to behold classic men accessories, super suits and tuxedo mini dresses amongst others gracing the red carpet.
We also look forward to the presence of fulfilled designers like Saint Laurent, Haidar Ackermann and Thom Browne at the Met Gala 2025.
Co-Chairs and Honorary Chair
The Met Gala 2025 is designated to be co-chaired by the following:
- Colman Domingo (American actor)
- Lewis Hamilton (British Formula 1 driver)
- A$AP Rocky (American rapper)
- Pharrell Williams (American singer and producer)
- Anna Wintour (Editor-in-Chief of Vogue)
& Lebron James(American basketball player) as the honorary chair of the day.
Notable Attendees
With a strict invitation-only policy and tickets selling for $75,000 for individuals and tables at $350,000, Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour has the final say on the guest list. However, celebrities including Rihanna, Zendaya, Law Roach and special host committee members featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ayo Edebiri, Andre 3000 amongst others have been confirmed as attendees.Also, though not publicly disclosed, there’s a high chance Kim Kardashian might attend due to her consistent attendance since 2012.
Want to Watch?
The Met Gala will be streamed live from The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City this evening at exactly 6:00pm EDT/11:00pm WAT beginning with red carpet arrivals at the museum’s entrance on Vogue’s website and social media platforms. Notable blogs should also provide a livestream. You can also look forward to watching from X.
@Alaro Basit
