This year’s Met Gala was more than just a parade of glamour—it was a celebration of heritage, identity, and the power of fashion as self-expression. Held at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the 2025 edition honored the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion. The accompanying dress code, “Tailored for You,” invited guests to interpret menswear through a deeply personal and cultural lens—and the stars delivered.
Tems Turns Heads in Bold Ankara & Peacock Flair
Nigerian singer Tems brought African excellence to the blue carpet in a vibrant Ankara mermaid vest gown by British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng. The look, layered over a blue pinstripe shirt and accented with a green pussy bow, was finished off with a stunning umbrella printed in a matching peacock design—a true homage to West African fashion traditions.
Tems’ appearance capped off an incredible year: she won her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance with “Love Me JeJe,” joined San Diego FC’s ownership group, and became the first African female artist to reach 1 billion Spotify streams thanks to her feature on Future’s “WAIT FOR U” with Drake.
Burna Boy’s Regal Cape Carries Cultural Weight
Fresh off selling out the Stade de France—the first African artist to do so—Burna Boy arrived in a red wool tuxedo and an oxblood eelskin cape, also crafted by Ozwald Boateng. The look was more than just fashion—it was deeply symbolic.
“As a waterside pikin from the Niger Delta, the eel represents survival and spirit,” Burna told Vogue. “This look is legacy in motion.”
Surprisingly, the look came together just a day before the event. Boateng said the last-minute pivot was driven by creative inspiration, reflecting the personal nature of the night’s theme. “My job is to amplify the vibration of the wearer,” he explained. “And Burna is proud of his roots. That’s the message.”
UK Celebs Brought Style and Swagger
The Brits made a strong showing this year, with sleek tailoring and bold statements:
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Stormzy looked sharp in a ruffled white shirt layered over a vest, paired with classic black trousers and a silver timepiece.
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Cynthia Erivo shimmered in a beaded bodysuit and voluminous Givenchy skirt—channeling red carpet royalty ahead of her return as Elphaba in Wicked.
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Damson Idris wore not one, but two head-turning outfits. First, he sported an F1-style racing suit inspired by his upcoming film with Brad Pitt. Then, he revealed a custom Tommy Hilfiger suit and a 20,000-crystal encrusted helmet—talk about a fashion pit stop!
Damson also debuted his new jewelry brand, Didris, telling People the collection is a tribute to his mother. “I wanted to create a brand that reflects my personal style and honors my mum’s dream.”
Ayra Starr Channels Celestial Chic in Custom Boateng
Making her Met Gala debut was 22-year-old Afrobeats star Ayra Starr, and she did not disappoint. Wearing a tuxedo-inspired dress with tribal mohair, an open back, and a high slit, Starr’s look was lined with turquoise satin and paired with gemstone jewelry and long blue nails. The ensemble—designed by Ozwald Boateng—blended masculine tailoring with ethereal elegance.
“When I got the invitation, I was filming and screamed ‘Stoppp!’” she told ESSENCE. “I knew I wanted to mix the old with the modern and really think outside the box.”
Starr credited her celestial style to her mother and aunt and said her look was meant to embody poise, expressionism, and confidence. “Ozwald is a genius,” she added. “Being African, I love that his designs always pay homage to culture.”
Final Thoughts: A Night of Tailored Storytelling
The 2025 Met Gala was not just about gowns and glam—it was about owning identity, celebrating heritage, and redefining what elegance means through the Black lens. Whether it was Tems in bold Ankara, Burna Boy in regal red, or Ayra Starr in tribal mohair magic, each look stitched together a narrative of legacy, power, and pride.
The message was clear: fashion is more than a statement—it’s a story tailored for you.
By @tolaimad
Images from the web
