The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” aimed to celebrate the elegance and innovation of Black dandyism. While many attendees embraced the theme with creativity and flair, others missed the mark, delivering looks that ranged from underwhelming to outright controversial. Here’s a roundup of the most talked-about fashion missteps from the evening.
Lorde - Lacklustre Interpretation
Lorde's shimmery, gunmetal-grey three-piece skirt suit attempted to pay tribute to the gala's theme. However, the look lacked excitement and failed to make a lasting impression, with the singer even forgoing the suit coat during the evening.
Chappell Roan - Disco Drama Overload
Making her Met Gala debut, Chappell Roan wore a custom Paul Tazewell pink patchwork suit with an oversized matching coat, sequined stitching, and feathered trim. Her dramatic makeup, styled by Pat McGrath, featured silver eyeshadow and pink tear tracks, channelling disco-era icons. While the ensemble was bold and theatrical, some critics felt it veered into costume territory, overshadowing the event's theme and lacking the refinement associated with Black dandyism.
Emma Chamberlain - A Risky Fusion of Business and Bare
Emma Chamberlain’s Courrèges gown fused pinstriped tailoring with an open-back, avant-garde twist. Paired with sheer gloves, black pumps, and silver glasses, she aimed for androgyny. Critics, however, dismissed the look as a “cocktail of half-formed ideas,” citing poor cohesion and a failure to honour the Met Gala’s Black style theme.
Wendi Murdoch - Mismatched Ensemble
Wendi Murdoch's gold-detailed two-piece outfit, featuring white leather elements, failed to align with the gala's theme. The combination appeared disjointed, lacking the sophistication and cohesion expected at such a high-profile event.
Jill Kargman - Gothic Glam Gone Awry
Jill Kargman arrived in a black polka-dot gown with gothic elements, including lace gloves and a high neckline. While her look was dramatic, it was seen as more fitting for a Halloween event than the Met Gala. The ensemble lacked a clear connection to the theme, missing an opportunity to celebrate Black style and dandyism.
While the Met Gala often encourages bold fashion choices, aligning with the event's theme is crucial. This year's missteps serve as a reminder that creativity must be balanced with cultural sensitivity and thematic relevance. As we look forward to future galas, the hope is for more thoughtful interpretations that honour the event's rich traditions.
Jodie Turner-Smith - Overdone Elegance
Jodie Turner-Smith's Burberry ensemble attempted to blend masculine tailoring with Victorian drama. While the concept was intriguing, the multitude of textures and layers competed for attention, leading to a look that felt overdone and lacked focus.
Tom Francis - Ill-Fitting Ensemble
Stage actor Tom Francis appeared in a tan satin-trimmed suit that was tight across the chest and baggy at the arms, paired with black velvet loafers. The ill-fitting silhouette and mismatched accessories led to criticism, with commentators suggesting he looked out of place and failed to capture the elegance and precision central to the theme.
Maya Hawke - Pastel Misstep
Maya Hawke’s pink strapless dress, layered under a brown cape, lacked cohesion and failed to resonate with the evening's theme. The pastel hue washed her out, and the cape overwhelmed her frame, resulting in a look that felt more confusing than elegant.
Megan Thee Stallion - Tribute Gone Awry
Megan Thee Stallion aimed to honour Josephine Baker with a form-fitting black gown. Unfortunately, the execution fell short, the bust appeared overly tight, and the overall fit lacked the refinement expected of a custom creation.
Heidi Klum - Overwhelmed by Embellishments
Heidi Klum donned a dramatic black dress with white embroidery and a trailing hemline. However, the gown's cumbersome design led to awkward moments on the carpet, including tripping incidents, making the ensemble seem more chaotic than couture.
Venus Williams - Courtside Couture Misstep
Venus Williams opted for a Lacoste ensemble inspired by tennis whites, featuring pleats and polo elements. While it paid homage to her athletic background, the outfit was criticized for resembling a prep-school uniform rather than aligning with the gala's grandeur. The look was deemed mismatched with the event's theme, missing an opportunity to showcase the sophistication inherent in Black dandyism.
Pamela Anderson - Minimalism Misfire
Pamela Anderson’s choice of a sparkling Tory Burch gown clashed with her recent minimalist aesthetic. The oversized dress appeared ill-fitting, giving the impression of an unfinished fitting rather than a polished red-carpet look.
