Since 1948, celebrities and people of high status have gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to attend the annual Met Gala. The event is overseen by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who has primarily run the affair since 1995. The objective of the gala is to raise funds for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In 1971, the tradition of theming the annual gala began, and ever since a carefully selected theme has dictated each year’s attire. Noted themes in the past have been “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” in 2024 and “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” This year, the theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which puts a spotlight on the historical influence of black style. The dress code for the event is “Tailored for you,” which invites guests to put their spin on the theme and explore personal style.
As the guests get dolled up for the high-fashion event, some outfits stun on the carpet more than others. This article features a compilation of our personal favorite looks from this year’s Met Gala:
#1: Diana Ross
Dina Ross made her dazzling return to the Met Gala, making it her first appearance since 2003. At 81 years old, the queen of disco strutted the carpet with a look that captured the attention of the attendees and was quite literally showstopping.
Ross was dressed in a floor-length silver evening gown fully adorned with intricate crystal beading, and accompanied by a breathtaking feathered shawl and hat. The outfit was primarily designed by Nigerian fashion icon Ugo Moize and featured an 18-foot-long train attached to the shawl. The lush train left Ross in need of assistance to walk up the museum steps, putting all eyes on her bold look. Embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren, the piece was more than an outfit to Ross and held heavy personal significance.
Ross’s grand appearance not only commemorated her successful career as a musician, but additionally was a symbol of her legacy. She incorporated elements of both luxury and modernism, with her own personal twist. Ross’s outfit fully catered to the theme, as she spotlighted the “Tailored for you” portion of the dress code and debuted a look full of individuality.
#2: Coleman Domingo
American actor and now co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, rocked not one, but two looks on the carpet this year. His entrance to the event started out with him arriving in a floor-length blue pleated cape, with an embellished collar adorned with assorted jewels and diamonds designed by Valentino. The look paid homage to the late creative director of Vogue, André Leon Talley, who had worn a similar outfit back in 2011.
Later in the evening, the cape was removed to reveal another Valentino look that showed off an array of patterns, including a polka dot necktie paired with a plaid blazer. Domingo’s outfit was pulled together by a polka dot flower worn on the breast of the jacket. Known for his recent fashion relevance at past Met Galas, high expectations were held of Domingo, which he certainly exceeded.
Domingo’s look took the theme with more of a historical approach, with the medieval feel of the cape contrasted with the more modern approach of the suit. The outfit exhibits the concept of dandyism, and both of his outfits exuded extreme elegance, putting him perfectly on theme and in style.
#3: Jodie Turner-Smith
Esteemed actress and model Jodie Turner-Smith attended the Met Gala this year wearing quite the memorable look, paying tribute to an important historical figure. Dressed in Burberry, Turner-Smith sported an equine-esque look, inspired by portraits of black equestrian icon Selina Lazevski.
The look took a more modern spin on a series of famous photos of Lazevski taken by Paul Nader in 1891. The outfit included a burgundy leather jacket with a cinched waist flowing into a long train, with shoes and a top hat to match. The dramatic leather outfit was elevated by a top hat, worn on the side of the head with a lifted rim, and red heeled boots to classup the ensemble.
While her look was a stunning twist on classic equestrian attire, it takes on a deeper meaning with the tribute to the African American rights activist. Turner-Smith earned the title as “Best Dressed” on sites like “Vogue” and “Cosmopolitan,” labeling herself as a “Fashion Icon” and now having the articles to prove it. Due to her opting for a menswear look, Tuner-Smith most definitely embodied dandyism and was a perfect model of personal style and individuality.
#4 Christian Latchman
During this year’s event, all eyes were on the rising model and rightfully so. Christian Latchman attended his first Met Gala as the face of the event itself. Lachman’s face was featured on item event invitations as well as social media appearances for Vogue.
Even with all the high expectations placed on him, Latchman did not disappoint. Dressed head-to-toe in 5000 designed by Taylor Thompson, Latchman sported attire full of self-expression, and stunned on the carpet while wearing it.
The look was an all white blazer and pantsuit, overtop a black dress shirt, yet the star of the outfit was a white pleated skirt, worn over the pants. The blazer was handmade and consisted of intricate detailing, from black edges near the collar to a giant pink rose worn on the breast of the jacket. Latchman’s skirt was a silky maxi skirt that almost acted as a train for his outfit.
Latchman’s outfit was accessorized by a pair of statement diamond earrings, pulling the whole look together. The unconventional attire pushed the boundaries of gender norms and hopefully secured him a spot at next year’s Met Gala.
#5: Rihanna
As Rihanna walked the carpet, she showed up with not only a stunning outfit, but a big announcement to go with it. Accompanied by her husband, ASAP Rocky, the pair shared the news of their third child on the way.
In terms of her look, Rihanna showed up in a black and grey striped maxi-skirt worn over a strapless grey top. For her jacket, Rihanna sported a cropped black blazer to class up her look and match her skirt. The outfit was designed by Marc Jacobs and put a spotlight on a variety of accessories within the look, including a polka dot tie as well as a bold statement hat.
Though Rihanna showed up multiple hours late to walk the carpet, her newest high-profile pregnancy announcement made up for it. After she arrived at 10 p.m., she had the Met Gala carpet all to herself, giving her the perfect spotlight for her big news.
Rihanna’s look portrayed creativity and flexibility, all while fitting within the theme, and subtly showcased her recent pregnancy while doing it. Rihanna showed up to the carpet hours late, yet still managed to wow the other attendees and the Vogue news site itself.
Conclusion:
During a night full of bold fashion and daring creativity, these five looks didn’t just follow the theme – they transformed it into something of their own. From lavish accessories to outfit changes, these looks stood out against all others and showcased storytelling through style. These looks pushed boundaries and sparked conversations and most importantly incorporated artistry and individuality. While fashion is subjective, these looks truly stole the spotlight the year and give hope for more spectacular style next year.
