We Need to Talk About the Met Gala Theme for 2025

Talking about the Met Gala is probably the one time a year I do any sort of trend forecasting. It’s my Super Bowl as a fashion journalist, and I could not be more excited about the theme for next year. The theme for the 2025 gala is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” When I did a theme analysis last year, I think I hit some points that materialized on the red carpet this year. I’m really excited to talk about next year’s theme after a year of writing and thinking more critically about fashion and hopefully my predictions will be more accurate.

What does the theme encompass?

When I was doing my research on this article, I read something an article from TIME magazine to get a better picture of the theme. I love a theme that intersects fashion and history, and even more so, I love a theme that highlights and uplifts black designers and black fashion history. Next year’s theme is based on the book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller. This theme is the first menswear focused theme in over a decade, and only the second one in the history of the gala’s existence. This theme examines the importance of style to the formation of the black diasporic identity through an aesthetic called “black dandyism.” Black dandyism is a style of dress that combines European menswear with African aesthetics, and is a form of self-expression and cultural resistance. It's characterized by a love of color and refined fashion, often including suits with bold patterns and a bowtie.

Critics of the theme

The theme for next year’s gala is historic considering it’s the first year that all the gala co-chairs are black men. The co-chairs for the 2025 gala are A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, and Pharrell Williams. They are known to currently or have previously incorporated Black Dandyism into their personal style, and I’m excellent to see what they end up wearing on the red carpet. Some critics of the theme have fears about cultural appropriation and the lack of a female co-chair. Because the Black Dandy dress code arose as a means for slave owners to subjugate black male slaves through fashion, this aesthetic in of itself is a revolt against oppression and white supremacy. The concerns about misinterpretations of the theme as an avenue for thinly veiled racism are not unwarranted, especially because of the typical guest list of the gala. Attendees will have to work to ensure that whatever they choose to wear, they stay historically appropriate and demonstrate sensitivity when choosing their looks.

My Red Carpet Forecast

I hope to see a lot of menswear for obvious reasons, but I expect to see a lot of very well done tailoring. Immediately what comes to mind are Prada, Saint Laurent, and Burberry for the larger fashion houses. They are top of the industry when it comes to tailoring. I hope to see sharp silhouettes, bold patterns, and most importantly, unconventional colorways. I don’t want to see the typical black and white tuxedo for this theme, just because it does not capture the true essence of black dandyism. There is beauty in accessorizing as well. Wide brim hats, chains hanging of the lapels of a suit, a fun bowtie, umbrellas, statement jewelry — I think we will see a lot of these elements incorportated into different celebrity looks.

For the ladies, I think we will see a lot of oversized blazers in more feminine colors, definitely a lot of statement jewelry as well, and also the incorporation of gloves as an accessory. I would love to see gloves with different patterning like lace or polka dots. I think we will definitely see themes of what is known as the “dandizette” with guests wearing dresses with high waisted flared skirts and lots of patterning or layers.

Final Notes

I think my excitement for this theme is palpable, and I’m excited to cover the Met Gala for another year! The Costume Institute’s desire and ambition to include black fashion history in the Met Gala makes me optimistic for an increased spotlight on black designers and the revolutionary (and typically trendsetting) work that they do. What do you think we will see at next year’s gala? What attendees are you looking forward to seeing the most? How do you interpret black dandyism and it’s impact on fashion as a whole? Let us know on Instagram or on Substack! Until next week!