Guide for Attending the 2025 Met Gala: Essential Information Revealed

Gearing Up for the Grand Metropolitan Ball!

Mark your calendars, fashion enthusiasts! The first Monday in May is swiftly approaching, and we're talking about one thing and one thing only: the sensational Met Gala!

Once celebrated for the high-fashion extravaganza graced by A-listers in captivating ensembles, such as Tyla's stunning Balmain sand dress or Blake Lively's Statue of Liberty-inspired Versace gown, this night is more than just a red-carpet affair. It's a charity dinner benefiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, accompanied by a fashion exhibition sharing the theme of the evening.

So, here's the scoop on fashion's ultimate night out.

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When is the Met Gala happening?

Get ready to head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on the very date – Monday! This year's dinner will be expertly overseen by chef Kwame Onwuachi, proprietor of top-tier restaurants Tatiana in NYC and Dōgon in Washington D.C. Meanwhile, artist Cy Gavin, renowned for his monumental landscape paintings, will lead the creative direction of the red carpet design.

What's this year's theme all about?

This year's thrilling theme, accompanied by the Costume Institute's spring exhibition, is "Elevate: Tailoring Fashion's Influence." The suggested outfit code for the gala is "Fitted for You."

The theme takes its inspiration from Monica L. Miller's 2009 book "Fashion's Rebels: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." In the book, Miller examines how Black people and, particularly Black men, through the culture of dandyism, have employed flamboyant fashion to shape identity and expand their potential within restrictive environments.

"Elevate: Tailoring Fashion's Influence" runs from May 10 to October 26.

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Who are the event's hosts?

This year's unforgettable Met Gala will be co-hosted by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and our very own Anna Wintour. LeBron James will serve as an honorary host.

Aligning with the theme, the four main hosts are all dashing Black men who wow the red carpet: Domingo is a regular on best-dressed lists; Hamilton has transformed the world of Formula 1 into a fashion phenomenon; A$AP Rocky turned the courtroom into his runway during his recent felony assault trial[3]; and Williams serves as the creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton (a significant sponsor of the exhibit and event[4]). Vogue's May issue features four covers showcasing each of the four co-hosts' signature style.

In addition to the co-hosts, there's a host committee consisting of modern-day dandies, including André 3000, Dapper Dan, Edward Enninful, and Jeremy O. Harris, as well as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jordan Casteel, Simone Biles, Jonathan Owens, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, Olivier Rousteing, Grace Wales Bonner, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Tyla, Rashid Johnson, Regina King, Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, Audra McDonald, Janelle Monáe, Jeremy Pope, Angel Reese, Sha'Carri Richardson, Usher, and Kara Walker.

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Who else is expected to be in attendance?

Aside from the co-hosts, around 450 guests will attend the Met Gala, as per Vogue, with Anna Wintour holding the reins on (well) everything.

One standout attendee is image architect Law Roach, famed for being Zendaya's stylist, who will partner with British luxury fashion house Burberry for their Met Gala presence this year.

Other probable attendees include Rihanna, whose partner A$AP Rocky is among the event's co-hosts; the Kardashian-Jenner clan; Sarah Jessica Parker; Gigi Hadid; Lady Gaga; Cardi B; Blackpink stars Rosé and Lisa; and musicians Shakira, Lizzo, and Mary J. Blige (rumored attendees).

How can I catch the action?

Don't miss the livestream of the Met Gala on all Vogue digital platforms, including YouTube, starting at 3 P.M. PST/6 P.M. E.S.T. Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, and Ego Nwodim will host the livestream.

E! News will also air a livestream, hosted by Zanna Roberts Rassi, Maria Taylor, Elaine Welteroth, and Yvonne Orji, at the same time from New York City's Lincoln Center.

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Historical Significance of Dandyism

Dandyism's importance in the Met Gala's theme, "Elevate: Tailoring Fashion's Influence," stems from its profound impact on social and historical expression within Black fashion. Originally associated with European aristocratic style, dandyism was reclaimed and reinterpreted by Black individuals as a means of self-expression, empowerment, and resistance against societal repression.

Noteworthy Features of Black Dandyism

Historical Context: Initially, dandyism in Europe portrayed wealth and class. However, for Black people, it transformed into a vehicle for redefining identity, moving away from the mere accessories presented to symbolize wealth towards using fashion as a form of self-expression and resistance[1].
Fashion as Challenge: The zoot suit, inspired by dandyist styles, embodied this challenge during the Harlem Renaissance. Its excessive use of fabric was an act of defiance during World War II, when fabric was scarce[1]. This style resonated with many marginalized groups, like Mexican and Filipino Americans[1].
Gender Fluidity and Empowerment: Dandyism transcends gender boundaries and encompasses women who challenged traditional norms through their fashion choices. Figures like Gladys Bentley, a blues singer who dressed in masculine attire, exemplified this challenge during the Harlem Renaissance[1].
Cultural Reinterpretation: The Met Gala's 2025 theme, "Elevate: Tailoring Fashion's Influence," celebrates Black dandyism as a cornerstone of Black fashion history. It underscores the way Black communities have employed fashion to craft new narratives about identity, respect, and artistic expression, overcoming social restrictions[6].
Resistance through Style: Black dandies use fashion to subvert societal norms, questioning traditional notions of class and status through "fastidiousness" and "ostentation"[6]. This form of self-expression is a powerful statement of identity and resistance against historical oppression.

In conclusion, dandyism in "Elevate: Tailoring Fashion's Influence" reflects a powerful tradition of using fashion to claim identity, resist oppression, and redefine social expectations within the Black community.

The 2025 Met Gala, benefiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, is set to be an extraordinary event, taking place on the first Monday in May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
This year's theme, "Elevate: Tailoring Fashion's Influence," draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book "Fashion's Rebels: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity," focusing on the culture of dandyism and its impact on identity and empowerment within restrictive environments.
The Met Gala is more than just a red-carpet affair; it's a charity dinner that funds the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, along with an accompanying fashion exhibition showcasing the theme of the evening.
Live updates on celebrity looks from the Met Gala will be available on various entertainment platforms, providing fans with breath-taking images and analysis of the fashion showcase.
Celebrities like Zendaya, known for her chic and audacious red carpet looks, are expected to attend the Met Gala, showcasing their support for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the costumes industry.
The Met Gala's hosts and co-hosts will include celebrities from various fields, such as fashion, music, sports, and entertainment, highlighting the event's connection with different aspects of pop-culture.
LA-based celebrity stylist Law Roach, known for working with Zendaya, will be making an appearance at the Met Gala, further emphasizing the intersection of fashion, entertainment, and celebrities at the event.
The event will attract numerous A-list celebrities from the worlds of movies, music, fashion, and sports, making it a glamorous and high-profile gala event.
The evening will bring together celebrities, fashion enthusiasts, and advocates of the arts and culture, promoting an appreciation for fashion and its influence on society and lifestyle.
The Met Gala offers more than just an opportunity to dress impeccably; it's a chance to immerse oneself in the luxurious and fashionable world of entertainment and pop-culture, demonstrating the power of fashion as a means of self-expression and identity formation.