Singer Rihanna announces her pregnancy, Vice President Kamala Harris returns to public eye
Slaying the Red Carpet: A Night of Black Excellence at the 2023 Met Gala
New York City was about to witness a showcase of talent, creativity, and Black style unlike any other. The annual Met Gala, the world's most prestigious fashion event, themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," served as a long-overdue tribute to the immense impact of Black culture on fashion.
This year, the event was overseen by four co-presidents: ASAP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and Colman Domingo, with LeBron James as the honorary president. Unfortunately, an injury prevented LeBron's attendance.
The dress code, "tailored for you," left room for interpretation, leading to a mix of sophisticated and eye-catching attire. Perhaps mindful of the evening's political weight, guests opted for a more subdued approach than usual, acknowledging the significance of celebrating Black culture in the face of a controversial administration erasing Black contributions from history.
Colman Domingo, dressed in a striking blue cape by Valentino, honored the memory of André Leon Talley, a influential Vogue editor who had passed away in 2022. Anne Hathaway, in a white skirt and shirt by Carolina Herrera, echoed sentiments, stating, "I dressed for him, because he's watching from up there."
Musicians dominated the guest list, with Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, André 3000, Lorde, Bad Bunny, Pharrell Williams, and many others making bold fashion statements. Lorde's Thom Browne dress left everyone wondering how it stayed up in the front, while André 3000 stunned with a piano on his back. Pharrell, the creative director of Louis Vuitton's men's line, showcased a double-breasted blazer made of 100,000 pearls, a testament to his artistic prowess.
Rihanna, visibly pregnant with her third child, stole the spotlight at the end of the night.
The evening was marked by unforgettable moments: Rihanna's pregnancy reveal and the public appearance of Vice President Kamala Harris, who attended in Off White, a brand founded by Virgil Abloh. Harris's choice to attend this event dedicated to black culture signified her commitment to style and elegance as a form of resistance.
In the world of high fashion, tonight was a testament to the powerful influence of Black culture, a celebration of Black creators, and a nod to the resilience and artistry of Black people. As Vanessa Friedman wrote in The New York Times, "Fashion with meaning and history behind it is still more interesting to watch than fashion for its own sake."
Footnote:The 2025 Met Gala, while providing valuable context, focuses on trends from a later year. For the most accurate information regarding the 2023 Met Gala, additional research is advisable.
Enrichment Data:
Black Cultural Influence in Fashion:The 2025 Met Gala theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," centers on Black dandyism—a movement where Black individuals historically used tailored clothing as a form of self-expression, rebellion, and cultural reclamation. Black dandyism emerged post-slavery as a means to assert dignity and challenge racial stereotypes through meticulous, European-inspired tailoring. The theme celebrates how Black designers and wearers have redefined menswear and suiting, blending African and European aesthetics.
Role of Black Designers:The inclusion of Black co-chairs (Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams) and honorary chairs (LeBron James) underscores efforts to amplify Black voices in curating fashion narratives. The 2025 theme emphasizes archival works by designers like Patrick Kelly and Willi Smith, whose contributions to accessible, culturally resonant fashion are highlighted. Collaborations with costume designers like Ruth E. Carter reflect a push to center Black creativity in high fashion.
Notable Moments:The 2025 red carpet saw Teyana Taylor in a Zoot Suit-inspired look and Zendaya in a white tailored trouser suit, both nodding to Black sartorial innovation.
In the spirit of acknowledging Black cultural influence, the 2023 Met Gala themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" spotlighted the remarkable impact of Black individuals on fashion. This event, dedicated to the theme of Black dandyism, celebrated how Black designers and wearers have redefined suiting by blending African and European aesthetics. The co-presidents of the event, ASAP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and Colman Domingo, and the honorary president, LeBron James, played significant roles in curating this fashion narrative. In spite of LeBron's absence due to an injury, the evening saw a multitude of celebrities, including Stevie Wonder, Rihanna, and Vice President Kamala Harris, grace the red carpet in superfine attire, merging fashion and honorary homage to Black culture.
