This year’s celebration of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style transformed the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art into a living archive of cultural and fashion history—and proved that even fashion’s best-dressed rely on a trusty peg or two (because let’s face it, great taste loves a cheat sheet). From Josephine Baker’s enduring glamour echoed by Megan Thee Stallion and Gigi Hadid, to Colman Domingo’s tribute to André Leon Talley, and Zendaya’s cinematic nod to Bianca Jagger and Diana Ross, the night was a masterclass in sartorial storytelling.
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Zendaya
Zendaya has mastered the art of the Met Gala entrance, and this year was no different. Styled by her longtime stylist Law Roach, Zendaya wore a custom Louis Vuitton off-white flared pantsuit paired with a wide-brimmed hat, a look that referenced the power suits famously worn by icons like Grace Jones and Gladys Bentley, as well as the zoot suits central to the Black dandyism canon.
Observers also pointed to Bianca Jagger’s white bridal suit from 1971 as inspiration—a connection Roach confirmed belonged on the mood board by posting archival photos of Jagger’s wedding day look. Zendaya’s ensemble reimagined the classic silhouette by trading a skirt for high-rise trousers, aligning perfectly with the night’s theme. Completing the full-circle moment, Diana Ross—whose character Tracy in Mahogany was another subtle reference point—also took to the carpet, underscoring the night’s intergenerational fashion dialogue.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo delivered a masterclass in sartorial scholarship. Wearing a custom Givenchy creation by Sarah Burton, Erivo pulled inspiration from a range of historical figures and images, which she shared ahead of the event on Instagram. Her references included Iké Udé’s Sartorial Anarchy #4, an 18th-century portrait of Ignatius Sancho by Allan Ramsay, Prince, and Christiaan van Molhoop, the “running footman” of Dutch aristocracy. A final nod to André Leon Talley rounded out her list of references, resulting in a look that captures the spirit of the 2025 theme.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion paid tribute to Josephine Baker’s enduring legacy in a silver embellished custom gown from Michael Kors collection. Her bold red coiffed hairstyle was a flawless reference to Baker’s iconic look in the 1940 film The French Way. Megan’s striking interpretation solidified that Baker’s influence continues to resonate powerfully today.
Colman Domingo
Co-chair Colman Domingo made a commanding entrance in a grandeur cobalt cape with bold gold detailing by Valentino, a striking homage to the late André Leon Talley, who was known for his unforgettable Met Gala moments—including a now-iconic blue cape that left its own mark on fashion history.
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid embraced golden-age glamour in a gilded Miu Miu halter gown. The silhouette closely mirrored a design Josephine Baker wore in the 1950s, merging vintage allure with a contemporary twist.
FKA Twigs
FKA Twigs also embraced the energy of Josephine Baker’s 1920s performance ensembles, wearing a custom slip dress by Wales Bonner. Feathers, shimmer, and movement came together to evoke Baker’s unmistakable spirit, making for a look that was both delicate and daring.
Doechii
Doechii made a striking Met Gala debut; her look is inspired by Julius Soubise, an 18th-century Black dandy and key figure in Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion. She brought the character to life in a custom Louis Vuitton short suit complete with a tailcoat, burgundy necktie, chunky Mary Janes, and a cigar prop, turning Soubise’s flamboyant legacy into one of the evening’s sharpest, most playful tributes.
The night before the Met, she also teased her look on Instagram by recreating the famous image of André Leon Talley carrying Louis Vuitton luggage, setting the stage for her playful yet thoughtful homage.
Photos and Featured Image: THE MOVIE DATABASE, THE GUARDIAN, HUFFPOST (via Website), ERNESTO CASILLAS, CYNTHIA ERIVO, MICHAEL KORS, CMG WORLDWIDE, COMPLEX STYLE, SAM WOOLF, DOECHII, BLACK FASHION FAIR, BLACK DESIGN COLLECTIVE, 1GRANARY, FASHIONOGRAPHY (via Instagram)
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