Met Gala 2025: Where Haute Couture Celebrates Black Dandyism

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit—better known as the Met Gala, once again proved itself the world’s most prestigious fashion spectacle, transforming Manhattan into a stage for cultural storytelling on Monday, May 5. The 2025 edition, themed “Black Dandyism”, explored how Black individuals reclaim and reinterpret European dandy sensibilities as tools for self-expression and cultural commentary.

Curated by Vogue’s Anna Wintour with co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, the event also continued its philanthropic mission, raising over $200 million for the Costume Institute since Wintour’s leadership began in 1995.

Here’s a look at some of the African designers and stars who exemplified excellence on fashion’s biggest night:

Orange Culture

Nigerian-owned Orange Culture dressed Brian Tyree Henry in a maroon suit and brocade cape that perfectly captured the refined flamboyance of dandyism. Founded by Adebayo Oke-Lawal, the brand challenges narrow definitions of masculinity and androgyny, creating space for creativity without constraint.

Brian Tyree Henry in Orange Culture.

Ozwald Boateng

Ghanaian-British master tailor Ozwald Boateng—the first Black designer to establish an eponymous Savile Row atelier in 1995—showcased his extraordinary range by dressing multiple luminaries at the gala. Burna Boy appeared in a rich wine-colored suit, styled with a classic necktie and layered under a sleek leather cape—a befitting haute couture look for the African Giant. Ncuti Gatwa commanded attention in precision-cut purple patterned suiting, while Tems paid homage to Nigeria in a stunning blue-green Ankara print waistcoat that transitioned into a dramatic fishtail silhouette, paired with a matching necktie, oversized hair bow, and umbrella-turned-accessory. Arya Starr opted for subtlety in a demure black dress with a plunging neckline and thigh-high slit, elevated with a cane and bold accessories.

Boateng’s significance extends beyond his self-taught tailoring mastery as he revitalized London’s menswear scene through bold colors, intricate patterns, and modern silhouettes inspired by his Ghanaian heritage. His impressive roster of Met Gala guests also included Issa Rae, Jaden Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Henry Golding, Hope Smith, and Omar Sy—all embodying the night’s celebration of sharp styling.

Deji and Kola

Nigerian menswear brand Deji and Kola turned heads with their tailored Aso Oke tuxedo worn by Jonathan Owens. His pristine white suit with fringe detailing ranked among the night’s standout menswear looks. Celebrity stylist Swanky Jerry (Jeremiah Ogbodo) made his Met debut in a dramatic Deji and Kola piece.

Jonathan Owens and Swanky Jerry in Deji and Kola.

Hanifa

Congolese-owned Hanifa delivered one of the evening’s most memorable looks: a striped maroon corset jacket and voluminous fishtail skirt worn by Savannah James. Designed by Anifa Mvuemba—whose label has collaborated with Beyoncé—the outfit merged structure with theatrical flair. James represented her husband LeBron James, who served as honorary co-chair but missed the gala due to injury.

Savannah James in Hanifa.

Eleven Sixteen

Ugo Mozie’s Eleven Sixteen label turned Diana Ross into a silver-sequined vision, complete with a feathered headpiece and sweeping cape. Mozie, who began his fashion journey in Enugu before rising in New York and Hollywood, has styled icons like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. He also styled Khaby Lame, bringing the same blend of tradition and innovation.

Diana Ross and Khaby Lame for Ugo Mozie.

Post Imperialism

Nigerian designer Niyi Okuboyejo of Post Imperialism teamed up with New York’s Monse Maison to dress Taraji P. Henson in a sharply tailored look. This transatlantic collaboration captured the global essence of the gala.

Taraji P. Henson in Post Imperialism.

Tribe of God

Ghanaian designer Jude Dontoh made an impact with a regal gold-embellished crown and razor-sharp tailoring. He walked the carpet alongside Lauryn Hill, embodying Highlife elegance and Black royalty.

Jude Dontoh with Lauren Hill.

Ahluwalia

British-Indian-Nigerian designer Priya Ahluwalia dressed Aimee Lou Wood in a long tailored black wool coat with a dramatic silk sash—a nod to the stylish Congolese Sapeurs. Worn with white ankle socks, Cartier diamonds, and a crisp white shirt, the look balanced cultural homage with runway flair.

Aimee Lou Wood in Ahluwalia.

CNA

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who served on the gala’s host committee, wore a commanding red Prabal Gurung piece that matched the “Tailored for You” dress code. Her look combined intellectual grace with thematic precision.

CNA in Prabal Gurung.

Ayo Edebiri in Ferragamo

American-Nigerian actress Ayo Edebiri wore Ferragamo with subtle nods to her Benin heritage. The result was sleek, modern, and culturally resonant.

Ayo Edebiri in Ferragamo.

Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfinger

In the coolest reveal of the night, Damson Idris arrived in a bedazzled racing helmet and Hilfiger race suit. Midway, the suit was torn off by two assistants, revealing a bold red three-piece suit underneath.

Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfinger.

Shaboozey

Making his Met Gala debut, Shaboozey wore a fully coordinated Robert Wun ensemble, complete with turquoise grillz, accessories, and beadwork.

Shaboozey in Custom Turquoise Grill.

Anok Yai in Thom Browne

Supermodel Anok Yai stunned in an architectural Thom Browne creation. The outfit featured a sleeveless black brocade bodice and casually draped phantom jacket sleeves, flowing into a classic ball gown—a clever subversion of formalwear.

Anok Yai for Thom Browne.

This historic convergence of African design brilliance at fashion’s most exclusive gathering not only celebrated Black dandyism’s cultural significance but also heralded a new era where continental creative expression commands global recognition at the industry’s highest positions.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Other celebrities who made a brilliant appearance include; Tyla, Rihanna, Stormzy, Doechii, Tayana Taylor, Zendaya, Coco Jones, Sydney Sweeney, Jenna Ortega, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Kim Kardarsian, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan thee Stallion, Ugbad Abdi, Janelle Monàe, Pharrell Williams, Lisa, Jennie, Asap Rocky, Laura Harrier, Anok Yai, Sabrina Carpenter and Quinta Brunson.

Additional contributions from Alo Folakemi.