LOOK: Celebs who slayed this year’s Met Gala theme with tailored perfection

It’s Met Gala time again, and somehow it still feels like just yesterday we saw South African songbird Tyla turning heads in that sculptural Balmain water-dress moment.

Yes, the one that had her dripping in reference and barely able to sit. Iconic.

Now, we’re in 2025, and this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. A celebration of black dandyism, a fashion and cultural movement rooted in self-expression, rebellion, and flipping Eurocentric style on its head.

Think sharp tailoring, classic suiting, and all the flair your grandad wished he had.

The dress code: “Tailored For You.”

Meaning: wear something sharp, wear something personal, and bring out the details from cufflinks to fedoras. And here’s a fun fact: this is the Costume Institute’s first men-focused exhibition in over 20 years and the first time black style has taken centre stage.

A win. A reset. A much-needed shift.

What’s a red carpet or Met Gala without Zendaya showing up and stealing everyone’s thunder? The 28-year-old actress and red carpet killer did not disappoint.

This year, she rocked a custom white three-piece Louis Vuitton power suit designed by none other than Pharrell Williams, the brand’s men’s creative director.

It was sharp, clean, and a total serve. She topped it off with a crisp white fedora, slicked her hair into a bun, and kept her glam soft and dewy. Giving Michael Jackson in "You Rock My World"  but upgraded, tailored, and very much Zendaya.

She finished the look with a red manicure for a pop of colour and, yes, that engagement ring from Tom Holland sparkled front and centre. We saw it. We clapped. We’re still rooting for those two.

Another co-chair who understood the assignment was The Formula One champ, Sir Lewis Hamilton, looking like a walking "Vogue" editorial.

Dressed by Black British designer Grace Wales Bonner, his long-time collaborator, Hamilton served up elegance with edge in a crisp white suit paired with subtle, embellished details  beadwork and embroidery, the works.

And yes, Kim Kardashian came through whether you like it or not. Thankfully, she left last year’s thrifted jersey in the archive and went full dominatrix-businesswoman in a crocodile leather two-piece by Chrome Hearts.

The off-the-shoulder crop top and matching pencil skirt hugged every inch, because of course it did.

She finished the look with layered pearls dripping from her waist, a massive leather hat (apparently the accessory this year), and enough diamonds around her neck to blind a camera flash.

Say what you will, but Kim K knows how to stick to the brief - “Tailored for You” with a heavy helping of latex realness.

And then there’s Teyana Taylor, who was hosting Vogue’s red carpet livestream. But trust, she wasn’t about to blend in.

She arrived in custom Marc Jacobs, arm-in-arm with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, and delivered a look that could only be described as meticulous, eccentric, and unapologetically her.

Draped in oxblood and chalk-stripe fantasy, Teyana mixed tailoring and theatre with a feathered fedora, a red cane, jumbo rosettes, stacked wallet chains, leather gloves, and a durag that flowed into a pleated train.

Add the custom Kiki boots, and you’ve got a look that screamed sophistication, individuality, and an insane level of attention to detail. A walking fashion thesis. 

She told Vogue, “I’m in suits even without it being a suit theme.” 

Minaj leaned into the “quaintrelle” energy with her signature mix of sex appeal and sharp tailoring. A crisp white bra peeked through beneath the neckline, a cheeky contrast to the structured silhouette.

Her hair was styled in a voluminous curly updo, crowned with a gold headpiece. She sealed the look with bright blue nails, bringing her own burst of colour to the monochrome moment.

Not one to be outshone, Nicki Minaj made her solo arrival in full Thom Browne regalia, styled by the unapologetically dramatic Law Roach.

Her ensemble reimagined the pinstripe suit with attitude, a deconstructed off-the-shoulder top and matching mermaid skirt, blending bold white stripes with a finer pinstripe pattern.

A trail of sculptural ruffled flowers flowed from her right shoulder, adding a theatrical edge to the look.