Joe D. | May 2, 2025
New York City, With fitted shapes, strong comments, and a historic theme honoring Black fashion, the Met Gala this week drew attention back to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Still $75,000 per ticket, the price to attend “fashion’s biggest night” has not increased despite the growing expense of practically everything else.
That is, if you are fortunate enough to get accepted.
The Monday-held 2025 Met Gala highlighted “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the first Met exhibition dedicated only to Black designers and the first time in more than 20 years the Gala has concentrated mostly on males.
The evening celebrated the impact of Black artists on world fashion, legacy, and workmanship. All wrapped under the official dress code: “Tailored for You,” guests read the concept via sharp suiting, royal textiles, and personal flare.
Among this year’s co-chairs were actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton, rapper and fashion entrepreneur A$AP Rocky, and music legend Pharrell Williams. Returning as co-chair was Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who has supervised the Met Gala since 1995; LeBron James, who was honorary chair, joined her.
Joining the host committee were high-profile names from all around sports, arts, and activism like Janelle Monáe, Simone Biles, Spike Lee, Ayo Edebiri, and André 3000.
Monáe, famed for her unique voice and manner, said to the Associated Press, “Honoring minorities, honoring Black and brown people in these areas and outside every day is crucial. We should keep honoring them and stand on their shoulders to go forward.
The guest list stayed, as usual, invitation-only. Tickets are $75,000 apiece; tables begin at $350,000. Though usually paid for by large fashion companies, this is a high price. Often, celebrities walk the red carpet in bespoke outfits meant to grab attention and headlines as guests of luxury brands.
This year, the fashion was intimate rather than spectacular. The red carpet honored not just style but identity from trendy three-piece suits to classic African tailoring with contemporary twists.
“Superfine” explores in depth how Black designers have shaped fashion history by means of tailoring and fit from Harlem to London to Lagos. The related show at the Costume Institute opens to the public later this week.
Beneath the glitz, the Met Gala has a very genuine goal: it’s the largest annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute. Proceeds support activities at the museum including purchases, publications, new exhibitions, and others.
A smaller grassroots event named the Debt Gala took place in Brooklyn the night prior, in contrast to the Met Gala’s luxury. The event generates funds for medical debt relief in underprivileged areas with tickets costing only $35. Its theme—”Let Them Eat Cake: Ruined Riches”—provided a playful criticism of fashion and riches and made room for other voices.
Yet, no event comes close to the Met Gala in worldwide reach. Its mix of celebrities, art, and cultural critique puts it in the spotlight year after year. And it was able to accomplish something unusual in 2025: transform the runway into a stage for more profound contemplation.
