Everything to know about the Met Gala 2025: theme, how to watch, more

It’s the first Monday in May — cue the couture chaos.

Fashion’s biggest night is back, and the 2025 Met Gala promises to deliver another dazzling, drama-filled parade of style.

The annual benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute isn’t just a fancy fund-raiser, it’s a full-blown cultural spectacle, where celebrities compete to outdo each other on the museum’s iconic steps in looks that range from breathtaking to bonkers.

This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” draws from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book on “black dandyism” entitled “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.”

“Black dandyism,” as per Vogue, refers to a movement where sharp-dressed black men used fashion as power, protest and personal expression.

Last year’s May 1 soirée, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” saw stars adorning themselves with a dreamy dress code in mind, “The Garden of Time.”

Ensembles boasted floral accents, wood grain embellishments and more. Inspired by a 1962 J.G. Ballard short story, the looks nodded to fleeting beauty, nature and a crystal-studded dystopia.

From the red carpet to the after-hours exhibit tour, here’s everything you need to know about the Met Gala on May 5.

How to watch

This year’s Met Gala takes place Monday, May 5, and once again, Vogue holds the livestreaming reins. 

You can catch every glimmering arrival live on Vogue.com, YouTube and the outlet’s social platforms.

Singer and actor Teyana Taylor, actor and producer La La Anthony and actor and “SNL” comedian Ego Nwodim will host this year’s livestream.

Expect red carpet commentary and behind-the-scenes moments as stars arrive — and maybe another meme-able moment like Keke Palmer and Megan Thee Stallion’s 2021 chat or Jack Harlow and Emma Chamberlain’s 2022 flirt fest.

What to know about the theme

This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.”

The exhibit, curated by Miller and Andrew Bolton, dives into dandyism as self-expression, resistance and celebration — splitting the show into 12 sections like Distinction, Jook and Cool, with works from artists including Tyler Mitchell and Torkwase Dyson. 

OG dandy icon Beau Brummell shook up stiff 18th-century Britain with razor-sharp tailoring and a cool “let the clothes talk” energy.

But black dandyism took that style and made it a statement. 

For generations, sharply dressed black men have used fashion to challenge stereotypes, command respect and honor their individuality.

Born post-emancipation and blazing through the Harlem Renaissance, black dandyism stitched European elegance with cultural pride. 

As legends like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston broke barriers in the arts, Harlem’s style scene was suiting up and speaking volumes.

Now, modern black dandies like Jidenna, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo and André 3000 put a fresh spin on the classic style — using bold suits, fedoras and fearless flair to honor tradition while redefining fashion norms.

Ensembles we can anticipate 

Keep your eyes peeled for a fierce fusion of vintage and modern black style — think old-school dandies rubbing elbows with today’s rule-breaking icons. 

We can likely anticipate crisp tailoring, oversize lapels, figure-flattering zoot suits and statement accessories loaded with meaning.

This could be the year many fellas steal the spotlight — though don’t be surprised when the ladies show up suited and booted.

What happens inside

After working the carpet in theme-drenched couture, guests head inside the Met for an exclusive first look at the Costume Institute’s latest exhibit.

Once inside, phones are (theoretically) off, and the press is kept out

Then, it’s cocktail hour — where A-listers mix, mingle and low-key gossip over Champagne — followed by a swanky sit-down dinner with strategically assigned seats.

Fashion houses foot the bill for many of the celeb guests, and the night wraps with showstopping surprise performances — last year, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought down the house. 

The co-chairs

This year’s Met Gala is co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and, of course, Vogue queen bee Anna Wintour.

LeBron James joins as honorary chair.

This year’s host committee is stacked — André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jordan Casteel, Dapper Dan, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, Edward Enninful, Jeremy O. Harris, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Rashid Johnson, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, Audra McDonald, Janelle Monáe, Jeremy Pope, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tyla, Usher and Kara Walker — so it’s clear the night will be equal parts glitz and game-changer.

Notable attendees

While the full guest list is tightly guarded, some familiar faces are expected. La La Anthony, Teyana Taylor and Ego Nwodim will co-host the livestream.

Rihanna — a Met Gala MVP — is rumored to attend alongside her beau A$AP Rocky.

Past showstoppers like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya are likely contenders, as are Met Gala mainstays like Serena Williams, Lady Gaga and the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

The history of the Met Gala

Founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the Met Gala was originally a $50 dinner to support the Costume Institute. 

Now, a single ticket will set you back a reported $75,000 — up from last year’s $50,000, as reported by the New York Times.

Since Anna Wintour took the reins in 1995, the event has morphed into the Oscars of fashion, with every A-lister vying for an invite. 

Despite the gaudiness, the gala remains a key fund-raiser, generating millions annually to support the Met’s exhibitions and acquisitions.

So buckle up, fashion fans — the Met steps are about to become the most star-studded runway on earth once again.