The 2025 Met Gala completely redefined traditional fashion norms, enveloping them in luxurious silk charmeuse. This year’s captivating theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, celebrated the exquisite craftsmanship of Black dandyism—a tribute to Black identity shaped by elegance, rebellion, and precision tailoring from the 18th century to the present. Picture lavish silk waistcoats, wide-brimmed hats, bold zoot suits, and impeccably smooth double-breasted ensembles that epitomized power and sophistication.
In a groundbreaking twist, the Met Gala spotlighted menswear for the first time in its storied history. Designers were challenged to reinterpret this narrative for all bodies and genders, showcasing tailored drama for their female and nonbinary clients alike. The outcome? Gender-defying, curve-hugging, and utterly elegant looks that transformed the Met into a vibrant spectacle of style.
Celebrating Curves: Plus Size Stars Who Shined at the 2025 Met Gala
This year’s Met Gala was historic not only for its daring theme but also for the remarkable presence of curvy style icons gracing the carpet. The Superfine theme demanded precision tailoring—often restricted to a narrow demographic—and our plus size representatives demonstrated that structure and flair transcend size limitations.
From sumptuous velvet gowns to powerful tuxedos with shoulder pads, curve fashion didn’t just participate; it transformed the red carpet into a vibrant runway for radical self-expression.
Meet the 13 Stunning Plus Size Attendees Who Dominated the Night
Precious Lee: A Vision of Luxury and Power
Precious Lee truly owned the 2025 Met Gala red carpet in a custom creation by Prabal Gurung that radiated opulence with an inviting vibe. The iconic plus size supermodel exuded body positivity and leadership in a dark champagne-hued bodysuit embellished with shimmering stones. She completed her look with an animal print shawl, adding an exotic flair that brought a touch of jungle chic! The ensemble was a perfect blend of sultry and sophisticated, embodying Precious’s unique style. Honestly? She looked like a glass of the finest champagne—bold, luxurious, and utterly unforgettable.
Ashley Graham: Redefining Power Suit Elegance
Ashley Graham arrived at the 2025 Met Gala embodying the quintessence of a boss in a stunning ensemble by BOSS that turned traditional menswear on its head. Picture this: a sharply tailored pinstripe blazer featuring exaggerated shoulders that conveyed strong-shouldered seductress vibes, flowing into a corset bodice that melted into a dramatic train trailing behind her as if she owned the entire event (and she absolutely did). This look combined structured elegance with ethereal grace, as if a power suit had undergone a couture transformation. With her sleek hair styled back and that signature Ashley confidence? Whew. She didn’t simply grasp the assignment—she completely rewrote it.
Lizzo: A Showstopper in Black and White
At the 2025 Met Gala, Lizzo made a stunning return to the red carpet, showcasing a custom black-and-white gown designed by Christian Siriano. The dress featured intricate craftsmanship, including three layers of corsetry and approximately 200 seams, with no stretch fabric to emphasize Lizzo’s beautiful curves. Siriano managed to create this masterpiece in just three days. To complement her captivating attire, Lizzo wore luxurious platinum blond shoulder-length waves styled with Red by Kiss products, along with bold makeup that included a smoky eye and dark lipstick. Her accessories were equally glamorous, featuring diamond jewelry and an elegant cigarette holder.
Brian Tyree Henry: A Dramatic Red Carpet Presence
Brian Tyree Henry made a powerful statement at the 2025 Met Gala in a striking red ensemble that was impossible to overlook. He donned a bold red suit complemented by a grand robe adorned with intricate gold embroidery, alongside black gloves and boots that completed the look. This ensemble was a standout on the red carpet, perfectly aligning with the evening’s illustrious theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Whoopi Goldberg: A Bold Return to the Met Gala
Whoopi Goldberg made a triumphant return to the Met Gala in 2025, fully embracing the theme “Tailored for You” with a striking and sophisticated ensemble. She wore a custom creation by Thom Browne—a black duchess satin gown featuring raglan sleeves and tailored suit lapels, elegantly paired with a white overcoat intricately embroidered with 350,000 matte sequins, a feat that took an astonishing 7,700 hours to complete.
Alex Newell: Blending Tradition with Modern Glamour
The Tony Award winner glided up the Met steps in an exquisite black gown that paid homage to classic menswear tailoring while exuding complete diva drama. The structured silhouette resonated with the evening’s “Tailored for You” dress code, while the sweeping train and luxurious fabric made it unmistakably Newell. Christian Siriano’s design was a masterclass in harmonizing masculine structure with feminine elegance, and Alex wore it effortlessly like the fashion icon they truly are.
Audra McDonald: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Glam
Audra McDonald graced the 2025 Met Gala with her timeless elegance, channeling Gilded Age glamour with a contemporary flair. The Tony-winning icon dazzled in a custom taupe gown by Harbison Studio, featuring a classic hourglass silhouette paired with a voluminous ruffle that added an alluring touch of dramatic flair!
Jazmine Sullivan: A Fusion of Power and Poetry
Jazmine Sullivan transformed the 2025 Met Gala into her personal runway, showcasing a look that beautifully married power suit aesthetics with poetic expression. Draped in a custom off-white ensemble by Who Decides War, she reinterpreted classic tailoring through a lens of Black elegance and creativity. The flared blazer, adorned with intricate floral embroidery, harmoniously paired with a matching lace durag that flowed into a stunning train—merging streetwear edge with high-fashion sophistication.
Nicki Minaj: A Bold Fashion Statement
Curvy girl Nicki Minaj stunned in a custom Thom Browne ensemble that featured a pinstripe suit-inspired dress with a dramatic mermaid silhouette and a cascading floral accent that trailed down her back. The look was completed with a striking updo adorned with a golden headpiece and vibrant blue nails, showcasing her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to the evening’s theme.
Rihanna: A Stunning Mama-to-Be
It would be remiss to discuss curves without mentioning the baby bump of our favorite mama-to-be! Rihanna made a grand entrance at the 2025 Met Gala, transforming the red carpet into her personal runway while revealing her third pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky. Dressed in a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble, she showcased a gray bustier, a flowing black skirt, and a cropped black jacket, all perfectly tailored to accentuate her beautiful baby bump.
Bebe Rexha: A Fashion-Forward Debut
Bebe Rexha made a sensational debut at the 2025 Met Gala, fully embracing the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” with an ensemble that masterfully blended masculine tailoring and romantic elements. Dressed in a custom Christian Siriano design, she wore a structured black coat layered over a voluminous tulle skirt, beautifully complemented by fishnet gloves and an eye-catching dramatic train.
Her hairstyle featured the trendy “Betty Boop” bangs, a nod to 1930s glamour, which many celebrities adopted for this prestigious event.
Despite her forward-thinking fashion statement, Rexha faced online body-shaming comments following the event. She bravely addressed the criticism by sharing her personal experience of a recent pregnancy loss, emphasizing the insensitivity behind such remarks.
Tems: A Tribute to Historical Excellence
Tems’ ensemble at the Met Gala paid homage to Boateng’s 2019 womenswear debut at New York’s Apollo Theater, which celebrated the centenary of the Harlem Renaissance. By choosing this striking look, Tems honored the rich heritage of Black sartorial excellence while highlighting the profound history of Black dandyism.
Questlove: A Stylish Tribute to Family Heritage
Questlove’s impeccable suit was a heartfelt homage to his father, Lee Andrews, a celebrated soul singer renowned for his distinctive style. Drawing inspiration from the sharp silhouettes of iconic figures like Sammy Davis Jr. and Duke Ellington, Questlove’s look combined nostalgia with avant-garde flair. Once hesitant to embrace suits due to generational attitudes about respectability, Questlove proudly embraced this full-circle fashion moment, showcasing his unique personal style.
Fashion Highlights and Lowlights: Who Stole the Show?
As a passionate lover of fashion and themed events, the 2025 Met Gala delivered beyond expectations. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” had me enthusiastically screaming, screenshotting, and giving side-eye to the most captivating moments. From precision tailoring to extravagant glamour, the red carpet felt like a vibrant runway remix celebrating history, heritage, and pure fashion confidence. Honestly, narrowing down my top three favorite looks felt borderline cruel (it’s akin to asking me to choose a favorite shapewear brand—impossible!). After much internal deliberation, a few replays, and a poll among friends… here are my picks!
Top Fashion Hits from the Night:
Lauryn Hill: A Regal Fashion Sermon
Lauryn Hill’s debut at the 2025 Met Gala was nothing short of a fashion sermon, and I was here for every divine detail. Draped in a custom butter-yellow suit by Ghanaian designer Jude Dontoh, she embodied the essence of the evening’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with a look that was both regal and revolutionary. The sculptural jacket featured a dramatic train and a cape reminiscent of a crown, paying homage to Black dandyism and Ghanaian royalty, further accentuated by jewelry from Emefa Cole crafted with ethically sourced gold.
But Lauryn didn’t stop there. She accessorized with a striking cerulean blue Hermès Kelly bag, a burgundy tie, oversized sunglasses, and an exquisite gold-encrusted fan, creating a harmonious blend of color and culture. Her beauty choices—bright blue eyeshadow and deep purple lipstick—provided a bold finish to the ensemble. This rare appearance on the red carpet served as a powerful reminder of Lauryn Hill’s enduring influence in both music and fashion.
Teyana Taylor: A Masterclass in Fashion History
Teyana Taylor didn’t just attend the 2025 Met Gala—she owned the event, delivering a look that seamlessly merged fashion, history, and unapologetic Harlem swagger. In a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble co-designed with two-time Oscar winner Ruth E. Carter, Teyana rocked a pinstriped zoot suit complemented by a dramatic burgundy cape embroidered with “Harlem Rose,” a poignant nod to her 2018 anthem “Rose in Harlem.” The ensemble was adorned with satin roses and black crystallized vines, cascading beautifully down her back in a stunning display of craftsmanship. Topping off her look with a burgundy top hat, matching floor-length durag, leather gloves, and a ruby-encrusted cane, Teyana truly embodied the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” with every meticulous detail.
Janelle Monáe: A Fashion Symphony
Janelle Monáe didn’t just attend the 2025 Met Gala—she curated a sartorial symphony that left the fashion world in awe. Collaborating with Thom Browne and Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, Monáe donned a transformative ensemble that began with a trompe l’oeil overcoat featuring embroidered grosgrain ribbons mimicking a tie, lapel, and briefcase. As she ascended the Met steps, the overcoat was removed to unveil a deconstructed sport coat and skirt, seamlessly merging red wool crepe with black-and-white pinstripes—a visual metaphor for dismantling traditional norms and embracing individuality. Gah!
Fashion Misses: Disappointments from the Night
Now, let’s address some of the misses from the 2025 Met Gala. While the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” inspired many iconic moments, not everyone managed to hit the mark. Some celebrities missed a golden opportunity to showcase the rich heritage of Black dandyism and the powerful stories behind it. Don’t get me wrong, their outfits were stylish in their own way, but they didn’t quite capture the essence of sharp tailoring, rich heritage, and storytelling that the theme required. A few stars seemed more focused on making a “fashion statement” rather than genuinely honoring the culture and style that this year’s theme aimed to spotlight. It’s all about balancing a stunning look with a true ownership of the theme.
Lala: A Missed Opportunity
Doja Cat: A Disappointing Take
Megan Thee Stallion: A Missed Theme Connection
Why “Superfine” Was Absolutely Necessary!
This year’s Met Gala clearly demonstrated that honoring Black style history must encompass all Black bodies—especially those historically marginalized in fashion. The increasing visibility of plus size attendees made it undeniably clear that glamour, structure, and high design belong to everyone, regardless of size.
Let’s be real: if you’re not creating fashion that celebrates all bodies, you’re not truly making fashion—you’re simply producing clothing.
Which look was your favorite of the evening? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
