Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (2025)

Table of Contents
Rihanna debuts baby bump on Met Gala carpet Kamala Harris makes Met Gala debut Relive the Met Gala magic with our red carpet gallery Black designers and stylists showcase their might at Met Gala Janelle Monáe with two looks on the carpet Kim Kardashian among the fashionably late arrivals André Leon Talley and Virgil Abloh's spirits lived on at Met Gala Cardi B is fashionably late A$AP Rocky shares Rihanna is pregnant with baby no. 3 And that's a wrap on the Vogue stream Stevie Wonder says Black hopes at Gala will inspire worldwide love Shakira shines in pink Damson Idris stuns with Met Gala outfit reveal Keke Palmer pays tribute to Dorothy Dandridge Kendall Jenner spotted on the carpet Quinta Brunson says her look is inspired by Josephine Baker Usher flew in from Germany just to attend Met Gala Dapper Dan's 'most important moment' of his career Monica L. Miller sees her book come to life at the Met Gala Shah Rukh Khan makes history as first male Indian actor at Met Gala It's 8 p.m. and the carpet stream still appears to be going (for now) Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas say they were excited about theme Michael Kors calls Megan Thee Stallion 'the ultimate female dandy' Who will be fashionably late? Jon Batiste hits carpet with saxophone in hand Sabrina Carpenter says she's never gone to the bathroom as a Met Gala guest Doechii in Louis Vuitton at her first Met Gala British co-chair Lewis Hamilton inspired by Harlem Renaissance Bad Bunny wears Prada and says he's repping Puerto Rico Anne Hathaway says late designer André Leon Talley inspired her look A$AP Rocky's grandmother loves him but crushing on Colman Domingo Gigi Hadid pays homage to 1940s designer Zelda Wynn Valdes Diana Ross' dress has children and grandchildren's names on it Simone Biles says prepping for the Met Gala is more stressful than the Olympics Zendaya spotted on red carpet Anna Wintour says theme is about 'optimism, hope and community' Sydney Sweeney wears old Hollywood-inspired Miu Miu dress Al Roker and Deborah Roberts run into each other, ready to cover the carpet Colman Domingo's eye-opening transformation Pharrell Williams shares inspiration for his look tonight Will Zendaya be at the Met Gala? Christian Latchman, the face of the Costume Institute's exhibit, arrives It's raining dandies Hosts of Vogue's livestream arrive on the carpet Costume designer Ruth E. Carter arrives on carpet Met Gala themes over the years Where actor Colman Domingo sought inspiration for his look How the spotlight on Black fashion makes a statement about DEI This year's red carpet is very blue Rain likely to intrude on Met Gala red carpet 'TODAY' anchor Al Roker will be on the Met Gala red carpet Many stars get ready at these two New York hotels The Met Gala has already reportedly raised a record $31 million What celebrities are on the host committee this year? Meet the Met Gala co-chairs Met Gala 2025: This year’s theme, explained How much does a Met Gala ticket cost? LeBron James is skipping the Met Gala, citing knee injury How to watch the Met Gala Met Gala 2025: What to know What time does the Met Gala start? References

Rihanna debuts baby bump on Met Gala carpet

NBC News

Rihanna rocked her baby bump during a fashionably late appearance on the carpet, hours after her partner A$AP Rocky confirmed the news.

Kamala Harris makes Met Gala debut

Saba Hamedy

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was among the guests at tonight's Met Gala.

Former second gentleman Doug Emhoff posted photos of the couple getting ready for the event to his Instagram page. "We spent a beautiful evening at the Met celebrating the Costume Institute spring exhibition," he wrote in the caption, thanking "all involved for a beautiful evening."

Harris, the former Democratic presidential candidate,wore a custom black and white dressdesigned by Off-White creative director IB Kamara, according to Vogue.

“Art has always had a significant impact on not just culture, but also our policies and politics,” Harris told the publication. “Artistic expression—whether it’s dance, music, visual arts, or fashion—has a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words. Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go.”

Relive the Met Gala magic with our red carpet gallery

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (2)

Justine Goode

From Zendaya to Keke Palmer to Nicole Kidman, the stars did not disappoint tonight. Look back on all the looks with our red carpet gallery.

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (3)

Black designers and stylists showcase their might at Met Gala

Michelle Garcia

It’s only fitting that some of the biggest Black designers and stylists were represented on the blue carpet Monday night for the Met Gala’s first event centered on Black history, style and fashion.

Musician Pharrell Williams, who is also Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, designed looks for several celebrities including Sabrina Carpenter, who joked about not being able to use the restroom in her outfit.

Fashion house Balmain was responsible for several looks with designer Olivia Rousteing at the helm. Lionel Nichols for Balmain worked on outfitting Jeremy O. Harris, actress Priyanka Chopra, and Grammy award-winning artist Rosalía, and also played a role in the construction of Diana Ross’s unbelievable gown.

Lewis Hamilton and FKA Twigs both wore menswear designer Grace Wales Bonner, who is known for blending sportswear and tailoring.

“The ivory represents purity,” Hamilton said, describing his look. While the shells represent currency. “We wanted to pay homage to the culture of Africa by the power of adornment. The suit is so fly, I love this.”

Quinta Brunson was dressed in a look inspired by the legendary Josephine Baker, by designer Sergio Hudson tonight. The designer told her this year he dressed 16 people.

Bishme Cromartie, a "Project Runway" winner who debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2023, designed two looks, including one for entertainment reporter Zuri Hall.La La Anthony, Pharrell Williams, and others paid homage to LVMH creative director and Off-White founder Virgil Abloh, who died in 2021.

Stylists can’t be forgotten either — perhaps the most famous stylist right now, Law Roach hit the carpet himself, this time without his muse Zendaya.

Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson dressed Gigi Haddid, whose dress was inspired by classic Hollywood costumer and designer Zelda Wynn Valdes.

Janelle Monáe with two looks on the carpet

Viola Flowers

Janelle Monáe arrived in not one, but two looks, designed by Thom Browne and Paul Tazewell, the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design for “Wicked."

The first look was an oversized, boxy suit jacket with red, white and black striped patterns, then a slimmer-fitting half-red, half-black suit underneath.

To complete the looks, a black bowler hat with a clock face monocle attached.

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Kim Kardashian among the fashionably late arrivals

Viola Flowers

Long after the Vogue live stream ended, Kim Kardashian was spotted on the carpet in a tight-fitting, textured black gown with cutouts with pearl details.

She completed the look with a low-tipped hat hiding half of her face.

The reality TV star and entrepreneur is known for her Met Gala looks, which over the years have drawn a mix of praise and scrutiny.

André Leon Talley and Virgil Abloh's spirits lived on at Met Gala

Michelle Garcia

The presence of two men loomed large over the Met Gala’s blue carpet, and while they have been gone for years, their influence in fashion has clearly not been forgotten.

Several people, including La La Anthony, Anna Wintour and Pharrell Williams, wore pieces by designer Virgil Abloh, who died in 2021 at 41. He founded his innovative brand Off-White, before joining LVMH in 2018, where he became the first Black American artistic director for a French luxury fashion brand. Anthony, who was co-hosting Vogue’s live stream coverage, wore a look that Abloh designed for his 2020 line.

“Virgil was more than a designer—he was a visionary, he was my friend, and someone who changed the entire game for so many of us,” Anthony said. “I wanted to carry his legacy with me throughout the evening, to remind people of the doors he opened and the culture he built. It wasn’t just fashion. It was love, history, and respect wrapped up in a beautiful garment.”

Another major figure whose presence was felt on the blue carpet was former Vogue creative director André Leon Talley, who died in 2022 at 73.

“We love everybody here, we respect everyone here,” Anne Hathaway told Vogue tonight. But, “we wanted Andre to look down from heaven and scream, ‘glamour!’”

Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour spoke about his influence in coordinating the event, and wrote about him for her editor's letter in the latest issue of the magazine.

Cardi B is fashionably late

Saba Hamedy

After the Vogue live stream wrapped, rapper Cardi B was spotted on the red carpet in an all green outfit.

The rapper had hid her look with umbrellas as she made her way to the Met Gala.

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A$AP Rocky shares Rihanna is pregnant with baby no. 3

Saba Hamedy

A$AP Rocky, a Met Gala co-chair, revealed his partner Rihanna, is pregnant with the couple’s third child.

“Rihanna’s outfit tonight is ... I don’t know, whatever, just don’t cover her baby hump, you dig?”he said inaninterview on the carpet.

The singer did not join her partner on the carpet at the event. But her look, which revealed her bump, was captured in images that circulated online.

In 2023, Rihanna revealed her second pregnancy during her Super Bowl halftime show performance.

And that's a wrap on the Vogue stream

Saba Hamedy

Vogue's 2025 Met Gala carpet stream has come to an end. But many celebrities are continuing the festivities inside, where non-guests are not allowed.

Don't worry: Photos and video from the actual event usually end up online eventually, with some stars sharing snapshots of their evenings and the performance after the fact.

And of course, there's always the late arrivals.

Stevie Wonder says Black hopes at Gala will inspire worldwide love

Curtis Bunn

Music icon Stevie Wonder said celebrating Black dandyism at the gala was not only a "wonderful thing" but an opportunity to spread love among Black people all over the world.

To Lala Anthony on Vogue's livestream of the red carpet event, Wonder said: "The reality is God has celebrated what we have done since the beginning of time. . . We created style, whether it be in music, dance or the most important thing: love. We have to commit ourselves. Black men all over the world, Africa, everywhere, pull yourselves (together) and bring the world together, because that's what's needed most of all in life today--love, not confusion, not hate."

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Shakira shines in pink

Viola Flowers

Shakira took the red carpet in a baby pink dress with a grand train, designed by Prabal Gurung. It "fit like a glove almost instantly" she told E! News.

"This is my only chance to celebrate before I go back on the road," the singer said. She'll be going “from Met Gala to Met Life” as she prepares for her first full-scale U.S. stadium tour beginning next week.


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Damson Idris stuns with Met Gala outfit reveal

Saba Hamedy

Blink and you might have missed him.

Damson Idris wowed at the 2025 Met Gala with a dramatic outfit reveal, arriving in a Formula 1-inspired suit and helmet before unveiling a sleek burgundy look underneath.

Keke Palmer pays tribute to Dorothy Dandridge

Angela Yang

Keke Palmer, wearing a Vera Wang gown inspired by Dorothy Dandridge — the first Black woman to be nominated for a best actress Academy Award — describes her look as “a little masculine with a feminine tribute.”

“Pretty much just wanted to inhabit the tailoring but also the history of Black culture, fashion as a tool to enter spaces that often were not allowed,” Palmer told Vogue, adding that she was inspired by “all the doors that [Dandridge] opened for us with fashion and beauty.”

Kendall Jenner spotted on the carpet

Saba Hamedy

Finally, one member of the Kardashian-Jenner crew has arrived.

Kendal Jenner is wearing a gray skirt suit designed by Torishéju. The reality TV star and model and her siblings and mom Kris Jenner are often guests at the Met Gala. So far, no sign of any of the others.

Jenner's pal Hailey Bieber was also spotted on the carpet nearby.

Quinta Brunson says her look is inspired by Josephine Baker

Saba Hamedy

Quinta Brunson said she’s wearing Sergio Hudson tonight. The designer told her he’s dressed 16 people for the Met Gala.

Her outfit, she said, is inspired by the legendary performer and entertainer Josephine Baker.

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Usher flew in from Germany just to attend Met Gala

Curtis Bunn

R&B star Usher is on tour in Europe, but wanted to attend the gala so badly that he flew in from Berlin, Germany to attend, he said told Vogue.

Not only that, "while the rest of you get to enjoy New York City" at the conclusion of the gala, Usher said he plans to fly to London after the festivities Monday night to resume his performances.

The things we do for fashion.

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Dapper Dan's 'most important moment' of his career

Viola Flowers

Fashion designer and haberdasher Dapper Dan made his third appearance on the carpet in a Zoot suit inspired by his hometown of New York City's Harlem.

"This is the most important moment of my career right now," the 80-year-old designer told Vogue. "My theme of the night is true Harlem dandy era, which I date to the Harlem Renaissance."

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At the center of his look is the symbol of sankofa, a word from the Twi language in Ghana meaning to "go back" or retrieve.

"Everything that I'm trying to say today is about how do we bring the culture up, and how do we go back and get what we need to bring it back here" he said.

Monica L. Miller sees her book come to life at the Met Gala

Curtis Bunn

When she wrote her 2009 New York Times bestselling book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity," Monica L. Miller said the notion of it being the inspiration for the 2025 Met Gala never occurred to her.

So, watching it all come to reality was "extraordinary, surreal, really fantastic," she said," during a Vogue live-streamed interview with LaLa Anthony. "I never anticipated this when I wrote the book. I didn't imagine it when I got the call. But I'm just delighted.

"It's hard to describe. I'm delighted and curious and inspired. And I'm so thankful."

She said she was proud there was a rhythm and blues element to the occasion.

"Rhythm and blues is how Black people experience culture and history," Miller said. "So it was really necessary to be true to that. In the exhibition, we have moments of blues moments. . . which are necessary to get to the rhythm."

Shah Rukh Khan makes history as first male Indian actor at Met Gala

Angela Yang

Shah Rukh Khan tonight became the first male Indian actor to attend the Met Gala. Wearing a look designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Khan told Vogue that he’s both nervous and excited. He said he hasn’t done many red carpets — as he’s “very shy.”

“I have little kids who are very excited about [the Met Gala],” Khan, whose look also included a walking stick with a jeweled tiger’s head, said. “I don’t know if I would have come here on my own, but when [Mukherjee] suggested that I should come, they went, ‘wow.’”

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It's 8 p.m. and the carpet stream still appears to be going (for now)

Saba Hamedy

The Met Gala carpet is expected to wrap up soon. But the Vogue feed is still going strong. Too many celebrities, not enough time to admire all their looks.

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas say they were excited about theme

Saba Hamedy

Hollywood couple Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas understood the assignment.

"The theme for us is about collaborating with excellent people who have a real sense, a real 360 view of this theme and what it means," Nick Jonas, who worked with designer Bianca Sanders, said.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is wearing Balmain, said she was excited about the theme because of the "excellence" behind it.

"To me, it's an expression of what fashion has been," she said. "There's such a power to it."

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Michael Kors calls Megan Thee Stallion 'the ultimate female dandy'

Angela Yang

Designer Michael Kors is singing Megan Thee Stallion’s praises.

“She is, I mean, this is the ultimate female dandy,” Kors told Vogue, when describing the rapper and her look. “It’s swagger. It’s all about presenting yourself in the most fabulous way at all times. She always does it."

The rapper is wearing a silver sequin gown and white fur coat tonight.

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Who will be fashionably late?

Viola Flowers

The carpet is estimated to end at around 8 p.m. ET, begging the question: Who will arrive fashionably late tonight?

Some fans have wondered whether this will be the year superstars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift break their Met Gala hiatus. (Both have not attended since 2016.)

We're not optimistic but remain hopeful for a spotting of one of the pop culture icons. In the meantime, other late comers keep showing off impressive looks.

Jon Batiste hits carpet with saxophone in hand

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Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (36)
Viola FlowersMichelle Garcia

Viola Flowers and Michelle Garcia

Jon Batiste gave his own musical introduction on the carpet tonight, stepping on with saxophone in hand and playing a few notes while stopping for photos.

The Grammy-award winning singer and songwriter is wearing a tailored, polka-dot suit jacket with a white flower on the lapel.

And then, moments later, Batiste was spotted on the steps playing a tune to tennis icon Serena Williams — a little delight.

Sabrina Carpenter says she's never gone to the bathroom as a Met Gala guest

Saba Hamedy

This is the third year Sabrina Carpenter is attending the Met Gala. But the pop superstar said she's "never been to the bathroom once, because I’ve never been able to use it in my outfit."

This year she's wearing a brown body suit in a look designed by fellow musician and Louis Vuitton menswear creative director Pharrell Williams.

If she does end up being able to use the restroom tonight, she said she'll "let everybody know what it looks like."

"I’m sure it’s just a normal museum bathroom," she joked, "but I’m excited to find out."

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Doechii in Louis Vuitton at her first Met Gala

Viola Flowers

Rapper Doechii is at her first Met Gala wearing Louis Vuitton inspired by Julius Soubise, a character from Monica L. Miller's book, "Slaves to Fashion," which was the inspiration for the night's theme and Costume Institute exhibition.

Doechii, the third woman in the history of the Grammy's to win best rap album for "Alligator Bites Never Heal," said she was heavily inspired by '90s rap on the project.

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"I felt inspired by the theme, as a student of hip hop," Doechii told Vogue. "I feel like that's very dandy."

With a long Louis Vuitton suit jacket paired with plaid shorts and matching mini purse, Doechii completed her look with the signature designer logo daintily placed on her cheek.

British co-chair Lewis Hamilton inspired by Harlem Renaissance

Curtis Bunn

Formula 1 race car driver Lewis Hamilton, who is British and Grenadian, said fashion helped him gain a "sense of self" when he was young.

“I felt like I had to conform particularly in the world I compete in," he said. "My father and I are the only people of color there. As I got older I realized, I found my sense of self. I got confidence from wearing fashion, and how you can express yourself from what you’re wearing. After that I went on this journey. Fashion’s really helped me become the person I am today."

Hamilton, a Met Gala co-chair, wore an ivory suit by Grace Wales Bonner and inspired by legendary band leader Cab Calloway and the Harlem Renaissance.

"The ivory represents purity," he said, while the shells represent currency. "We wanted to pay homage to the culture of Africa by the power of adornment. The suit is so fly, I love this."

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Bad Bunny wears Prada and says he's repping Puerto Rico

Angela Yang

Bad Bunny said he has no plans of going viral again at this year’s Met Gala. But he was excited to show off his Prada outfit, which the Puerto Rican rapper told Vogue took months to prepare.

He teased his upcoming residency in Puerto Rico this summer, describing it as “like a huge party,” with “a lot of feeling, a lot of energy.”

The artist also just announced his new world tour, which fans noticed skips the U.S.

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Anne Hathaway says late designer André Leon Talley inspired her look

Saba Hamedy

Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway is wearing a custom Carolina Herrera column dress with a tailored white button-down designed by Wes Gordon. She said her look was inspired by the late Vogue creative director André Leon Talley, who died in 2022.

"We love everybody here, we respect everyone here," Hathaway told Vogue. But, "we wanted Andre to look down from heaven and scream, 'glamour!'"

The star is among the handful of celebrities who cited the designer when asked what inspired their looks. Wintour also wrote an essay for Vogue's recent issue addressing the theme and Leon Talley, saying "he understood that, especially as a Black man, what you wore told a story about you, about your history, about self-respect. And so, for André, getting dressed was an act of autobiography, and also mischief and fantasy, and so much else at once."

A$AP Rocky's grandmother loves him but crushing on Colman Domingo

Curtis Bunn

One of the co-chairs of the Met Gala, A$AP Rocky, said jokingly in a Vogue pre-gala interview that he was upset that actor and fellow co-chair Colman Domingo was his grandmother's favorite.

"I'm feeling some kind of way," he said, laughing. "He stole my whole grandma. She's in love with him."

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A$AP said he would take a selfie with Domingo and send to his granny. "She said, 'That's my boy. I don't care if he's married. I'll take him from his husband.'"

By the way, the rapper designed his very own elegant navy blue suit that he paired with Christian Louboutin dress shoes. The Harlem-raised star said he was inspired by the classic film "Harlem Nights."

Gigi Hadid pays homage to 1940s designer Zelda Wynn Valdes

Viola Flowers

Gigi Hadid donned a golden glittering dress designed by Miu Miu, telling Vogue that she worked with fashion editor and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson.

The dress is an homage to Zelda Wynn Valdes, a fashion designer who in the 1940s was trained by her uncle in mens' tailoring and went on to open her own dress-making store in New York City's Washington Heights.

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"She took her training from her tailoring background and brought that to female form," Hadid told Vogue on the carpet. "I think she that she really took on the essence of Black dandyism, which is to mix these strong fashion pillars and mix them together in a way that you feel like you’re really expressing yourself individually."

Diana Ross' dress has children and grandchildren's names on it

Saba Hamedy

Diana Ross knows how to make an entrance.

The Grammy-winning singer wore a white crystal-embellished gown that took over the blue carpet as she walked up the steps.

Ross told Vogue that her son Evan Ross, who joined her at the event, persuaded her to go. She hadn't attended the Met Gala since 2003.

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When asked about her inspiration behind the look, Ross said it's a "family gown." The train "has the names of all my children and my eight grandchildren so everybody’s name is embroidered in that," she said.

"She is the Met ball," her son Evan added.

Simone Biles says prepping for the Met Gala is more stressful than the Olympics

Angela Yang

For famed gymnast Simone Biles, getting ready for the Met Gala was more stressful than prepping for the Olympics — “only because I trained for the Olympics for my whole entire life and this is just like a one-day event.”

The gold medalist, who is attending with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, told Vogue that the two are in a long-distance relationship, so she’s excited to spend a night at the Met Gala together ahead of their anniversary tomorrow.

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Zendaya spotted on red carpet

Viola Flowers

Zendaya has arrived in an all-white suit with floppy white hat and a small, silver snake detail on the upper back of the suit jacket.

Anna Wintour says theme is about 'optimism, hope and community'

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Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (58)
Viola FlowersCurtis Bunn

Viola Flowers and Curtis Bunn

Anna Wintour, co-chair of the gala, told E! News that this year's exhibition is about "optimism, hope and community."

"This exhibition was planned several years ago when we were in a different political climate, but I think it has taken on a sense of purpose and a sense of urgency," Wintour said. "I just hope that people see the exhibition and understand the talent that is involved in putting it together and the incredible designers that we're putting a spotlight on in the show."

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Wintour also mentioned the inspiration and influence that Vogue creative director Andre Leon Tally, who died in 2022, had on the theme of the show.

On the Vogue livestream, Wintour said she sees the event as one way to “stand with the Black community.”

“I’m very, very inspired seeing how much it means to the Black community,” she said. “I think it’s full of creativity. It’s putting the spotlight on amazing Black talent. It’s about self-respect and joy and confidence. Liberation. And at this moment in our political history, I think it’s important to stand next to the Black community.”

Sydney Sweeney wears old Hollywood-inspired Miu Miu dress

Saba Hamedy

Actress Sydney Sweeney is wearing a black-beaded Miu Miu gown, telling Vogue it's her third time wearing the designer at the Met Gala.

“I always feel they bring such beautiful stories to every dress," she said, adding that the look is "paying homage" to Kim Novak, the classic Hollywood actress she will portray in the film "Scandalous."

The film marks Met Gala co-chair Colman Domingo's directorial debut.

"I’m doing a movie with Colman Domingo so we wanted to really just bring that to life," Sweeney said on the carpet. "I think such a beautiful story.”

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Al Roker and Deborah Roberts run into each other, ready to cover the carpet

Viola Flowers

It's a working date night for NBC's Al Roker and ABC's Deborah Roberts, who are covering tonight's event for their respective networks.

The television news couple, who have been married since 1995, ran into each other on the carpet, both in black top hats.

"I didn't know you were going to be here!" Roberts said.

Colman Domingo's eye-opening transformation

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Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (66)
Curtis BunnAngela Yang

Curtis Bunn and Angela Yang

Red-hot actor Colman Domingo gave the Met Gala 2025 two different head-turner looks.

Domingo, a co-chair for the night's event, first entered the event in a royal blue gown-like piece that extended from his shoulder to the floor. Across the shoulders was white lace that stretched to his midsection, a seeming cross between broken angel wings and football shoulder pads.

Later, his look beneath the cloak was revealed: a bold black-and-white blazer, gray trousers with cuffs, a white shirt with a gray pinstriped collar, and a black-and-white polka dot kerchief serving as a necktie. He brought it all together with an oversized black boutonniere with small polka dots.

Yeah, he enjoys this event.

Wearing a custom Valentino suit, Domingo told reporters that he feels “like a king.”

“What I wore originally was sort of like a nod to not only crossing the seas…” Domingo said on the carpet. “But also, it was my mother’s favorite color, which is blue. And so, I wanted to tell a story tonight.”

Pharrell Williams shares inspiration for his look tonight

Angela Yang

Pharrell Williams, a Met Gala co-chair, said his fashion inspirations for this year’s theme are “the Black men of the working class.”

“They did the hard work, they do the hard work, but then when it’s time to get fresh, they get dandy and super fine,” Williams told Variety. “I’m inspired by the working class because that’s where I come from.”

The musician, who is wearing custom Louis Vuitton, also told reporters that his jacket is made of 15,000 pearls.

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Will Zendaya be at the Met Gala?

Saba Hamedy

Zendaya, who served as a co-chair of the 2024 Met Gala, is considered a fashion icon. The "Challengers" and "Dune" star last year turned heads with three separate, unique looks for the evening.

Law Roach, Zendaya’s longtime stylist, said they will both be at the event this year. However, he told E!, they are going “separately.”

“We are going to be on the Met Gala steps,” he told the publication last month. “Yes, separately this year.”

“That’s going to be really amazing,” he added. “We’re doing our own thing this year, which is exciting.”

Christian Latchman, the face of the Costume Institute's exhibit, arrives

Viola Flowers

Model Christian Latchman, the face of the Met's Costume Institute exhibit this spring celebrating Black tailoring, has arrived in a white suit, complete with a flowing train and a pale pink peony on his lapel.

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Latchman is on the cover of the museum's catalogue this year.

It's raining dandies

Curtis Bunn
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A collection of impeccably dressed men — dandyism at its finest — took up the legendary stairway to the gala for a performance. During the live feed the group was revealed to be Silk & Sound.

The group was led by Allen René Louis, a composer known for his soulful vocal arrangements.

These men entertained in a pre-gala moment by singing a smooth version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to an appreciative crowd that seemed unbothered by the rain.

Hosts of Vogue's livestream arrive on the carpet

Viola Flowers

The hosts of Vogue's livestream have all arrived on the carpet.

Singer and actor Teyana Taylor arrived first, followed by “Saturday Night Live” star Ego Nwodim and producer La La Anthony.

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (77)
Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (78)

Emma Chamberlain also arrived on the carpet as a special correspondent.

Costume designer Ruth E. Carter arrives on carpet

Viola Flowers

Costume designer Ruth E. Carter has arrived on the carpet, with elements of a zoot-suit classic high waist and long, sparkly blazer.

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (80)

Carter did the costume design for new blockbuster "Sinners," which is headed toward $250 million worldwide at the box office since its release Easter weekend.

Carter became the first Black costume designer to win an Academy Award for her work on "Black Panther" in 2019. She also worked on "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," released in 2022.

Met Gala themes over the years

Chrissy Callahan, TODAY

Mish Coffey, TODAY

Chrissy Callahan, TODAY and Mish Coffey, TODAY

Though the event has sparked conversation and marked evolution in the fashion industry for more than 75 years, the Met Gala has only featured a theme since 1978. The dress code complements each theme, which is determined by the Costume Institute’s annual spring exhibition.

2024: "The Garden of Time"

2023: "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty"

2022:"In America: An Anthology of Fashion"

2021:"In America: A Lexicon of Fashion"

2019:"Camp: Notes on Fashion"

2018:"Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination"

2017:"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between"

2016:"Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology"

2015:"China: Through the Looking Glass"

2014: "Charles James: Beyond Fashion"

2013:"Punk: Chaos to Couture"

2012:"Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations"

2011: "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty"

2010:"American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity"

Read the full story here.

Where actor Colman Domingo sought inspiration for his look

Saba Hamedy

Domingo, a co-chair of the gala, told Vogue that he met with Monica L. Miller, guest curator of the Costume Institute’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition, to prepare for this year.

Seeing Black mannequins moved him, he said, telling the publication: “I am a Black man who loves style, loves tailoring, and it struck me that I had never seen images like that—of myself, saying, I belong in these clothes. I always had to look for a vision outside of myself.”

How the spotlight on Black fashion makes a statement about DEI

Curtis Bunn

While the Met Gala is not a political event, celebrity stylist Avon Dorsey said it — intentionally or not — is making a statement about the power and necessity of diversity, equity and inclusion, a set of practices the Trump administration hasweaponized by deeming them “illegal.”

“It is something that comes to mind, because the Met Gala has these themes that emphasizes all three of those touch points of DEI,” said Dorsey, who has dressed A-list talent including Michael B. Jordan, Winston Duke and Jay Ellis. “To highlight the importance of Black culture, specifically Black men, is something that’s needed in the world to stand up against the stereotypes and misinformation and push forward our reality.”

Dapper Dan, a fashion icon in Harlem who grew up underprivileged, said dressing up in clothes purchased from Goodwill was his first introduction to the power of dandyism.

“Even if the clothes weren’t mine, nobody knew how poor my family was,” he said in a Vogue video. “And for me, that was the birth of dandyism, because I saw the power of transformation that could take place with your clothes.”

This year's red carpet is very blue

Viola Flowers

Deep blues and daffodils replace the typical red carpet color at this year's Met Gala, with accentuating walls of daffodils lining the walkway itself.

Internet sleuths had guessed that the secret carpet color would be blue, posting their theories on X ahead of tonight's event.

By 4:30 p.m., the speculation was confirmed as some early arrivals were photographed posing in front of the steps.

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (84)
Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (85)
Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (86)

Rain likely to intrude on Met Gala red carpet

Curtis Bunn

By the time celebrities are to begin strutting their elegance into the Met tonight, they may need to watch their steps. Following a full day of rain, it will likely continue through the evening, with accumulation of up to a half inch, according to NBC New York.

Even with conditions less than ideal, celebrities customarily arrive by car and the red carpet — which is actually blue this year — will be covered, probably keeping the parade of fashion icons dry.

'TODAY' anchor Al Roker will be on the Met Gala red carpet

TODAY

Al Roker is taking on a stylish new assignment at the Met Gala, setting foot on the iconic steps as he fills in for Sheinelle Jones’ red-carpet coverage.

Many stars get ready at these two New York hotels

Saba Hamedy

Every year, The Carlyle and The Mark Hotel become the go-to spots for celebrities as they get ready for the Met Gala. Both are located on the Upper East Side. Fans and photographers often gather outside the spots to catch the first glimpses of stars in their themed attire.

Michel Heredia, the director of sales and marketing at The Mark, told Women's Wear Daily that the hotel begins preparations a year in advance.

“The day after, we always get together and see what we did right, what we did wrong and we go over it to make it even better for next year,” he told the publication.

The Met Gala has already reportedly raised a record $31 million

Viola Flowers

This year's gala raised a record $31 million before the doors even opened, museum CEO Max Hollein announced at a press preview this morning, according to The New York Times.

This is the first time the event has surpassed $30 million in its 77 years, breaking last year's record of $26 million.

Hollein said the gala serves as an opportunity for "an environment of celebration, of support, and of meaning," the Times reported.

What celebrities are on the host committee this year?

Kaitlyn Schwanemann

The 2025 host committee features:

  • 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
  • Kara Walker

Meet the Met Gala co-chairs

Kaitlyn Schwanemann

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (90)

Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour has chaired the gala since the 1990s.

This year’s co-chairs include: actor Colman Domingo, musicians Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky, and Formula One competitor Lewis Hamilton.

Met Gala 2025: This year’s theme, explained

Curtis Bunn

For the first time at the glamorous Met Gala in New York, Black men — their style, expression, elegance, creativity and versatility — will be on full display.Using as inspiration the 2009 bestselling book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Disasporic Identity,” by Monica L. Miller, tonight’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” opens the door for Black men to demonstrate their versatile and globally influential fashion sense on the red carpet during fashion’s big night.

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (92)

“Black style is really related to thinking about how fashion and power connect,” Miller said in a YouTube video aboutmaking Vogue’s Met Gala issue. “The way that people are styled or fashioned or fashioned themselves in response to the degree of agency that they feel.”

Miller, who curated the Costume Institute’s spring exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is bringing Black dandyism into focus.Black dandyism, which reaches at least as far back as the Harlem Renaissance from 1918 to the mid-1930s, celebrated life in times that were not socially or politically celebratory for Black people.

Read the full story here.

How much does a Met Gala ticket cost?

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (93)

Kaitlyn Schwanemann

Saba Hamedy

Kaitlyn Schwanemann and Saba Hamedy

Tickets to the Met Gala are a whopping $75,000, with tables of 10 priced at $350,000.

Celebrities who make the coveted guest list are invited by high-profile brands who purchase entire tables at the event. This year's sponsors include Louis Vuitton, Instagram, Africa Fashion International, Tyler Perry and Condé Nast.

Money from the sales goes toward funding the Costume Institute’s yearly budget, according to The New York Times.

LeBron James is skipping the Met Gala, citing knee injury

Viola Flowers

LeBron James, an honorary chair of the gala, said he will not be attending tonight due to a knee injury he sustained at the end of the season.

The Los Angeles Lakers star said his wife, Savannah James, will still be attending in his absence.

"Hate to miss an historical event!" the NBA icon posted on X today. "My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!"

How to watch the Met Gala

Kaitlyn Schwanemann

While the gala itself is strictly off-limits to the press (attendees must abide by a no-phone policy), the event is most famous for its red carpet, which can be watched via livestream onVogue.com, YouTube or E!.

This year, singer and actor Teyana Taylor, actor and producer La La Anthony and “Saturday Night Live” star Ego Nwodim will host the Met Gala livestream for Vogue. Emma Chamberlain will be a special correspondent.

Expect to see a slew of memes, hot takes and outfit reviews populate social media platforms such as X, TikTok and Instagram all evening.

Met Gala 2025: What to know

TODAY

The entire night will focus on celebrating Black culture. Watch more in the "TODAY" segment.

What time does the Met Gala start?

Kaitlyn Schwanemann

Guest arrivals are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET, but some celebrities may show up fashionably late.

Met Gala 2025 highlights: Red carpet arrivals, theme, celebrities and more (2025)

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