The Meaning Behind Jenna Ortega’s Metal Ruler Dress at the 2025 Met Gala

Who would have thought heavy metal would be such a big hitter for the 2025 Met Gala theme? In custom Balmain, Jenna Ortega made the case for a considered, super thoughtful take on the Tailored for You theme.

Designed by Olivier Rousteing, Jenna Ortega’s Balmain outfit took inspiration from art, couture, and craftsmanship, referencing a tailor’s humble instrument, the measuring ruler. The silver gown acted like one shimmering sheath with hundreds of rulers joining together to create a plunging bustier and form-fitting dress. It was a poetic, feminine, and reverential take on the theme.

The rest of Ortega’s look kept up with the chromatic rhythm the dress articulated: She wore silver Hearts on Fire earrings, diamond and silver rings, and silver Christian Louboutin pumps. Her hair was kept in meticulous, undulating pin curls, with a cool-toned eyeshadow and plum lined lip.

Jenna Ortega’s look was among many of the more experimental, free-thinking outfits of the night, in celebration of the “Superfine: TailoringTailoringThe craft of cutting, shaping, and sewing structured garments such as suits, blazers, and trousers to fit the body precisely. Good tailoring relies on skilled pattern work and fine finishing,Go to Tailoring Glossary Black Style” exhibition and the craft that goes into the ’fits that make Black dandyism so striking.

Other more sculptural looks on the steps of the Met included Janelle Monae in a meta, multi-layered Thom Browne suit, while Andre 3000 wore a grand piano. (Yes, really!).

Later, Ortega shimmied off her shining ruler dress to continue her night at some of the Met Gala after-parties. Photographed arm-in-arm with Sabrina Carpenter, the Wednesday actor changed into a tailored black blazer-bodysuit and pinned her hair back. It was at the multiple after-parties that celebrities opted for second outfits to be more loose and experimental–like the aforementioned Monae and some fun nipple pasties.

Met GalaGalaA formal fundraising or celebratory event known for black-tie dress, high-fashion red-carpet looks, and elaborate dinners. Galas let designers dress public figures in statement gowns and tuxedos, and they oftenGo to Gala Glossary 2025 was truly an evening for theatricality and extravagance, allegiance to couture, and craft—Jenna Ortega’s look gloriously speaks to it all.

This article was originally published on Vogue.com.