Cloak and Dapper: How Stars Reimagined Dandyism on the 2025 Met Gala Red Carpet

At the Met Gala, structure is the language of choice.

For this year’s Met Gala red carpet, structure wasn’t just a design element, it was the message. The steps of the Metropolitan Museum became a stage for sweeping silhouettes and sharp angles, where fashion spoke fluently in suits, cloaks, capes, and voluminous forms that extended far beyond the body.

While some attendees opted for classic suiting, many embraced bold, almost monastic shapes; featuring garments that enveloped the wearer, reshaping their outlines and commanding space. For many, these looks drew inspiration from the late André Leon Talley, widely considered the modern face of dandyism. In her editor’s letter for this year’s Met Gala issue, Anna Wintour described him as “a dandy among dandies.”

In his memoir The Chiffon Trenches, Talley also wrote, “I take my story with me wherever I go, and the past is always in the present.” That sentiment resonated throughout the evening, as many outfits paid homage to Black dandy traditions and the enduring influence of history. The former Vogue editor’s legacy was especially evident in the silhouettes, which were less focused on precision, more on drama, intention, and garments that moved like echoes trailing their wearers.

These tributes came through powerfully on the carpet. Figures like Lupita Nyong’o, S.Coups, and Diana Ross were among those who embodied his spirit through voluminous, attention-grabbing looks, with more of these standout ensembles featured below.

Alton Mason

Supermodel Alton Mason turned heads in a look that he described as “afro-futurism,” featuring heart-shaped vest, matching trousers, and a diamond-encrusted eyepatch that caught light at every angle. Tempering the silhouette was an oversized black coat with dramatic shoulder pads, draping over Mason’s shoulders with popped collars that highlighted a sharper frame.

S.Coups

For his first Met Gala, Seventeen’s S.Coups opted for a layered look that paid respect to both Black dandyism and his Korean heritage. Outside of his Boss tailored suit, the K-Pop star sports an asymmetrical blazer resembling the traditional hanbok.

Fei Fei Sun

Much like the other Asian stars at this year’s Met Gala, model Fei Fei Sun represented two sides of culture with her blue gown and accompanying long coat. Resembling the flowy figures of a traditional East Asian garments combined with structured peak lapels, the model wore custom garments designed by Edward Enniful in collaboration with Moncler.

Diana Ross

Tonight marks the first time the Grammy-winning star has attended the Met Gala in over 20 years. For her return, Ross collaborated with designer Ugo Mozie for a  floor-grazing white gown embellished with crystals, matching with a feather-boa-trimmed cape embroidered with the names of all of her children and grandchildren.

Lana Del Rey

Musician Lana Del Rey reunited with Alessandro Michele, who designed her dress for the occasion once again. The gown from Michele’s Valentino Vertigineux haute couture collection featured a flowing silhouette in black velvet and brown satin, accented with a dramatic black feathered bow.

Cynthia Erivo

Over the past year, Erivo has subtly nodded to her role as Elphaba in the film Wicked, often seen donning green-toned looks throughout her public appearances. But her latest ensemble seemed to draw inspiration from another image from the Wizard of Oz, which were the ruby-red slippers in the 1939 iteration of the film. The Wicked star made a striking entrance at the fashion event in a sculptural Givenchy creation by Sarah Burton: a corset-style bodice adorned with silver gems and ruby-red details, paired with a sliced jacket and a tulle skirt embroidered with crystals.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz

The duo made a stylish arrival, both sporting a bold red pinstripe suit and coordinating beaded headpiece; a collaboration between Moncler and Edward Enninful. The ensemble featured a double-breasted jacket paired with wide-leg trousers, layered over a bustier.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Amid the sea of monochrome and pinstripe, Tracee Ellis Ross made a color-packed statement at the 2025 Met Gala in Marc Jacobs. Her outfit combined a maroon suit jacket over a ruched white blouse, accented with a magenta bow belt, and baby pink satin pants that added a level of playfulness to the occasion.

Jordan Casteel

In a bespoke dress designed by Charles Elliot Harbison, painter Jordan Casteel honors her grandmother, Margaret Buckner Young, who was an author, educator and the first Black woman to serve on the board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In an interview with the New York Times, she speaks about this connection, “We are all thinking about the dandies in our life,” she shares, [and] I am holding her spirit as close as humanly possible in this moment.”

Lupita Nyong’o

The acclaimed actress was seen wearing a monochromatic pastel green look from Chanel, featuring a shimmering double-breasted suit jacket with a floor-length cape and matching trousers. She paired it with a coordinating button-down shirt, bow tie with a crystal brooch, and accessorized with a floral lapel pin, and a small top hat.