The Met Gala, a highly anticipated fashion event, is fast approaching. All eyes will be fixed on the celebrities making their grand entrance into the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing their unique styles.
Over time, the gala has grown significantly. While its primary function is to raise funds for the museum’s Costume Institute, it has also achieved iconic status. Each year, anticipation builds as the world eagerly awaits the guest list and a glimpse of the extravagant outfits.
Here’s a preview of what to expect at the 2025 celebration of fashion, art and celebrity.
When is the 2025 Met Gala? How can I watch?
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Met Gala will be held on Monday, May 5th, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. For those who can’t attend in person, a live stream will be available on Vogue’s website and social media channels.
The exhibition linked to the Met Gala will be open to the public from May 10th to October 26th, 2025.
What is the theme and who decides it?
Andrew Bolton, the head curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has chosen this year’s theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” the exhibition will highlight the development of tailoring and Black style. It’s the first time since 2003 (“Men in Skirts”) that the Met Gala is spotlighting menswear.
Miller, a professor of Africana studies at Barnard College, also contributed to the exhibition. Given that her award-winning book explores 300 years of Afrodiasporic history, the possibilities for fashion at the Met Gala are extensive.
In an announcement about the theme, Miller stated, “Dandyism may appear superficial, but it often challenges or transcends social and cultural norms. It raises questions about identity, representation, and mobility in relation to race, class, gender, sexuality, and power. The exhibition will explore this concept as both a statement and an incitement.”
What does that mean for the dress code?
This year’s Met Gala dress code is “Tailored for You,” emphasizing menswear and suit tailoring as primary sources of inspiration. The “for you” element is intentionally broad, encouraging individual expression, style, and creative freedom.
Who are the co-chairs hosting this year’s gala?
As has been the case since 1995 (with two exceptions), Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue and a Costume Institute trustee, will co-chair the Met Gala. Wintour’s influence has been instrumental in transforming the annual benefit into the star-studded extravaganza it is today.
Wintour will be joined by co-chairs Colman Domingo (actor), Lewis Hamilton (race car driver), A$AP Rocky (rapper), and Pharrell Williams (singer-songwriter). Williams also currently serves as the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton.
Lebron James will serve as honorary chair, although the Met Gala coincides with the NBA playoffs. If James’ Los Angeles Lakers reach the Western Conference semifinals, which overlap with the gala, he may be unable to attend.
The gala is also reinstating its “Host Committee” tradition, composed of artists who support the event. This year’s committee includes 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.
Who is expected to attend?
The guest list for the Met Gala remains a closely guarded secret until the night of the event when the celebrities emerge on the red carpet. Attendance is by invitation only, with individual tickets previously costing $30,000.
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