Image source: Vogue

The first Monday in May never fails, and the Met Gala 2025 best dressed controversies are now officially in full force. The 2025 theme, celebrating the heritage and panache of Black dandyism- “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” presented us with a red carpet that was rich in culture, bold in hue, and unforgettable in aesthetics.

While others aced it with considerate tributes and dramatic silhouettes, some played it either too safe or went out of theme in ways that made us wonder. Let’s dissect the 10 celebrities who turned heads, for better or worse.

Best Dressed 

• Colman Domingo in Valentino : As co-chair, Colman had the duty and the background to perform, and he nearly lost us with the James Brown–inspired cape. It was a lovely nod to the Black church, but a little underwhelming until he tore it off. Beneath? A gorgeous, crisply cut zoot suit that immediately placed him on the Met Gala 2025 best-dressed list. Bold, impactful, and charming, everything we adore about Colman.

• Lewis Hamilton in Wales Bonner : Not all co-chairs have to yell the theme at the top of their lungs. Lewis played it cool and understated, opting for an immaculately tailored outfit that screamed dandy sophistication with subtle strength. The accessories, the hat and jewellery, were tasteful, and the fit was perfect. He demonstrated you don’t have to be over-the-top to be one of the Met Gala 2025’s best-dressed guests.

• Teyana Taylor in custom Ruth E. Carter : Teyana burst out swinging, one of the first stars to hit the red carpet and she owned it. Her ensemble was peak maximalism: luxurious fabrics, bright colours, playful construction. It was a high-fashion narrative and a brilliant take on the evening’s theme. She didn’t merely wear the look; she became it.

• Zendaya in Louis Vuitton : Zendaya took a step back this year, and that is what permitted her brilliance to take centre stage. Her look was inspired by Diana Ross in Mahogany with a touch of Bianca Jagger’s wedding scandal. Instead of the typical red-carpet theatrics, she wore understated beauty. It was her tribute to realising that the night wasn’t all about her, and by doing so, she still turned out to be one of the Met Gala 2025’s best-dressed celebrities.

• Gigi Hadid in Miu Miu : Gigi brought glamour with substance. Her dress was an homage to Josephine Baker, accessorised with ’40s hair that topped off the vintage look. The historical touch added substance, and she glowed beautifully. It wasn’t about how pretty it was, she just did it right.

Worst (or Not-Quite-There) 

• Halle Berry in LaQuan Smith : We adore a dramatic Halle moment, but this one was more ‘huh?’ than wow. The makeup and hat were fierce, but the neckline was off and the entire outfit seemed uncomfortable. Risky? Sure. But it didn’t have the polish and cohesion we demand from a fashionista of her calibre.

• Chappell Roan : Chappell went glam-dandy, obviously drawing on Elton John vibes. It was a T to her personality, but it didn’t exactly feel particularly fresh or fashion-y. Although it certainly photographed nicely, it wasn’t quite at the imaginative levels we were seeking.

• Megan Thee Stallion in Michael Kors Collection : On first impression, it was classic red carpet glitz—beautiful, but conservative. But when we found out it was a second Josephine Baker homage, it took on some substance. Yet the fit, particularly around the bust, wasn’t quite right. It needed a bit of tweaking to achieve pure Met magic.

• Doechii in Louis Vuitton : Doechii provided us with nerdy-dandy reality, and in all honesty, it was functional in its own strange manner. The mismatched patterns were messy, yet somehow genius, too. It did not shout high fashion, but it loudly shouted her. She seemed to be having a good time, and that is all part of the Met spirit, even though the look was not necessarily together.
• Sydney Sweeney in Miu Miu : Let’s get real, Sydney wasn’t going to appear in a zoot suit. Instead, she went old school with a glamorous gown that was sleek and polished. It wasn’t the theme, but it was the best she’s ever looked on a red carpet. A conservative choice, though.

From bold homages to fashion failures, the Met Gala this year provided us with a broad range of style. And though not everyone was a hit, those who were, lived up to the theme in innovative, impactful ways. For the Met Gala 2025 best dressed, celebrities such as Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor, and Gigi Hadid reminded us that fashion can be fabulous as well as incredibly meaningful.