Beyond the Gown: Kerry Washington’s Radical Take on ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
In a splendid display of sartorial excellence that perfectly embodied this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Kerry Washington delivered a masterclass in modern power dressing at yesterday’s Met Gala in New York. The actress commanded attention on the blue floral carpet with an ensemble that brilliantly subverted traditional notions of evening wear while paying homage to the architectural precision of fine tailoring.
Washington’s decision to eschew the expected voluminous gown in favor of Simkhai’s custom ivory creation proved nothing short of revelatory. The ensemble featured a meticulously structured blazer with an audacious open back and artfully folded plunging neckline that showcased the designer’s exceptional technical prowess. This deliberate deconstruction of formal menswear silhouettes represented a profound meditation on gender fluidity in fashion, reimagined through a lens celebrating Black style traditions.
“Because the concept is ‘Superfine tailoring,’ I really wanted to highlight the construction that’s used for some of these couture pieces,” explained Simkhai of the conceptual approach. The designer brilliantly paired Washington’s tailored upper half with a crinoline sheer maxi-length skirt crafted from iridescent ivory fabric—an ingenious inversion that brings traditionally hidden structural elements to the forefront as the centerpiece of the design.
The monochromatic palette, a testament to Washington’s sophisticated aesthetic sensibility, was elevated through thoughtful accessories that completed the narrative of refined restraint: diaphanous mesh gloves and a bold wide-brimmed hat that echoed midcentury elegance while feeling thoroughly contemporary.
Washington’s footwear demonstrated equal attention to detail with sleek ivory pumps featuring architectural pointed toes and subtle platform soles that provided a harmonious foundation for the ensemble. The 4 to 5-inch stiletto heels—creating the elongated silhouette essential for such a dramatic presentation—perfectly balanced the proportions of her avant-garde attire. Fashion connoisseurs seeking to capture Washington’s rarefied aesthetic might explore similar styles from luxury houses like Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo or Dolce & Gabbana, though Le Silla’s Uma silhouette offers the closest approximation to Washington’s choice.
This latest triumph adds to Washington’s impressive fashion portfolio, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile style icons. Her recent appearances have showcased a curatorial approach to footwear, featuring selections from premier ateliers including Chanel, Balenciaga, Magda Butrym, and Andrea Wazen—each pairing thoughtfully chosen to complement her evolving personal aesthetic.
The “Shadow Force” actress was accompanied by Simkhai himself, who complemented her groundbreaking look with his own ivory suit enhanced by a cummerbund and subtle pale yellow pocket square—a harmonious visual dialogue between muse and creator.
Washington’s Met Gala appearance represents the culmination of her stylistic evolution since her breakthrough in “Django Unchained,” demonstrating how thoroughly she has mastered the language of high fashion. This ensemble—intellectual, refined, and unmistakably powerful—further cements her position in fashion’s pantheon while advancing the cultural conversation around Black style’s profound influence on contemporary design. Her interpretation of the evening’s theme proved once again that Washington possesses that rare ability to make conceptual fashion appear effortlessly wearable—the truest hallmark of modern elegance.
