Sartorial Revolution: Met’s ‘Superfine’ Gala Celebrates Black Style Legacy
Fashion’s most illustrious soirée transformed Manhattan into a beacon of sartorial brilliance Monday evening. The Metropolitan Museum’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” gala—the first menswear-focused celebration in two decades—electrified the iconic steps with unprecedented elegance.
A constellation of luminaries descended upon Fifth Avenue, with Zendaya, Demi Moore, and Diana Ross delivering particularly transcendent interpretations of the “black dandy” aesthetic. Their ensembles—ranging from impeccably structured suiting to dramatically reimagined eveningwear—paid homage to the new exhibition exploring Black diaspora identity through the language of tailoring.
Wintour’s carefully curated guest list transformed the evening into a sublime convergence of cultural power and aesthetic innovation. Here is a look at some of the highlights:
1. A$AP Rocky designs his own look
One of the evening’s co-chairs, the stylish A$AP Rocky, said his outfit was inspired by his birthplace, Harlem, New York, and that he designed it entirely on his own – complete with a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.
2. Demi Moore with a literal interpretation
Demi Moore gave us another round of method dressing. Her press tour for The Substance recalled the body horror themes of the movie, while her awards campaign for the role of Elisabeth Sparkle saw her dressing for the glam statuettes.
3. Bad Bunny pays homage to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny wore a brown Prada suit, which he said he worked on with the Italian fashion house for a few months before the event. He also stayed on theme by accessorising with embellished gloves, a brooch and a hat that paid homage to his Puerto Rican heritage.
4. Rihanna shows off her third pregnancy
Rihanna, typically one of the most stylish attendees at the Gala, returned to the Met steps this year in Marc Jacobs, debuting her pregnancy with co-chair of the evening A$AP Rocky.
5. Sydney Sweeney in Miu Miu
Actress Sydney Sweeney wore a custom Miu Miu gown – her third time wearing the designer at the Met Gala. This time, her dress was complete with beaded fringe shoulders and gold hardware detailing on the neck. Speaking about her look, Sweeney said it paid homage to actress and painter Kim Novak. Sweeney is set to portray Novak in the upcoming film Scandalous.
6. Zendaya goes monochromatic
Zendaya, known for her dazzling red carpet style, opted for a more lowkey custom Louis Vuitton monochromatic cream suit at this year’s Met Gala. Only one slight pop of colour in Zendaya’s look: her manicured red nails.
7. Simone Biles stuns in electric blue
Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Simone Biles brought a pop of colour to the Met Gala carpet with a striking blue minidress that featured a collared neckline, a long train and jewelled appliques. The dress was designed by Harbison Studio.
8. Cynthia Erivo smiles wide in Givenchy
Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo, known for her on-theme style, wore a Givenchy ensemble featuring a bedazzled bodice and an extra-long black train with matching leather boots and nails.
9. Sabrina Carpenter in Louis Vuitton
Sabrina Carpenter wore a burgundy Louis Vuitton bodysuit that featured all the tailoring of a regular suit.The singer said she worked with recording artist Pharrell Williams – also the men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton – on the bottomless look.
10. Cardi B in ivy green Burberry
Rapper Cardi B debuted a new hairstyle (and eye colour) in a green Burberry pantsuit, complete with matching nails and eye shadow.
