Superfine at the Met: 300 Years of Black Style and the Stars Who Got It Right

By Charlotte Barnett and Lucy Gray

The 2025 Met Gala was nothing short of outstanding. Honouring 300 years of Black self- expression in fashion, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style paid tribute to the designers, stylists and icons who have shaped high fashion across generations. From precision tailoring to extravagant statements, the night was filled with artistry, culture and undeniable style.

Here’s how some of the biggest stars interpreted the theme and whether they truly understood the assignment.

Zendaya - Dandyism with a Modern Twist Rating: 7.5/10

Wearing: Louis Vuitton

Never one to play it safe, Zendaya’s structured silhouette paid homage to Black dandyism, featuring luxe textures and embellishments that elevated the concept beyond mere historical reference. The balance of sharp tailoring and intricate detail cemented her as one of the night’s best dressed. Let’s not forget her hat theory. TikTok is hooked on the way she keeps returning to her signature structured hat silhouette, refining it while keeping the essence intact, with some even suggesting Zendaya might be hiding someone, possibly her fiancé Tom Holland, beneath her oversized hats. Remember, don’t forget to smile!

Colman Domingo - Harlem Renaissance Elegance Rating: 9/10

Wearing: Valentino

As a co-chair of the evening, Colman Domingo had a responsibility to embody the theme and he did not disappoint. His tribute to Harlem Renaissance tailoring was pure sophistication, nodding to jazz-era fashion while maintaining a fresh, contemporary edge. The fit? Immaculate. The aura? Regal.

André 3000 - Avant-Garde Genius Rating 7/10

Wearing: Burberry & Benjamin Bixby

Eccentric as ever, Andre 3000 turned tailoring into art. Taking Superfine to an entirely new level, he fused musical elements into his ensemble—literally. The look felt like a walking tribute to jazz culture, blending historical homage with an avant-garde twist. It was rebellious, iconic, and unapologetically him.

Rihanna - Understated Yet Powerful Rating: 8.5/10

Wearing: Marc Jacobs

Rihanna’s approach was more restrained than usual, but make no mistake—it was a masterclass in structural layering and intricate embroidery. Opting for quiet luxury over shock value, her look was a statement in precision craftsmanship, proving that sometimes, the most powerful fashion moments speak in whispers. And this year, her presence carried even more weight—because she revealed she’s expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky. Rihanna has a history of making iconic pregnancy announcements, and the Met Gala was no exception.

Lewis Hamilton - The F1 Star Turns Style Icon Rating: 9/10

Wearing: Wales Bonner

Lewis Hamilton doesn’t just dominate the racetrack—he’s carving his place in fashion history. He fully embraced Superfine, blending sleek tailoring with references to Black craftsmanship in menswear. The result? A look that was both refined and deeply rooted in cultural storytelling.

Anok Yai - A Vision of Elegance Rating: 9/10

Wearing: Thom Browne

Anok Yai radiated pure glamour. Her ensemble was the perfect fusion of historical references and modern artistry, effortlessly tying the past to the present. It was regal, striking and an undeniable highlight of the night.

Louis Partridge - Chuck Bass Energy with a Modern Twist Rating: 7/10

Wearing: Prada

Lewis Partridge brought pure Gossip Girl energy in a three-piece Prada suit, complete with an ascot and lilac pocket square. But beyond the Chuck Bass vibes, his look embraced the elegance of Black dandyism, where sharp tailoring and refined styling became a form of self-expression. His structured black hat sealed the deal, nodding to the meticulous precision that has defined Black fashion for centuries. A blend of old-money sophistication and cultural homage, proving polished elegance is timeless.

Other Icons Who Made an Impact:

• The Kardashians – Each of them brought a unique interpretation of structured tailoring, blending sleek sophistication with eye-catching silhouettes. Rating: 7.5/10

• Jennie (Chanel) – A masterclass in minimalist elegance, Jennie’s ensemble nodded subtly to Black craftsmanship with impeccable precision. Rating: 8.5/10

• Hailey Bieber (Saint Laurent) – Understated yet impeccably tailored, Hailey’s look balanced classic tailoring with modern flair. However, it was a bit boring and she could've done a lot more with the theme. Rating: 5/10

• Sabrina Carpenter (Louis Vuitton)– Opting for sleek, contemporary details, Sabrina’s outfit was a perfect harmony of history and modern glamour. Rating 8/10

• Cardi B (Burberry) – Never one to shy away from extravagance, Cardi embraced maximalism while maintaining tailoring excellence. 8.5/10

• Alex Consani (Swarovski) – Futuristic and fashion-forward, Alex brought an avant-garde edge to the theme, proving that tailoring can be both sharp and unconventional. Rating: 8/10

• Demi Moore (Custom Couture)– Timeless sophistication defined her look, seamlessly blending tradition with striking details. Rating: 9/10

• Barry Keoghan, Damson Idris, Andrew Scott – Each of these men showcased their own interpretation of Superfine, proving that Black-inspired tailoring is as diverse as it is timeless.

The 2025 Met Gala was a night of bold statements, cultural storytelling and impeccable tailoring. While some stars played it safe, others embraced the theme with creativity and flair. From dandyism to jazz-inspired fits, this year was all about precision, power and personality. Fashion is storytelling, and these looks? They told a story that will be remembered for generations. Now, the question is: who’s topping your best-dressed list?