This Year's Met Gala was a success with minds still ruffling on the looks and multiple interpretations of the theme. Here, we're exploring our top 20 Black Dandies that were on the red carpet.
1. Diana Ross
Nigerian designer, Ugo Mozie made her look exactly how someone with her legacy should look. 81 and thriving after a 22-year hiatus The tailoring was strong and she carried it well. That’s how you reawaken fashion by bringing legends to the front.
2. RihannaÂ
Styled by Jahleel Weaver wearing custom Marc Jacobs, Rihanna didn’t fail to announce baby number 3 on the red carpet of the Met Gala while confusing the crowd with a suit half tied behind her waist. The design raised questions while remaining as Dandy as Rihanna herself could be.Â
3. Zendaya
This was a clear highlight Zendaya walked the carpet in an all-white tailored outfit by Louis Vuitton that was clearly theme oriented, tailored to perfection. Law Roach understands what a moment is supposed to look like as He styled her once again, even after his alleged claim to retire.Â
4. Khaby Lame
Black Dandyism never seizes to tell stories and even travel in time, Khaby’s suit was adorned in clocks. Wearing custom Boss by Marci Falcioni. One of the few men who looked like they respected the theme.
5. ASAP Rocky
Rocky came as himself, designed his own custom outfit for AWGE. It was maybe even unserious but at least it had personality. The details were specific— his umbrella that looked like a gun and popular bald braids.Â
6. Anok YaiÂ
She came to deliver, dressed in custom Thom Browne. The look was sharp, bold, and on-theme. Definitely one of the strongest interpretations of tailoring all night.
7. Laura Harrier
In custom Zac Posen, She looked like an angel with the flowiness of her trousers and her poise throughout the night.Â
8. Whitney Peak
Whitney Peak’s Chanel ensemble was elegant. While the craftsmanship was undeniable, the styling choices may not have aligned with her youthful persona but still was a look for the books
9. Janelle MonáeÂ
This was more about silhouette and performance. Wearing custom Thom Browne, You can tell Janelle always thinks through the story. Not everyone will get it, but it wasn’t boring. Both theatrical and thought-provoking. The ensemble, featuring a massive overcoat and deconstructed elements, was lauded as an "art piece" and "best look of the night" by fans.
10. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s appearance was marked by a stunning Thom Browne gown. This look was doing a lot. People were confused about what it was supposed to be. It had presence, but not much clarity. The look itself was visually striking but left some viewers puzzled about its thematic coherence.
11. Cardi B
Cardi B donned a plunging green velvet suit by Daniel Lee, for Burberry reportedly inspired by wallpaper designs.Â
12. Teyana TaylorÂ
Wearing a look by Ruth E. Carter was a smart choice. It was the night’s best, but it felt grounded in Black imagination. You could feel the craft behind it. A red pinstripe suit adorned with symbolic elements honoring her Harlem roots. The look was praised for its depth and craftsmanship, with commentators noting it set a high standard for the evening.
13. Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri impressed in a custom Ferragamo piece by Maximilian Davis, drawing inspiration from traditional Edo attire.The look, styled by Danielle Goldberg was celebrated for its simplicity and adherence to the tailoring theme, with Harper's BAZAAR highlighting her as a standout.
14. Lewis HamiltonÂ
Lewis Hamilton, serving as a co-chair, wore a custom suit by Grace Wales Bonner that paid homage to Black style. The look was noted for its elegance and symbolic resonance, aligning with the event's theme.
15. Kim KardashianÂ
Kim Kardashian’s Chrome Hearts outfit, featuring a crocodile-patterned leather ensemble and cowboy hat, styled by Jahleel Weaver received mixed reactions. Some questioned its alignment with the gala's theme, Despite the discussion, she looked as beautiful as ever.
16. TemsÂ
Tems showcased a design by Ozwald Boateng that was both culturally rich and fashion-forward. The outfit was recognized for its authentic representation of Black tailoring traditions, as it featured Ankara-material.Â
17. Brian Tyree HenryÂ
Brian Tyree Henry’s attire by Nigerian brand Orange Culture was celebrated for its vibrant color and departure from conventional menswear. Fans appreciated the representation and the bold fashion choice, noting it as a highlight of the evening.This was a win. Nigerian representation from both actor and designer. A great example of what the night would have looked like if more people leaned in.
18. DoechiiÂ
Doechii’s Louis Vuitton look, designed by Pharrell Williams, featured youthful elements like short pants. While the look was innovative, some critics questioned the use of branding elements, feeling it detracted from the overall impact. Although details like her Afro, grills and LV face stamp, triggered interest.
19. Pharrell WilliamsÂ
As the new head of LV menswear and a co-chair, Pharrell Williams opted for a relaxed outfit that some felt was too subdued for his prominent role. The choice sparked discussions about expectations versus delivery in high-profile positions.It wasn’t bad, just quiet. Maybe too quiet for someone in his position.
20. Ayra Starr
 Ayra Starr’s appearance in an Ozwald Boateng creation was met with acclaim. The ensemble's pattern and structure were praised for their alignment with the theme and for showcasing African design excellence.
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