The Met Gala, AKA the Costume Institute Gala, is arguably the most high-profile, important night in fashion. We’re counting down the days until it happens on May 5, 2025! Anna Wintour created this gala in 1995. It features ostentatious fashions and benefits the Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Prepare for our September 2024 gala—featuring the fresh new theme of “Tailored for You!” Ten days later, on May 10, 2025, a new exhibition will open to the public.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” aims to highlight the impact of Black creativity on fashion and culture. The dress code encourages participants to express their unique creativity through the theme of “Tailored for You.” Express yourself as much as possible within the confines of formal business attire.
A Legacy of Influence
Today, the Met Gala stands to many as an event predicated on high-profile celebrity appearances and historic fashion statements. To do this, each year the local organizing host committee is formed, pulling in a diverse member base from all industries—sports, film, music. For the upcoming 2025 event, the organizing committee already includes heavy hitters like Simone Biles, Usher, and Ayo Edebiri.
Our other accomplished members include Andre 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Jonathan Owens. Now joined by hundreds more, they make up an ecosystem filled with extremes and innovation. Their combined presence drives home the gala’s goal of celebrating the rich intersection of fashion and culture.
“I’m honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition with The Met.” – Usher
The gala is still carrying out its original mission of spotlighting the important impact cultural influences in fashion play. This year’s theme reflects a deep appreciation for Black style and engages with historical narratives that deserve recognition.
The Significance of the Theme
The Met Gala is about a lot more than fashion. It has been used as one of the most effective forms of cultural expression. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was developed to encourage a creative interpretation of Black identities and experiences through clothing.
Colman Domingo, celebrated actor and member of the host committee, expressed what made this representation in fashion so crucial.
“I am a Black man who loves style, loves tailoring, and it struck me that I had never seen images like that — of myself, saying, ‘I belong in these clothes.’” – Colman Domingo
Domingo highlighted the timeliness of this year’s theme. Most notably, he pointed out its vital importance in exhibiting the underappreciated contributions of Black designers and artists to the history of fashion.
“The theme this year is not only timely but also speaks to our rich culture that should always be widely celebrated.” – Usher
This conversation on diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry created the perfect backdrop to the Grads on Show initiative.
A Secretive Affair
The Met Gala fashion show’s red carpet guest list is an even more closely guarded secret. Yet it typically is not announced until shortly before the opening day of the show. This mystery creates a sense of excitement that draws the audience and the community to the event. Though the fashion of some guests is long-awaited, other guests will catch attendees off-guard with their unexpected approach to style.
On top of the host committee’s impressive lineup of contributions, many other luminaries in arts & culture will be on hand. This mix of personality and perspective deepens the experience and highlights the diverse, unique, and strange beauty of fashion that completely surrounds us.
“I’m beyond excited to stand with my fellow Host Committee members in supporting The Met and this year’s spring Costume Institute exhibition, celebrating the undeniable impact of Black creativity on fashion and culture for centuries.” – Sha’Carri Richardson
Guests will be invited to explore an artistic wonderland where art meets the runway. They’ll experience how culture influences identity through clothing.
