The Met Gala evokes many conflicting emotions in me. On one hand, it's a night defined by its elitism, only platforming the wealthiest and most famous individuals in our society. On the other hand, I’ve always found myself captivated by the stylistic choices that somehow manifest each year’s theme. Every outfit and decision has an agenda — a concept which consistently intrigues me. As such, when the theme and host committee of this year’s event was announced, my excitement was sufficiently piqued.
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” is the 2025 Met Gala theme, and the co-chairs are actor Colman Domingo, musician A$AP Rocky, producer Pharrell Williams, F1 athlete Lewis Hamilton and NBA star Lebron James. The theme was inspired by the book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity” by this year’s guest curator, Monica L. Miller. Her work details the development and evolution of black male fashion, starting from its roots in dandyism, or the practice of dressing rigorously elegantly. Each co-chair was chosen diligently and, for pop culture consumers like myself, it is easy to understand the rationale behind each decision.
Colman Domingo is an actor and playwright with exceptional range, critically acclaimed for movie musical Sing Sing, TV phenomenon Euphoria and historical drama Selma. But his presence off screen is equally as riveting. Each red-carpet look is innovative and eye-catching, even during events where he chooses to adopt a more traditional tuxedo silhouette. His motivation is to use fashion as a means of connecting with the Black community, and his fearless stylistic choices reflect his boundary-breaking career as a queer man of color in the dramatic arts.
I am particularly excited about A$AP Rocky’s attendance on the host committee. His fashion has been influential for years and the ethereal production qualities of his music have otherwise solidified his glamorous status. The rapper is known for mixing his personal streetwear style with high fashion accessories, making bold red-carpet statements at every event. His outfits reflect both a love for self-expression and an intricate understanding of stylistic design. Whatever he wears in May, I think his appearance will engender a new appreciation for streetwear and style as a modern form of Black expression.
The influence of Pharrell Williams’s clothing choices in hip-hop, and fashion more generally, are undeniable. The multi-hyphenate has made waves both in and out of the music industry for decades, working with elite fashion designers like Virgil Abloh and Louis Vuitton. As such, his style is known for its expert curation and the experimental nature of every outfit. It is no shock that he was chosen for the co-chair position when considering his cultural relevance.
The inclusion of elite F1 driver Lewis Hamilton surprised me initially, but it quickly became apparent that he is a fashion enthusiast. I was drawn to his outfits because of the avant-garde nature of his silhouettes, as well as his fearlessness when it comes to adorning vibrant colors. The high-fashion lover will undoubtedly make a bold statement at the event, which I expect to contrast some of the more muted tones often chosen by the previously mentioned co-chairs.
Finally, Lebron James assumes the position of honorary chair member. What I find most intriguing about his style is its modernity, for he often opts for patterns and relaxed silhouettes. This touches on the idea that Black fashion is constantly evolving, and I like that James’s inclusion will further contribute to the theme of pushing the boundaries of style and design.
Ultimately, each co-chair is destined to bring a unique perspective and eye-catching outfit to the Gala. I’m excited to see how they embody the concepts outlined in the book, from using style as a means of embracing community to indulging in self-expression. This year’s theme covets the concept of fashion as an individual investment, something that all five men pursue fearlessly on a daily basis.
Mia Roman-Wilson is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at mromanwilson@cornellsun.com.
