The 2025 Met Gala was not merely a glamorous red carpet occasion but a pivotal moment for fashion, celebrity, and culture to ultimately coalesce. From show-stopping couture to eye-catching drama that seemed to engulf us, this year’s event generated discussions that resonated well beyond the very steps of the Met.
The 2025 Met Gala red carpet was a glorious pageant of creativity, sophistication, and audacity, all aligned with this year’s theme: “Myth & Modernity.” Celebrities transformed into characters through fashion that fused ancient allusions with futuristic elements. Classic Greco-Roman silhouettes were paired with metallic tech elements, along with celestial references presented through strong modern tailoring.
At the 2025 Met Gala, Zendaya’s reimagined Maison Margiela design and Kiara Advani’s airy, lotus- inspired gown shone, combining distinctive aspects of traditional tradition with contemporary flair. Rihanna, the self-proclaimed Queen of Red Carpeting at the Met Gala, arrived fashionably late but did not disappoint in a golden gown made of straps, emulating a phoenix from Schiaparelli, stunning both in silhouette and significance.
We also observed a wave of emerging designers, with Florence Pugh and Ayo Edebiri opting for sustainable artisan and thoughtfully crafted eco-fashions, suggesting a potential for slower and more conscientious fashion trends emerging in this space, which is noteworthy in a celebrity-driven event like the Met Gala. There were bold color choices and shapes; there were striking color statements, outrageous hats and hairpieces; holographic fabrics; and experimental textiles (ranging from recycled glass to bio-leather).
The 2025 Met Gala showcased breathtaking couture, references to mythology and futurism, and further illustrated that fashion is about more than just clothes—it’s about telling stories, taking chances, and expressing oneself.
While many might argue the 2025 Met Gala showcased glamour, one could argue it was the drama that kept social media inundated with challenges and commentary a long time after the last guest left the venue. The evening was filled with drama from surprising appearances, tense confrontations, and experiences that became viral sensations.
The run-in between Dua Lipa and her ex-boyfriend Anwar Hadid created the most buzz, which all started when cameras caught the two having an icy exchange inside the venue, bringing speculation of ongoing
drama. Fans looked at every single second of that clip, deep-diving into the situation, and reigniting rumors of unresolved drama.
Doja Cat made headlines as well when she arrived in what was a strip of shiny body paint, nude, and looking like a statue— referencing the muses of mythology. Some saw this as pure hype as art, while others called her some tacky, attention-seeking, and began reconfiguring the definition of red carpet fashion.
There was a wardrobe malfunction (that we all go through) with actress Sydney Sweeney when the corset on her gown by Iris van Herpen came undone during her press interview. But she acted very professionally and made it into a relatable viral moment, and won much praise under pressure.
Possibly the biggest surprise of the night was the unannounced appearance of Beyoncé, who has decided to skip multiple past Met Galas. Her ethereal, goddess-like outfit and quiet entrance shocked spectators. Star and fans alike took to social media, calling it, arguably, the “ultimate power move.”
While the Met Gala is known for its high fashion, the 2025 edition of the event was more than just a spectacle—it became home to visible cultural dialogues. The theme for this year was “Myth & Modernity,” expressed in not just elaborate creations, but powerful messages about identity, sustainability, and progress.
Inclusivity took on a whole new meaning. Compared to years past, this year’s guest list included noticeably more diversity. This included a heavier South Asian representation in mainstream designer culture, as well as non-binary and transgender stars wearing custom creations that broke traditional gender lines. The event even challenged boundaries on participation and identity by celebrating who gets to adorn the garments of high fashion, and who gets to be seen and celebrated in high-fashion spaces.
Sustainability took the forefront, as many celebrities—including Emma Watson and Yara Shahidi—made choices in eco-conscious fashion, opting for upcycled materials, or joining in on collaborations with designers that are ethically responsible. These fashions were not merely choices in aesthetics; they were proclamations about fashion’s responsibility in a climate-challenged world.
Some guests referenced their physical appearance as political or social commentary. Janelle Monáe donned a holographic cape that streamed live tweets about women’s rights and climate action, effectively transforming the red carpet into a digital protest. Meanwhile, indigenous models and artists wore outfits grounded in their history, confronting the industry’s history of cultural appropriation.
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Perhaps most importantly, the night represented a continuation of a departure from strict beauty standards. From makeup-free appearances to natural hair texture and scars on display, the message was clear: Authenticity is the new luxury.
While some detractors expressed that the Gala still caters to fashion elites and does not have enough accessibility, a case can be made that this year’s Gala moved further into being reflective of the times.
The 2025 Met Gala was an event where fashion met meaning, with audacious creativity mixing with cultural awareness. From iconic looks to viral moments and sociocultural statements, it reminded us that the Met continues to be so much more than a red carpet—it is a reflection of our times.
Author Nikita is professional content writer; she is always exciting to express thoughts & insights into wonderful words on various topics.