Every May, fashion folks gather like it’s the Oscars of style. This year’s Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, showcases Black dandyism. It’s not just about bold suits and sharp silhouettes but it’s about how Black men have long used tailoring as a tool for self-expression, dignity, and defiance.
It was a masterclass in cultural storytelling through cloth, cut, and confidence. This exhibition doesn’t gloss over the challenges it leans into them. Showing how style became both armour and art. It’s a great reminder to us all that the sharpest looks often carry the deepest stories, and that Black designers have shaped modern menswear far more than most realise.
Some of our favourite looks from the Met Gala 2025 struck the rare balance between bold storytelling and impeccable tailoring.
Colman Domingo the actor-playwright has been quietly leading the red-carpet charge for well-dressed men for some time now and this year, he delivered. Arrived in a royal blue Valentino cape, a striking tribute to the late André Leon Talley, Vogue’s iconic editor-at-large and a true original in the world of style. A second look underneath reveals a tailored patterned suit, topped off with a polka-dotted flower brooch that added just the right dose of flair.
Teyana Taylor made a strong entrance at this year’s Met Gala, inspired by the classic zoot suit. Teyana collaborated with Marc Jacobs alongside legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter. If you’re not familiar, Carter is the creative force behind the striking looks in Black Panther and Spike Lee’s films, someone who’s helped shape how Black elegance shows up on screen.
Formula One icon Sir Lewis Hamilton look was crafted by none other than Grace Wales Bonner, the acclaimed Black British designer known for blending cultural heritage with refined tailoring. It was a collaboration that felt both intentional and effortless.
Rihanna dressed in a custom look by Marc Jacobs, she didn’t just turn heads, she also revealed her pregnancy, making the moment feel personal and powerful. A reminder that great style isn’t just about fashion. It’s about telling your story, your way.
The Met Gala dress code might seem extravagant, but there’s more to it than just turning heads. Each year’s theme is tied to the Costume Institute’s exhibition and it’s really a conversation starter. Think of it as fashion’s way of exploring deeper topics like identity, heritage, and power. Only instead of essays, it’s told through fabric, cuts, and creative expression. For designers and celebrities, it’s a challenge to bring big ideas to life through what they wear. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that style isn’t just about looking sharp. Whether it’s honouring your roots, challenging conventions, or simply feeling like the best version of yourself, your wardrobe has the power to tell your story.
So What Can We Learn From It?
You don’t need a red carpet or a celebrity stylist to embrace the essence of Superfine. It’s really about elevating the basics.
- Fit first. A well-cut jacket says more than logos ever will. Even the boldest style starts with a strong silhouette.
- Details matter. Contrast stitching, satin lapels, or a unique lining aren’t just decoration, they’re storytelling tools.
- Know your roots. Whether you're wearing a mandarin collar or a Western lapel, understanding the why behind your choices builds confidence.
At Q MENSWEAR, we’ve always said: tailoring isn’t about impressing others, it’s about expressing yourself. The Met just proved it on a global stage. Curious how to translate a Met Gala mood into your next suit? Come chat with us. We’ll help you tailor the story you want to tell.
