This year’s Met Gala red carpet saw the arrival of daffodils, a sophisticated choice by Anna Wintour, evoking elegance, poise and a unique sense of flamboyance. Once a classic phrase describing the flower’s proud beauty, “dandy daffodil” now quietly resonates with the “flair” personal style of Black dandy men and celebrity guests.
This year, the 2025 Met Gala red carpet saw Anna Wintour’s thoughtful choice: the proud daffodils. Not only does this flower evoke elegance, poise, and camp, but the classic phrase “dandy daffodil” describes a proud charm, but it also quietly reflects the unique personal style of Black dandy men – the central theme of this year’s event: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. The arrangement of daffodils along the entrance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a visual tone that is both bright and symbolic, playful on the surface but with many layers of deep meaning. “Dandy daffodil”, an old expression that emphasizes the flower’s towering form, vibrant color, and exaggerated charm, carries a subtle sense of humor – the flower seems to be aware of the viewer’s attention. Though not originally a human term, these qualities are similar to the way a dandy man presents himself: meticulous, conscious of effect, and maintaining a certain distance to maintain control. While culture often associates daffodils with femininity, symbolizing beauty, elegance, and sensitivity, the dandy represents a refined, controlled masculinity that borrows from those same aesthetic codes, dressing not for function but for expression. This combination creates a unique sense of camp—not loud or cloying, but a deliberate display of artistry. In Victorian flower language, daffodils symbolize unrequited love and quiet chivalry, associated with solitude and restraint.
At the Met Gala, they were more than just decorations; they created an atmosphere of calm presence, admired without touching, reflecting the precision and poise of the attendees. This year’s theme of dandyism focused on resistance, strategy and self-styling through tailoring, gesture and appearance – the ways in which black men have historically reshaped how they are seen. Daffodils resonated with this spirit: controlling but expressive, decorative but not passive, claiming space with visual presence, making an impact without words, and at their best, speaking through appearance.
Anna Wintour in Louis Vuitton design in tribute to late designer Virgil Abloh
Pharrell Williams, creative director of Louis Vuitton Men, appeared at the Met Gala in a coat made of 100,000 pearls, next to Helen Lasichanh with the latest Speedy bag.
Lewis Hamilton, one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs, wore a custom design by Wales Bonner.
Co-chair Colman Domingo wore a dramatic pleated cape with an ornate collar in a dramatic transformation as he stepped onto the red carpet. Colman Domingo took off his cape to reveal a dapper Valentino suit.
Co-chair A$AP Rocky A$AP Rocky wore his own design to the event. The outfit was made by AWGE – Rocky’s brand. The brand first launched in Paris last June.
This year’s exhibition is a window into 300 years of black style in the Atlantic community, with the dandy at its center. It’s a theme that promises to be an instant red carpet classic. If recent awards shows have shown us anything, it’s that men are really taking their clothes seriously. But what makes the 2025 Met Gala even more unique is that it’s the first Costume Institute exhibition since 2003’s “Bravehearts: Men in Skirts” to focus entirely on menswear.
This year’s co-chairs: Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton and A$AP Rocky, along with honorary co-chair Lebron James, are renowned not only for being some of the best-dressed men on the planet but also for their commitment to exploring their own personal style. “They’re all men who aren’t afraid to take risks with their expression. They’re embracing classic silhouettes, but they’re also remixing and breaking them down in really new ways,” says Andrew Bolton, curator of the Wendy Yu Collection at the Costume Institute. “I think black men and black designers are at the forefront of this new renaissance in menswear.”
This year’s dress code is “Tailored for You,” which leaves plenty of room for experimentation and personalization. So, check out our roundup of the best looks:
Rihanna shows off her baby bump in a dress from Miu Miu.
Miley Cyrus returns to the Met Gala in a custom-designed dress by designer Pieter Mulier from Alaïa.
Zendaya in a custom three-piece Louis Vuitton suit, accented with a pin down the middle of the back, in the spirit of Bianca Jagger’s 70s glamour.
Gigi chose a bright yellow color at Met Gala 2025 from the brand Miu Miu.
Hailey Bieber chose a classic Saint Laurent tuxedo and didn’t forget to accentuate it with Tiffany&Co. jewelry.
It took CHANEL nearly 330 hours to complete the outfit Jennie wore on the Met red carpet today.
Lisa chose Louis Vuitton, marking her first time attending the Met Gala.
Rosé attended her second Met Gala in a Saint Laurent dress and jewelry from Tiffany&Co.
Anne Hathaway’s outfit carries a historical story. Designer Wes Gordon looked to Herrera’s archives and the brand’s history, paying tribute to the late André Leon Talley.
Dua Lipa wore CHANEL, an outfit that took over 2,000 hours to complete. Everything from the soft curls, the details on the corset to the sheer tights were perfect. This time around, the look was decorated with feathers, crystals…
Sabrina Carpenter appeared in a Louis Vuitton outfit.
Emma Chamberlain appears in a piece from Courrèges.
Teyana Taylor chose talented costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
Lorde wore a custom design by Thom Browne. The outfit was reminiscent of the traditional cummerbund in men’s fashion.
Doja Cat arrived at the Met Gala in Kiki pumps and a Marc Jacobs look. It was a refined cut with cat-like details on a trouserless pinstripe suit.
Hunter Schafer brings a modern take on Marlene Dietrich with Prada.
Doechii wore Louis Vuitton led by Pharrell Williams with the LV logo on her cheek.
Donatella Versace
FKA Twigs in Wales Bonner. Manolo Blahnik x Wales Bonner shoes.
Nicole Kidman wore Balenciaga couture, which took 700 hours to complete and was a recreation of a dress from Cristóbal Balenciaga’s 1952 collection.
Lana Del Rey and Alessandro Michele finally reunited at the Met Gala. Both wore glamorous and elegant Valentino outfits.
Bad Bunny made an impressive appearance on the red carpet in a Prada outfit, highlighted by his elaborate braided hair and large travel bag.
Charli XCX appears with Ann Demeulemeester performed by Stefano Gallici.
Chappell Roan
Madonna in a custom piece from Tom Ford
S.Coups chose a soft-tailored suit with gray tones.
Zuri Hall appeared in a bold and creatively tailored Bishme Cromartie coat-dress.
Ego Nwodim, star of “Saturday Night Live” and one of this year’s Livestream hosts, appeared and shone in a Christopher John Rogers suit with a cropped jacket and pleated peplum skirt.
Barry Keoghan wore a Valentino dress with a crimson silk ribbon and stand-up collar.
La La Anthony wears an archival Off-White outfit by Virgil Abloh.
Eaddy Kiernan Bunzel’s collar/neckline is more prominent than ever.
Tiffany Raja wears classic dandy accessories, inspired by 19th century equestrian attire.
Gustav Magnar Witzoe
Chef Kwame Onwuachi
Christian Latchman
Adrienne Warren wore Who Decides War, bringing a romantic touch to the tuxedo.
Gina Alice Redlinger
Dynasty and Soull Ogun – winners of CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 2025.
Artist Torkwase Dyson, who designed the exhibition, wears JW Anderson.
Whoopi Goldberg in Thom Browne. The raglan-sleeved dress was embellished with 350,000 sequins.
Alton Mason
Rosalía wears a bodycon dress from Balmain.
Kendall wore Torishéju Dumi, inspired by Gladys Bentley and the elegance of 1920s Harlem Renaissance women.
Kim Kardashian wears custom designs from Chrome Hearts.
Alex Consani wears a dress decorated with 32,900 Swarovski crystals.
Kylie Jenner appeared in a edgy Maximilian Davis suit at Ferragamo.
Cardi B wore a floor-length velvet suit from Burberry.