From Hollywood to Bollywood – The Global Star Power of Met Gala 2025

The 2025 Met Gala (May 5) honored the Costume Institute’s spring exhibit “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a celebration of Black dandyism. Vogue notes the theme paid homage to “Black dandy” flair, and the evening’s dress code – “Tailored For You” – was “purposefully designed to provide guidance and invite creative interpretation”.

In press previews and coverage, analysts hailed the theme as “an intellectually minded celebration of diversity” and the museum’s first exhibit devoted entirely to designers of color.

In keeping with this vision, co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams (and honorary chair LeBron James) all donned custom dandy-inspired ensembles. Inside the gala, floral art installations also evoked the show’s Black heritage theme.

Global Star Power at the Met Gala

Rihanna’s Show-Stopping Moment

Rihanna stole the spotlight by revealing her third pregnancy. First seen leaving her hotel in a revealing Miu Miu dress, she made a dramatic late arrival at the gala in Marc Jacobs—a pinstripe wool ensemble that included a bustier, cravat, and custom hat.

Legends of Stage and Screen

A number of cultural icons attended:

• Halle Berry and Spike Lee were present (outfits not detailed).
• Stage legends like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder wore dramatic capes and sweeping trains, honoring the flamboyant tone of the event.
• Shakira appeared in a grand, train-heavy gown.
• Madonna, at 66, arrived in a custom ivory tuxedo by Haider Ackermann, complete with an unlit cigar, a playful homage to dandy style.

Tailoring and Thematic Fashion

The 2025 theme emphasized Black dandyism and fine tailoring:

• Grace Wales Bonner, a featured designer, dressed Monica L. Miller in a beaded cape gown.
• FKA Twigs wore a feathery dress inspired by Josephine Baker.
• Gala co-chairs Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton each wore inventive custom-tailored outfits.
• Stars like Zendaya and Alicia Keys embraced menswear elements, such as pinstripes and bold suits, with Keys opting for a red deconstructed pinstripe suit by Edward Enninful for Moncler.

Athletes on the Red Carpet

Highlighting the event’s cultural crossover:

• Simone Biles, Angel Reese, and Sha’Carri Richardson attended.
• Richardson wore a butter-yellow Valentino gown over a lavender lace bodice, accessorized with a bow, heart jewelry, and vibrant nail art. Her playful, candy-themed aesthetic drew media attention.

Indian Celebrities at the Met Gala 2025

Shah Rukh Khan

Marking his Met Gala debut, Shah Rukh Khan became the first male Bollywood actor to attend the event. He donned a custom all-black sherwani by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, complemented by layered jewelry, a bold “K” pendant, a cane, and dark shades, epitomizing regal dandyism.

Kiara Advani

Bollywood actress Kiara Advani made a memorable debut, celebrating both fashion and impending motherhood. Dressed in a gold ensemble designed by Gaurav Gupta, the gown, aptly named ‘Bravehearts,’ featured sculpted hearts connected by a chain resembling an umbilical cord, symbolizing the bond between mother and child.

Diljit Dosanjh

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh embraced his heritage in a regal ensemble by Prabal Gurung, adorned with Golecha’s jewels and a matching turban. He completed the look by carrying a Kripan, adding a final touch of royal flair.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas returned to the Met Gala alongside husband Nick Jonas. While specific details of her attire weren’t highlighted, their presence added to the star-studded Indian representation at the event.

Isha Ambani

Businesswoman Isha Ambani showcased Indian craftsmanship in a custom Anamika Khanna creation, featuring a handwoven Benarasi train. She accessorized with a historic Cartier necklace once owned by the Maharaja of Nawanagar.

Manish Malhotra

Designer Manish Malhotra made his Met Gala debut in a sculptural black sherwani cape, fusing Indian couture with dandy-inspired refinement. Embellished with intricate embroidery, glass beadwork, and a cluster of brooches from his High Jewellery line, the look had nuanced and layered detail.