The 2025 Met Gala was a masterclass in spectacle, absurdity, and cultural contradiction—complete with fashion statements that seemed ripped straight out of The Hunger Games’ Capitol, and commentary that left little room for glamour-induced delusion.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, promised a celebration of sartorial excellence and the pivotal role of fashion in shaping Black identity. But what unfolded Monday night on the red carpet was, at times, a surreal parade of fabric-starved ensembles, disjointed couture experiments, and one of the most divisive social media reactions the Met has ever seen.
Lisa attends the 2025 Met Gala. pic.twitter.com/892iPuUPsx
— 📸 (@metgalacrave) May 5, 2025
First out of the gate was Lisa of Blackpink, whose bejeweled lace jacket, sheer tights, and coordinating underwear made it clear the traditional pantsuit had been, quite literally, left behind. Following suit—figuratively and almost literally—was Hailey Bailey, who wore a sharply tailored coat over a sequined bustier, but skipped the pants altogether. It set the tone for a red carpet that leaned more toward cabaret fantasy than Black sartorial heritage.
From Sabrina Carpenter’s chocolate-hued bodysuit and jacket combo to Doja Cat’s yellow-accented pinstripe getup, the message was unmistakable: if you’re wearing bottoms, you’re overdressed. Even Kerry Washington joined the no-pants club with a transparent skirt that left nothing to the imagination.
.@DojaCat at the 2025 #MetGala. pic.twitter.com/x5yWv5B2CO
— Doja Cat News (@DojaNews) May 5, 2025
Halle Berry, however, may have claimed the night’s most daring look—a paneled dress with no lining, no modesty, and no apologies.
And in a truly unexpected twist, actor Walton Goggins arrived in a black and white skirt beneath a long jacket, flipping red carpet gender norms while raising eyebrows.
With their towering headpieces, oversized silhouettes, and maximalist detail, some attendees drew inevitable comparisons to The Hunger Games—notably Diana Ross, who returned after 22 years to dominate the carpet in a sweeping silver gown and feathered halo hat that could’ve easily been worn by Effie Trinket herself. Whoopi Goldberg’s jacket-dress fusion and top hat only reinforced the dystopian vibe.
And then there was Kamala Harris, whose floor-length black-and-white cape gown drew attention less for its style than for her mere presence at an event that costs $75,000 per ticket.
Whoopi Goldberg in custom Thom Browne for the #MetGala2025 🤍 pic.twitter.com/6w6bdQDWAs
— Kea (@jacquemusx) May 5, 2025
Outside the velvet ropes, however, the response was far more sobering. Social media lit up not with praise, but outrage—highlighting the disconnect between the over-the-top opulence of the Met Gala and the harrowing realities unfolding across the globe.
“The MET Gala is the epitome of capitalism,” one user wrote. “While they wear multi-million dollar dresses, people are dying of hunger on the streets in every city.”
Another added:
“Tonight is the party. Tomorrow, the Hunger Games begin. These freaks look like citizens of the Capitol.”
And yet another:
“These people are bizarre and gross. I don’t know why anyone still cares.”
Though the Met Gala has long prided itself on being the ultimate intersection of art, fashion, and culture, this year’s edition left many questioning where the line between style statement and social satire really lies.
