2025 Met Gala best dressed: The FQ team’s favourite looks from fashion’s biggest night

6 May 2025
By Fashion Quarterly

We debrief the best dressed celebrity guests on this year's perfectly tailored red carpet.

The 2025 Met Gala has officially arrived, and fashion’s biggest night did not disappoint. Celebrities ascended the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in looks that married precision tailoring with bold personal expression. This year’s Costume Institute exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, explores over 300 years of Black fashion and dandyism, spotlighting the legacy of menswear through a cultural lens. 

On the red carpet, the dress code, “Tailored For You”, invited guests to channel the spirit of trailblazers like designer Dapper Dan and the inimitable fashion editor André Leon Talley, setting the stage for an evening of sharp silhouettes, luxe textures, and style with a story to tell. Read on to discover the FQ team’s favourite looks from fashion’s night of nights: 

Sarah Murray, Editor in chief

Lewis Hamilton in Wales Bonner

His expertly tailored white suit is the epitome of elegance – sharp, clean, and perfectly cut. But what really sets this look apart is his fearless approach to accessories: a hat adorned with a brooch, a dazzling diamond piece on his lapel, to the shell beaded cuffs. It’s refined, expressive, and effortlessly cool.

Jenna Ortega in Balmain

It was a welcome refresh when I saw this incredible dress amongst all the tailoring on the floral carpet.  Created by Oliver Rousteing, this custom Balmain sculptural silver gown looked as though it had been crafted entirely from numbered metal rulers, moulded perfectly to her frame. The architectural brilliance of the dress was balanced by soft Old Hollywood waves that made it so futuristic and classic all at once. 

Georgia Bramley, Creative Director

Lorde in Thom Browne

Our Kiwi icon, Lorde in Thom Browne was such a moment. The duct tape, gravity defying bandeau bra and skirt felt effortlessly cool – classic tailoring turned completely on its head. It was clever, and quietly powerful. So good.

Christian Latchman

The men have really shown up this year! So many looks to choose from. Christian Latchman was a standout for me though… The pleated train, the oversized white tailoring, the pink corsage… it all felt like a romantic nod to classic menswear, reimagined. Effortless but editorial.

Natalia Didovich, Digital Producer

Tessa Thompson in Prabal Gurung

I adored Tessa Thompson’s sculptural suiting moment. The exaggerated silhouette, the crooked top hat, and those sleeves!! But, my favourite reference would have to be the church fan she’s carrying featuring an image of the iconic Andre Leon Talley.

Lana Del Rey in Valentino

This look was simply breathtaking. Lana was a vision in this theatrical gown designed by Alessandro Michelle for Valentino’s Spring 2025 couture show. I can’t decide what I love more, the voluminous skirt? The dramatic feathers and lace detailing at the back? Or the cheeky little alligator hair clip? 

Rihanna in Marc Jacobs

This look gives us yet another reason to call Rihanna the queen of the Met Gala. She always gives us a moment. She not only revealed her third pregnancy but also presented a look that was so perfectly on theme while also being uniquely “her”. From the cropped tuxedo jacket and corseted bodice to the oversized hat and polka dot tie – it’s perfect! 

Tiffany Low, Commercial Director

Zendaya in Louis Vuitton

I loved Zendaya in this custom LV suit – she always looks great but I love the simplicity of how she works the room to show the power of a three piece suit. A stunning homage to Bianca Jagger’s iconic wedding suit.

Laura Harrier in Zac Posen

Laura Harrier was stunning in Zac Posen for GAP. I can’t get over the billowy sleeves and sculptured flares.

Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel

Lupita Nyong’o was also a vision in Chanel. Blue tones really suit her (I think we all remember that gorgeous Oscars dress).

Bridget Hewitt, Brand and Strategy Director

Rosé in Saint Laurent

Rosé mastered the 2025 Met Gala theme in a stunning black Saint Laurent suit, adding drama with an oversized shawl train. Elevated by a striking Tiffany High Jewelry necklace, the look perfectly balanced bold tailoring with refined elegance.

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