All you need to know about the Met Gala 2025: Date, theme, and guest list – The Times of India
The MET Gala stands as one of the most anticipated events on the fashion calendar, attracting an eclectic mix of global celebrities, industry trendsetters, and creative innovators from every corner of the world. Known as the “Oscars of fashion,” this exclusive event celebrates the pinnacle of haute couture, where celebrities take bold risks in jaw-dropping outfits that often blend art, history, and cutting-edge design. Each year, the MET Gala becomes a canvas for the world’s most talented designers to create visionary masterpieces that push the boundaries of fashion, making the event an iconic celebration of style, culture, and creativity.
The MET Gala is much more than a glamorous red carpet event; it serves as a charitable fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, supporting its annual fashion exhibitions. Held every May, the gala marks the opening of the Institute’s highly anticipated fashion display, attracting high-profile guests from around the world, including actors, musicians, models, and designers. With the event completely self-funded, it generates significant donations, often amounting to eight-figure sums.
MET Gala 2025: The theme and dress code
The MET Gala 2025, set for May 5, will take place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, continuing its tradition of presenting an unforgettable celebration of fashion and culture. The official theme for the 2025 event, announced in October 2024, will be “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: ‘Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity’. This year’s exhibition will explore the cultural significance of Black menswear, particularly the style of dandyism, a fashion movement originating in the 18th century that celebrates impeccable, polished men’s fashion. The gala will focus on how Black dandyism has influenced global style and cultural identity, bringing attention to the sophistication and elegance of Black menswear.
The dress code for the evening is aptly named ‘Tailored for You,’ calling on attendees to embrace the fine art of tailoring, especially in menswear. The Met Gala’s guest list is always star-studded, with fashion icons, musicians, athletes, and more gracing the red carpet. This year, the event will be co-chaired by prominent figures such as Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, with basketball legend LeBron James serving as an honorary co-chair.
The expected guest list
Although the official guest list for the 2025 MET Gala has not been released, several celebrities have already been tipped to attend. Among them are Lizzo, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Ashley Graham, and Amelia Gray, as well as emerging stars like Rachel Zelger and Doechii.
On the Indian front, Bollywood actress Kiara Advani, who is expecting her first child with actor Sidharth Malhotra, is set to make her Met Gala debut, adding another layer of excitement to this year’s guest list.
Past Indian celebrities at the MET Gala
Over the years, several Indian celebrities have made remarkable appearances at the MET Gala, including Priyanka Chopra, Natasha Poonawalla, Isha Ambani, and Mona Patel. However, 2024 saw a truly ground-breaking moment with Alia Bhatt’s debut appearance. The actress stole the spotlight in a custom-designed Sabyasachi mint-green saree, adorned with gemstones and featuring a 23-foot-long train. Alia’s look perfectly embodied the 2024 theme, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, aligning seamlessly with the “Garden of Time” dress code. Her look was a testament to the elegance and cultural fusion that the MET Gala has come to represent, marking a milestone in Indian representation on the global stage.
As the MET Gala continues to evolve, its significance only grows in the world of fashion. The 2025 edition promises to be another exciting chapter in this prestigious event, with the theme of Black dandyism offering a powerful narrative on identity and culture. With stars like Kiara Advani and others set to make their mark on the iconic steps, this year’s gala is sure to be a showcase of bold creativity and sartorial brilliance. The MET Gala remains not only a fashion spectacle but also an influential cultural moment, where style, history, and social issues converge on one unforgettable night.
