Legacy, rebellion and joy: The best UK celebrity looks at the Met Gala 2025’s celebration of Black Dandyism
In the words of Stormzy, "black, fly and handsome"
The Met Gala 2025 hit a high note with “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, a theme that riffed on the swagger of Black dandyism and the rhythm of resistance. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion, and curated by Andrew Bolton with Miller as guest curator, the night marked a rare menswear focus at the Costume Institute. Red carpet standouts included UK stars like co-chair Lewis Hamilton, Charli XCX, Central Cee and more who turned heads in sharp silhouettes that struck a chord between heritage and avant-garde.
The Met Gala demonstrates how fashion has the power to challenge, reflect, and shape social discourse, bridging past, present, and future. This year’s Gala honoured Black style as a political act, bespoke and defiant, with tailoring as its instrument. The exhibit traced the Black dandy’s evolution from 18th-century Europe to today’s culture-shaping icons. In a world that often polices identity, this year’s Met said: dress however you choose with a razor-sharp crease.
André 3000
André 3000 stole the show with a custom Burberry boilersuit, the iconic British luxury fashion house, embroidered with umbrellas, layered over a striped rugby shirt and twisted bolero. Styled by Law Roach and created with Benji Bixby, the look was topped, literally, by a baby grand piano strapped to his back, teasing his surprise drop, ‘7 Piano Sketches’.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa turned heads with a dazzling Chanel couture look, a Met favourite for her. Fusing elegance with edge, she wore a shimmering sequin tweed jacket over a backless chiffon gown, topped with a cape encrusted with 45,000 crystals, pearls, and feathers.
Lewis Hamilton
Sir Lewis Hamilton paid full tribute to Black British brilliance in a Grace Wales Bonner ensemble that oozed modern dandyism. As co-chair, he stunned in an ivory silk tailcoat with pearl-trimmed trousers, a bow-tied blouse, and diamond-studded brooches. A sleek beret and glitzy Manolo Blahniks sealed the ensemble.
Charli XCX
The girl knows how to create a fantasy. Charli XCX embraced theatrical Gothic glamour in an Ann Demeulemeester look, styled by Stefano Gallici and accessorized with exquisite Bucherer jewellery. She wore an all-black ensemble, featuring a sleek blazer over a tank, a feather-adorned chest, and a sheer skirt. The feathery theme continued in her high ponytail headpiece, blending edgy elegance with her signature style.
Stormzy
Stormzy redefined black tie with a striking Haider Ackermann x Tom Ford look. He wore a tight white ruffled shirt over a white vest, accessorized with a white floral brooch. The sharp contrast came with black trousers and a cummerbund, effortlessly blending classic elegance with a modern, undone edge.
Central Cee
Central Cee broke his own style rules at the Met Gala 2025 in a sharp, custom Jacquemus suit. The black double-breasted jacket, cropped at the waist, paired with straight pleated trousers and polished leather lace-ups, gave off effortless dandy vibes. Iced out of course with accessories, including a Richard Mille watch, decked out rings and a Guyana flag brooch reflecting his dad’s heritage.