Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Met Gala

The annual spring ritual where celebrities transform into walking art installations is upon us once again. While the rest of us wear sweatpants to critique the looks, the cultural elite are ascending the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City with outfits that will dominate our social feeds until at least Thursday unless something wild happens (you never know these days!). 

The 2025 Met Gala kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET. You can catch it live on the Vogue Met Gala livestream or TODAY Met Gala livestream. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Met Gala. 

Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Met Gala

2025 Met Gala theme explained 

Google “2025 Met Gala theme,” and you’ll find this year’s theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” If you’re scratching your head a little, you’re not alone. It’s not necessarily black tie or cocktail attire. This year’s theme is inspired by the Costume Institution’s Spring 2025 Exhibition, which explores the history of Black dandyism and the evolution of Black style throughout generations. The term Black dandyism refers to “the strategic and subversive use of fashion and style by Black individuals to assert individuality, challenge stereotypes, and reimagine Black identity.” Black dandyism is a form of resistance and celebration of Black culture.

The exhibit will feature a range of garments, paintings, and other art pieces spanning from the 18th century to present day. The dress code is further described as “tailored for you.” Met Gala guests are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively while focusing on menswear and suits. Think suits and tuxedos. Hello, Justin Timberlake—”I be on my suit and tie, sh*t.”

These celebrities will be missing the Met Gala 

Some big names are expected to attend this year’s event. The guest list includes André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Doechii, Simone Biles, Ayo Edebiri, Tyla, Usher, Regina King, and Spike Lee. Everyone will be keeping an eye out for Met Gala co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams. They will arrive at The Met’s grand steps to kick off the event.

Despite all the hype, a number of celebrities will be sitting out this year’s evening of fashion. Most recently, honorary chair LeBron James took to X to share that he won’t be attending because of a knee injury he sustained at the end of last year’s NBA season. 

Other celebrities who won’t be attending include SZA, who is on tour. Also, supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who recently gave birth to her first child with partner, Joaquim Valente. Met Gala regular Sarah Jessica Parker shared last week in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that she would be unable to attend because of work. 

Also not in attendance this year: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who are rumoured to not have received an invite amid their ongoing legal battles with Justin Baldoni. Another big name missing from this year’s Met Gala guest list is Naomi Campbell, amidst a rumoured feud with Wintour.

Controversial Met Gala moments from years’ past

Before you queue up your live stream for tonight’s gala, we’d be remiss to not remind you of some of the most controversial Met Gala moments. There was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Tax the Rich” Dress in 2021. There was Katy Perry’s Chandelier Dress in 2019 and Rihanna’s Papal Headpiece in 2018.

Pop icon Cher notoriously made Met Gala headline controversy with her “Naked Illusion Dress” in 1974. Cher’s dress, by designer Bob Mackie, was labeled one of the most famous “naked dresses” of all time. Today, it’s considered one of her most iconic fashion moments.

More recently, Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe dress in 2022 sparked a ton of controversy because of her drastic weight loss. She admitted to losing 16 pounds in three weeks. For Kardashian, she says the look was telling a story. Celebrities, like actress Lili Reinhart, questioned and even publicly criticized Kardashian. Reinhart took to social media to share her thoughts. “When you know very well that millions of young men and women are looking up to you and listening to your every word. The ignorance is other-worldly disgusting.”