The 2025 Met Gala dazzled under the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”—a stunning celebration of Black fashion, identity, and unapologetic expression. Style guru and red carpet whisperer Derek Warburton, known for dressing some of the world’s most iconic women, shared his personal standouts from the night.
“Tailoring is an art, and this year’s attendees wore it like armor, poetry, and power,” Derek said. And no surprise, Chanel reigned supreme on his list.
Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel
“She took my breath away,” Derek shared. Draped in a baby blue Chanel suit with a dramatic cape and wide-brim hat, Lupita looked like modern royalty. “It was sharp, soft, and deeply thematic.”
Jennie Kim in Chanel
“Jennie was serving vintage Paris couture meets Hollywood noir,” Derek said. Her black satin tuxedo gown with camellia appliqué and pearls was timeless Chanel, yet wildly fresh.
Teyana Taylor in Ruth E. Carter
Teyana’s structured ensemble, created by Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter, was a revelation. “It was powerful, sculptural—Afro-futurism at its finest.”
Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry
“Jodie is pure elegance with edge,” Derek noted. Her equestrian-inspired Burberry look paid homage to Black dandyism with a modern twist.
Tracee Ellis Ross in Marc Jacobs
“Tracee took architectural fashion to a new level,” Derek said. Her voluminous pink Marc Jacobs ensemble was sharp, poetic, and unforgettable. People.com
Mindy Kaling in Harbison Studio
“This was the best Mindy’s ever looked,” Derek declared. “Dramatic, feminine, with just the right amount of risk.”
Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne
“Janelle always pushes the envelope, and this time, she tailored the envelope,” Derek laughed. Her trompe l’oeil Thom Browne suit was equal parts fashion and performance art.
Rihanna in Marc Jacobs
Glowing with her third pregnancy, Rihanna was radiant. “She floated down the carpet—pure goddess energy,” Derek said.
Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie
“An 18-foot train and zero apologies. Diana proved that legacy and fashion go hand in hand,” Derek said of her regal look by Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie.
Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz
“Alicia in her crystal-studded suit next to Swizz in a leather trench? Power couple perfection,” Derek said. “They nailed the theme with authenticity.”
Amelia Gray in Valentino
Derek praised Amelia for her sleek reinvention. “This was high fashion minimalism with edge. She’s really stepped into her own.”
Derek also gave honorable nods to Hunter Schafer’s black-and-white multilayered suit, Joey King’s custom Miu Miu ensemble, Lauryn Hill’s pale yellow suit, Zoe Saldaña’s Thom Browne look, André 3000 stayed true to himself in an eccentric and elegant Gucci outfit, while Anok Yai looked stunning in Balmain, her dress almost glowing with a celestial feel, and Alton Mason’s custom BOSS outfit, saying, “This wasn’t just fashion—it was Black artistry in motion.”
