the met gala's best dressed

standouts from superfine: tailoring black style

I look forward to the first Monday in May all year long. Not because it signals that peony season is coming soon or that a three-day weekend sits on the horizon, but because the Met Gala is always an event that fuels me with unmatched inspiration. From the stories behind the looks to the iconic styles themselves, it’s a cultural moment where all of my greatest interests collide. So, while I have a handful of posts sitting in my draft folder that are vying for my intention and are no closer to being finished than they were yesterday, here I am recapping the looks that resonated with me most this year.

Elaine Welteroth in Jagne: I’m absolutely smitten with this look. And even that may be an understatement? The rich, maroon hue of her velvet suit was such a power look, and paired with a monochrome leather tie? I die. The shape and placement of her hat was the cherry on top of a supremely-executed ensemble that will live rent free in my brain for the rest of my days. I know she didn’t technically walk the carpet, but that suit deserves its moment of praise.

Colman Domingo in Valentino: We live for an outfit change, and this Valentino look delivered everything I wanted. The pleated blue cape adorned with a shimmering brocade brought the drama and splendor I dream of for this Met Gala carpet—and was a stunning ode to the late André Leon Talley. To then reveal a patterned windowpane blazer and polka dot necktie was astounding. I also was so moved by this soundbite from his interview with E!: “Fashion is a way to show people your story. It’s an act of defiance.” If that’s the case, Domingo’s look spoke volumes.

Sydney Sweeney in Miu Miu: If I’m being honest, this look, for me, was a bit of an acquired taste, but after sitting with it, I’m so drawn to how it came together to honor Hollywood star Kim Novak, who Sweeney’s set to portray in the Domingo-directed Scandalous. Her face-framing curls are a gorgeous nod to tonight’s theme, and I love that her black, sequin-adorned, curve-accentuating dress marries simple elegance and elevated panache.

Zendaya in Louis Vuitton: No notes. Not one. Zendaya continues to prove she’s Met Gala royalty, and this year is no exception. In collaboration with Law Roach, she fashioned a bright, cream-colored, zoot suit-inspired look, and everything from the fabric, to the tailoring, the ever-chic, wide-brimmed hat, and even the subtle-yet-statement the makeup brings this impeccable look together with unmatched harmony.

Kerry Washington in custom Simkhai: A jaw-dropping display. The dainty mesh gloves and diamond rings coupled with the sheer skirt were enough to rank this look for me, but the bubble side braid and the top hat left me speechless. I also can’t get enough of the shape and structure of her blazer-like blouse—or how her makeup perfectly complements this look (which is a consistent complaint I had this year). Obsessed with everything about this from top to toe.

Miley Cyrus in custom Alaïa: Miley seamlessly interprets a theme through the lens of her own style, and this look is proof of that. The cropped crocodile high-neck jacket paired with a sweeping, high-waist skirt strikes a balance of sophisticated, yet simple. I love the sharp structure of the jacket and the contrast of it against the pleated flair of the skirt. Sprinkle a stack of gold Cartier necklaces into the mix and this look does it for me.

Doechii in Louis Vuitton: Simply put, Doechii slayed her Met Gala debut. She sought inspiration from Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller—specifically from the character Julius Soubise—and collaborated with Pharrell to bring the look to life. So much of the world oohs and aahs over a Met Gala carpet, but the “why” behind a look is what really scratches the itch in my brain (and even better when a book is the source of inspiration!). I’m so drawn to the mismatched pattern work here, and find the Bermuda moment to be tasteful and timely. The embrace of her natural hair and the just-right pop of color that comes to life through her makeup also drew me to this look—that, and the sentiment that the maroon silk bow was intentionally styled to be a little undone. It also has to be said: we all know Anna didn’t approve of the cigar, but it’s a detail I personally appreciate.

Demi Moore in Thom Browne: My entire body broke out in CHILLS upon seeing this look. The sharp, striking creative play on the pinstripe is brilliantly executed, but creating the ensemble with a halo-like effect to mimic the shape a necktie? This is the sheer genius I live for with the Met Gala. This iconic masterpiece feels more like performance art—which is what this celebration is all about. Over 1.4 million beads were used to bring this look to life, and Demi’s looking like 1.4 million bucks.

Sofia Richie Grainge in Tommy Hilfiger: A very bridal-inspired look from the queen of quiet luxury, but it’s a favorite nonetheless. Always known for timeless elegance and a chic, but minimalist approach to style, I love the cap sleeve and the high neck that celebrates the classic cumberbund. Even better is how the sophisticated front is juxtaposed with a fun, sexy open back that’s accentuated by an oversized, dandy-inspired bow. It’s a masterclass in marrying a theme with one’s personal style. Bravo, Sofia.

Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie: It’s incredible to think that the first time Diana Ross appeared at the Met Gala, the year was 1978 and the recording artist and actress arrived with renowned designer Halston (a favorite of mine). Her return this year was just as iconic as she donned a sweeping gown adorned in crystals with a feather boa cape—and a train embroidered with her children’s and grandchildren’s names. This personal touch and nod to her family’s history made the whole look for me.

Keke Palmer in Vera Wang: What’s not to love about this look? Excellence exudes from every angle of her delightfully dramatic deconstructed tuxedo dress. A nod to Dorothy Dandridge, the first Black Academy Award nominee for best actress, this look reimagines tailoring through a feminist lens. I love how the sleek, masculine black tuxedo pant clashes with the cream, bubble-hemmed, crystal-embellished overcoat to create a really hybrid look.

Kendall Jenner in Torisheju: As she reaches the double digits in her Met Gala appearances, Kendall opts for a very essentialist, pared-back look that pays homage to Gladys Bentley, a Harlem Renaissance icon and a tailoring genius of her time. The draping, tailoring, and the curvature of her jacket is serving some kind of magic, and seamlessly pairs with a wide-leg skirt for a truly attention-grabbing silhouette.

Cardi B in Burberry: Inspired by Victorian dress and an emerald green gown that dates back to the 19th century, this verdant look brought something fresh to tonight’s carpet. The commanding texture, plunging neckline, and alluring shades of green that define this look makes it a standout style of the night.

Honorable mentions include: Laura Harrier, Pusha T, Zoe Saldaña, Jenna Ortega, Imaan Hammam, Christian Lackman, and La La Anthony wearing archival Off-White by Virgil Abloh.

Place your vote for best dressed in the comments.