How to watch celebs, designers walk the Met Gala carpet

Key Takeaways:

• The 2025 Met Gala will be held on May 5 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• The theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” focusing on Black menswear.
• Hosts include Anna Wintour, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and honorary chair LeBron James.
• The dress code is “Tailored for You,” emphasizing suiting and menswear.
• The event is a fundraiser for The Met’s Costume Institute.

A Night of Fashion and Philanthropy

Fashion’s most anticipated night is upon us as the 2025 Met Gala returns to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5. The gala, renowned for its extravagant fashion statements and star-studded guest list, promises an evening of innovation, elegance, and fundraising for a worthy cause.

Date, Time, and Location

This year’s Met Gala is scheduled for Monday, May 5. Guest arrivals are slated from 5:30 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing celebrities the most prestigious of red-carpeted runways—and staircases—to showcase their interpretations of the theme.

Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”

The 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is inspired by the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition running from May 10 to October 26. Drawing from Monica L. Miller’s book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity , the exhibition presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style from the 18th century to today through the lens of dandyism. The show is divided into twelve sections, each representing a characteristic defining dandy style, such as ownership, presence, and freedom.

Hosts and Co-Chairs

Joining Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour as co-chairs are actor Colman Domingo, race car driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, and singer Pharrell Williams. Basketball star LeBron James will serve as honorary chair. Their participation underscores the event’s celebration of Black culture and influence in fashion.

Dress Code: “Tailored for You”

The dress code, “Tailored for You,” nods to the focus on suiting and menswear. It marks the first Met Gala exhibit in over two decades to concentrate exclusively on menswear, specifically highlighting Black style influences throughout history. Attendees are expected to embody the theme through bespoke tailoring and innovative interpretations of traditional menswear.

How to Watch

Fashion enthusiasts can witness the grandeur live. The Met Gala arrivals will be streamed on Vogue.com and YouTube starting at 6 p.m. ET. Live coverage will also be available on E! and Peacock with “Live From E!: Met Gala 2025.” Additionally, “New York Live” will air a special edition from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on NBC 4, the NBC New York News streaming channel, and the NBC New York app.

A Glimpse into History

The Met Gala boasts a rich history dating back to its inaugural event in December 1948 at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. Originally a midnight dinner costing $50 to attend, according to TIME, it has evolved into one of the fashion industry’s most significant fundraisers and social events.

Exclusive Guest List and Ticket Pricing

The guest list remains one of the industry’s best-kept secrets, with approximately 450 invitees each year. According to The New York Times , those invited can pay $75,000 for a single ticket or $350,000 for a table of ten. Celebrities often attend as guests of fashion brands that purchase tables, donning the designs of their hosts.

Supporting The Costume Institute

Beyond the glamour, the Met Gala serves a philanthropic purpose, benefiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Last year’s event raised a record $26 million, according to the Associated Press, supporting exhibitions, acquisitions, and capital improvements.

Anticipation Builds

As the countdown to the 2025 Met Gala continues, anticipation builds for the innovative fashion statements and cultural conversations it will inspire. With a theme celebrating Black style and menswear, this year’s event is poised to make a significant impact on the fashion world and beyond.