A timely theme presented to perfection …
This year’s “Tailored for You” dress code, in celebration of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York, heralded a unique ode to dandyism. From sublimely tailored suits to corsets, elaborate headgear and jewellery, designers showcased their craftsmanship to honour Black history’s influence on modern style.
Zendaya
As usual, Zendaya nailed the assignment and was top of our best dressed list in a form-fitting three-piece suit, complete with matching wide-rimmed hat (triggering the ridiculous ‘Zendaya Theory’ conspiracies online … don’t go down that rabbit role!) and decadent serpent brooch. The obligatory engagement ring sighting was also spotted; in which case, congrats to Tom Holland. Zendaya was dressed in Louis Vuitton by Pharrell Williams, men’s creative director and gala co-chair, who looked similarly slick in a custom double-breasted pearl bouclé blazer of his own design brought to life by his Vuitton design team. The jacket alone took 980 hours of work and features 100,000 pearls, which he punctuated with flared dress trousers – his signature silhouette – and jewellery made by Tiffany & Co.
Colman Domingo
Gala co-chair Colman Domingo stole the show in an opulent blue cape flowing to the floor – a nod to late fashion journalist André Leon Talley, who notably wore a dramatic blue cape in 2011, and was said to be inspiration for this year’s theme – with the addition of a silver sequined and embellished chest piece reminiscent of ceremonial armour or royal regalia. The grand reveal showed off a black and white checked suit and tweed blazer, adorned with an unusual large floral brooch by Boucheron and an Omega watch. House ambassador for Valentino, the actor was styled by the duo Wayman + Micah, with whom he has worked for several years.
Sir Lewis Hamilton
Another co-chair, Black British designer Grace Wales Bonner dressed Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton in a Vuitton suit complete with bouclé detailing, a brooch and matching beret. In an Instagram caption, the fashion and driving mogul said; “This year’s theme speaks to royalty, spirituality and the sacred power of adornment. Materials like ivory and cowrie aren’t just beautiful – they carry ancestral memory. They are markers of identity, protection and reverence.”
Rihanna
Riri arrived fashionably late as always, as is her prerogative, especially as she debuted her baby bump – her third child with A$AP Rocky, another gala co-chair. Her Marc Jacobs deconstructed suit dress featured a lapel front, burgundy tie with on-trend polka dots, bustle in the back for a feminine touch and oversized fedora. Kylie Jenner also wore a deconstructed look in a Ferragamo wool suit with ribbed mesh corset, which was either loved or hated (much like her famous family!).
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill made a rare red (in this case, blue) carpet appearance and her first at the Met in colour of the moment, butter yellow. The controversial singer-songwriter brought a ray of sunshine to proceedings in a Stella McCartney double-breasted suit and wide leg trousers, with an umbrella to boot. The suit jacket featured a sculptural cape that curved like a crown, wrapping around her shoulder and transforming into a floor-grazing train. Her statement jewellery by London-based Ghanaian designer Emefa Cole completed the look. She went equally maximalist with her beauty, matching her eyeshadow to her blue Hermés Kelly bag and deep purple lipstick to compliment her burgundy tie and sunglasses.
Laura Harrier
Zac Posen at GAP Studios designed model and actress Laura Harrier’s look that combines expert tailoring, floating femininity, the power trouser flare and breathtaking bell sleeves. Brides, take note. Inspiration for this look came from Laura’s archival family photos, showing her father and grandfather in chic suits. “Dandyism was both a form of rebellion and a uniform of entry,” said Zac. “I wanted to honour that dichotomy by applying a sculptural technique to tailoring – treating a pant look with the reverence I typically reserve for a gown.”
Damson Idris
Damson Idris had fun with the theme, arriving in a Formula 1 racing suit over his maroon Tommy Hilfiger pinstripe suit, which was clever marketing for his new film F1 out this summer, also starring Brad Pitt. One to watch, the British actor took the opportunity to launch his luxury jewellery line, DIDRIS, with a custom brooch that featured almost 11 carat emerald centre stone surrounded by 18 special-cut tourmalines that give way to almost 250 tsavorites. He added a pendant necklace handwoven in yellow and rose gold with green tourmaline.
Aimee Lou Wood
The White Lotus rising star Aimee Lou Wood turned heads in a floor-skimming tailored wool coat and dramatic silk sash, with ankle socks and flower-adorned shoes; the work of London designer Priya Ahluwalia, who’s of Nigerian and Indian heritage, in her eponymous brand’s first appearance on the iconic Met steps.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o brought a pop of springtime colour in a custom monochromatic aquamarine power suit consisting of wool jacket and trousers, satin blouse, matching bow tie and chiffon cape by Chanel, tied with a crystal brooch at its centre. The actress also accessorised with a a floral pin on the lapel of her jacket, a small top hat and diamond jewellery. She complemented her look with interesting glam, bedazzling her eyebrows with black rhinestones.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa made her blue carpet debut with fiancé Callum Turner in a custom Chanel chiffon flapper style backless halter gown trimmed with black feathered peplum, tulle gloves and large bow that extended into a floor-length train – all adorned with over 45,000 embroidered elements such as pearls, crystals and feathers – that took 2,000 hours to make. She removed an organza cape and cropped tweed jacket to reveal the final result with a sleek updo and an 18-carat diamond-encrusted necklace and earrings … dramatic, avant-garde and on point.
