Celebrities in Valentino at the 2025 Met Gala
If there was one creative director who was going to understand the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style brief from a place of exuberance and drama, it was Alessandro Michele. Armed with a roster of muses and a flair for the poetic, Michele styled eight celebrities for the 2025 Met Gala, (including two looks for Valentino brand ambassador, Colman Domingo) with each look offering a wildly different interpretation of the theme.
A perfect 360
We know Alessandro Michele is a spiritual fit for Lana Del Rey, but this Valentino Haute Couture creation in black velvet and brown satin went above and beyond.
The lace back and protruding feathers gave the look an ethereal eeriness—like Morticia Addams slipped into couture and wandered into a Regency ballroom. With Lana known for boho melancholia, this was an elegant, gothic step up.
Freen’s First Met
Freen Sarocha made a glowing Met Gala debut in a custom Valentino look full of theatrics, texture and pure fantasy—a delightful nod to classic couture and the kind of flair that earns first-timer applause.
Dandyism meets buttercream
Justice Smith wore a custom Valentino butter-hued flared suit and black-and-butter silk sleeve with scarf detailing. His finger waves and makeup pulled the whole look together. Justice is dandyism at this point—this wasn’t a theme for him to follow, it was a lifestyle he lives in.
All drama, no payoff
Sha’Carri Richardson wore the Valentino lace and chiffon gown that itself didn’t live up to her magnetic presence. With someone as dynamic and confident as Sha’Carri, this felt like a missed opportunity. Where was the fire? The dandyism? She deserved a look as bold as she is.
Last year’s hit still lingers
Barry Keoghan delivered theatrical flair in his Valentino suit with a dramatic red sash and jewelled sleeves, but I couldn’t help comparing this to his Burberry moment from last year. That one felt more on-theme. This, while striking, didn’t land for me.
Tailored whimsy
Clairo brought tailored sweetness in a beautifully cut jacket and pleated skirt designed just for her with the Valentino Garavani cat clutch making a return. This was the kind of charming, off-beat tailoring I love to see.
Confusion
Amelia Gray had me with the red and the tailoring, but the nude pants worn over the red tights? That took it straight to costume-party confusion. Without that styling choice, this could’ve been a hit. Pasquale Bruni jewels completed her look.
Credit; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue / Theo Wargo/FilmMagic / Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images / Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images / Theo Wargo/FilmMagic / Vogue.com
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