Celebrities in LaQuan Smith at the 2025 Met Gala

When the theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, expectations are high, creativity is encouraged. Designer LaQuan Smith had a small but mighty presence on the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, dressing three stars — and while two soared in satin splendour, another stumbled in sheer confusion.

From Highlights On Oscar Night, To Met Gala Lowlights

I adore Halle Berry. You know I do. Her red carpet appearances in Georges Chakra Couture and Christian Siriano gown on Oscar night, are the kind of moments that live rent-free in my head. But every goddess has her off day. Unfortunately, this LaQuan Smith beaded and mesh number is one of them. It’s giving, “why are we doing this?” and I don’t mean that in a curious, fashion-experiment way. The sheer paneling and placement of the beads scream Fredericks of Hollywood. This dress feels more suited for a boudoir than the most stylish night in fashion. And the styling? It’s not helping. My jaw—truly—was on the floor, not in awe, but in sheer (pun fully intended) disbelief.

Fringe benefits and a little vintage razzle-dazzle

Ciara, on the other hand, gave us a fringe-tastic win in a black and silver LaQuan Smith dress that moved like a dream. It felt like a chic nod to Josephine Baker, but with Ciara’s signature cool-girl twist. The embellishment gave it energy. Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies pumps completed her look.

The Always Iconic

Thankfully, the ever-fabulous Jordan Roth pulled things back with a glorious menswear interpretation. His custom satin flared suit by LaQuan Smith, paired with sky-scraping Noritaka Tatehana platforms, felt like gothic dandyism dialed to eleven. There’s a beautiful echo of Ciara’s fringe story here, done in a more tailored and theatrical way—he’s always telling a story. With a dramatic Stephen Jones headpiece, Boucheron jewels, and a Philipp Kern clutch, this look was curated, confident, and unmistakably Jordan.

Credit:  Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.