Teyana Taylor illustrated the power of a bold Met Red carpet moment in 2025 when she stepped out in a daring custom ensemble by Marc Jacobs. The theme for this year’s gala, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated the elegance and history of Black fashion. Taylor’s ensemble lit up her surroundings with all its sparkling pizazz. It served to honor the cultural importance of custom suits among the Black community, citing notable figures from the Harlem Renaissance.
Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter dressed Taylor in a gorgeous three-piece pinstripe zoot suit. This assemblage is laden with historic, powerful symbolism. It’s important to note that these outfits were made illegal under wartime rationing, which lends to their rebellious image. The 1943 Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles highlighted the extreme cultural friction that this tailored style generated. Given this political milieu, Taylor’s decision is particularly poignant.
Her ensemble featured a striking burgundy cape. The back of the cape featured beautiful embroideries of “Harlem Rose” in matching red color embroidery. The cape featured a field of black satin roses, blooming from black, crystallized vines that gracefully draped down her back. This design feature allowed Taylor’s artistic vision to shine through spectacularly. It was heavily inspired by her 2018 song “Rose in Harlem,” forging a powerful visual link between her music and her fashion.
That outfit came with a matching burgundy top hat, proudly feathered with an ostrich plume (because why not). It matched the coordinating durag perfectly. Taylor’s ensemble was topped off with leather gloves and a walking stick, full of swagger and panache. She wore David Yurman jewelry to complement the dress, sporting pieces with striking red and black stones that sparkled against her white gown.
Here’s Taylor reminiscing about her amazing Met Gala debut. She continued, “When The Met gets Teyana Taylor’d to you, it’s the time we had long needed.” Her words highlight both the excitement about her appearance and the importance of her fashion decisions.
The gala’s theme of “Fashioning the Future” turned the spotlight on suiting and menswear, with silhouettes, fabrics, accessories all re-imagined into new creations by guests. As stated in a press release, the event aimed to “provide guidance and invite creative interpretation.”
