Met Gala 2025: Beauty looks that nailed the “Superfine” theme with style and substance

The 2025 Met Gala was a masterclass in beauty as storytelling. With the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” this year’s looks weren’t just about glam—they were about honouring Black dandyism, subverting gender norms, and turning the blue carpet into a runway of cultural pride. From bold afros to sculpted ponytails, here are the standout beauty moments that didn’t just serve face—they served history.

Megan Thee Stallion: The sculptural red ponytail of dreams

Megan turned heads with a fiery red, three-tiered ponytail, bedazzled with diamante detailing—a modern-day take on Josephine Baker’s signature glamour. The high-shine, sculptural hairstyle was dramatic and high-octane, proving that ponytails can be both editorial and deeply referential. Her makeup leaned sultry, with a soft pink lip and smoky matte eyes that added balance to the fiery hair.

Doechii: All hail the afro

While many turned to sleek styles, Doechii brought volume with a stunning, halo-like afro that felt powerful, proud, and deeply on-theme. The look stood as a visual homage to natural hair and Black beauty in its rawest, most regal form. Her makeup was a clear statement too, with dark lip liner outlining her pout, topped with clear gloss that extended to her lids. Bonus: a monogrammed cheek accent featuring the Louis Vuitton logo.

Tyla: A blonde pixie with a dandy twist

Tyla made jaws drop with a dramatic beauty transformation: a honey blonde pixie cut styled in voluminous pin curls by hairstylist Yusef Williams. The look nodded to both Josephine Baker and Dorothy Dandridge, blending Old Hollywood glam with a modern edge. Her makeup shimmered with metallic shadow and a neutral lip—elegant, modern, and totally Met.

Doja Cat: ‘80s power dandy with a punk edge

Doja Cat delivered one of the night’s most theatrical beauty moments. Her bold beauty choices included razor-thin brows, powdery pastel eyeshadow, and a bold red lip—all exaggerated to theatrical perfection. Her look screamed ’80s power dressing and fully embodied the rebellious spirit of Black dandyism.

Sydney Sweeney: Vintage glamour

Sydney traded her signature soft waves for a sleek updo with delicate loops that opulently framed her face. It gave space for her vintage glam makeup to truly shine. She wore a captivating eye look reminiscent of old Hollywood, featuring the white eyeliner trick that old Hollywood starlets used to make eyes appear larger—paired with jet-black liner and lush, spidery lashes for maximum drama.

A$AP Rocky: Braids with a message

A$AP’s cornrow braids weren’t just a styling choice—they were a cultural statement. The Met Gala co-chair’s hairstyle celebrated Black heritage while nodding to grooming as a core tenet of dandyism. Paired with subtle facial grooming and glinting diamond accessories, his look was polished masculinity layered with historical significance.

Gigi Hadid: Boudoir curls

Gigi’s pin-up curls were a lesson in old-world charm as she, too, paid tribute to Josephine Baker. Set in perfect, sculptural swirls, her hair exudes the aura of vintage burlesque glam—sultry, controlled, and thoroughly Superfine. Her makeup featured a sculpted pink lip, brushed-up brows, and a dominant blush moment that added soft warmth.

Lisa: ‘90s sophistication

Lisa’s business-chic beauty hit the Superfine note through a sharp ‘90s lens. She wore her locks in a voluminous high bun with a swooped, side-parted fringe that had bounce, body, and polish. Paired with dreamy douyin-style makeup—complete with a glass-skin finish and soft eyeshadow—it was minimalist, yet made to stun.

Ayo Edebiri: Kiss-curl cool

Ayo nailed the dandy aesthetic with a retro swoop side part and kiss-curl details, gelled to perfection. Her natural texture was slicked into a glossy silhouette, while the kiss curl above her brow added playful vintage flair that felt both delicate and deliberate.

Chappell Roan: ‘80s glam all the way

Chappell Roan stayed true to her signature: flaming red waves and full-on '80s glam. Her dramatic silver eyeshadow gave her lids a gilded effect, and the face gems with squiggly under-eye liner that melted into blush made her entire look feel surreal and theatrical—totally Chappell.

Kerry Washington: Braid supremacy

Kerry served sculptural grace with a bubble braid ponytail bursting with coiled texture and regal energy. The thick, stylised braid was a contemporary take on dandy polish, while her glowy skin, smoky eye, and nude lip brought the drama down to an earthy, elegant simmer.

The beauty looks at the 2025 Met Gala went beyond glam—they were bold, personal, and rooted in culture. Each one told a story, blending self-expression with the legacy of Black dandyism and artistic defiance.

Lead image: Getty

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