At the 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Nicole Kidman captivated attendees with a dramatic transformation that extended beyond her attire. The 57-year-old Oscar-winning actress debuted a striking new hairstyle: a super short, two-toned cut blending her signature platinum blonde with brunette roots. This bold change was not merely a fashion statement but a deliberate homage to the evening’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which celebrated the elegance and individuality of Black dandyism.
Kidman’s hairstylist, Adir Abergel, was the creative force behind this transformation. He described the look as a “tailored short cut that brought out the essence of Dandyism on Nicole Kidman.” The hairstyle featured a neck-length bob with slicked-back sides and a sweeping bang, combining masculine shaping with a feminine finish. Abergel emphasized that every detail was customized to enhance Kidman’s features, aligning with the theme’s focus on individuality and precision tailoring.
The preparation for this transformation began the night before the gala. Abergel used a series of Virtue hair products, including the Damage Reverse Serum, Volumizing Primer, and Un-frizz Cream, to ensure hair health and achieve the desired volume and shape. Styling tools such as Denman brushes and Kristin Ess appliances were employed, finishing with Virtue’s Healing Oil for a glossy look.
Complementing her new hairstyle, Kidman wore a custom Balenciaga Couture gown designed by Demna, inspired by a 1952 design from Cristóbal Balenciaga. The sculptural dress featured a corseted silk organza structure with multiple petticoats, satin bow belts, and traditional tailoring techniques to accentuate the hourglass shape. Kidman accessorized with black lace, gloves, and a Raven pump, completing the look with diamond earrings and classic glam makeup.
In an interview with Vogue at the event, Kidman expressed her admiration for the theme and its celebration of tailored fashion. She stated, “This was inspired in support of all of those gorgeous, gorgeous dandies [and] the women that honored them and supported them or protected them. So, I’m happy to be here as one of them.” She further elaborated on the importance of individuality in fashion, noting how dandyism is about making each detail unique and tailored to the person.
Kidman’s appearance at the Met Gala was a testament to her willingness to embrace change and challenge traditional beauty standards. Her transformation was not just about aesthetics but also about conveying a message of self-expression and honoring cultural history. By adopting a look that paid tribute to Black dandyism, she highlighted the significance of representation and the power of fashion as a form of storytelling.
The 2025 Met Gala, co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, spotlighted the museum’s spring exhibition on Black dandyism, exploring Black style from the 18th century to the present. Kidman’s participation and her thoughtful ensemble contributed to the evening’s celebration of diversity, individuality, and the rich tapestry of fashion history .
In summary, Nicole Kidman’s dramatic hair transformation at the 2025 Met Gala was more than a change in appearance; it was a deliberate and meaningful tribute to the event’s theme. Through her collaboration with stylist Adir Abergel and designer Demna, Kidman showcased how fashion and personal style can intersect to honor cultural narratives and promote individuality. Her look served as a powerful reminder of the role fashion plays in expressing identity and celebrating heritage.
