At the 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Zendaya and Anna Sawai captivated attendees by donning strikingly similar white tailored suits. Their ensembles, while from different designers, both paid homage to the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrating the legacy of Black dandyism and tailored menswear.
A Tale of Two Suits
Zendaya, a co-chair of the evening, wore a custom Louis Vuitton zoot suit designed by Pharrell Williams. Her outfit featured a single-breasted tuxedo jacket, waistcoat, silk shirt, tie, and flared trousers, complemented by a wide-brimmed floppy hat, red nails, and her engagement ring . Anna Sawai, making her Met Gala debut, opted for a similar Dior ensemble, consisting of a white wool and silk jacket, matching trousers, a prominent tie, white poplin shirt, and white gloves, topped off with a white brimmed hat .
Social Media Buzz and Anna Wintour’s Role
The near-identical outfits sparked discussions on social media, with users questioning whether Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour pre-approves attendees’ looks. Wintour addressed this speculation in an interview with Good Morning America, stating, “Many call and ask our advice, so we try and help some of them as best we can. Some, no idea” . This incident seemingly dispelled the longstanding rumor that Wintour has final say over all Met Gala attire.
Embracing the Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
The 2025 Met Gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” highlighted the art of Black dandyism and the significance of tailored fashion in Black culture. The accompanying exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s work on Black diasporic identity and fashion, showcased the evolution of Black fashion from the 18th century to the present . The dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged attendees to present personal interpretations of menswear and tailoring.
Notable Attendees and Fashion Statements
The event featured a host of celebrities embracing the theme through innovative tailoring. J Balvin wore a pink suit by Marc Jacobs, Tracee Ellis Ross donned a Cubist tuxedo, and Rihanna appeared in a chic jacket and lapeled skirt . Other standout looks included Jeremy O. Harris in Balmain, Teyana Taylor in a striking piece by Ruth E. Carter, and co-chair Sir Lewis Hamilton in a Grace Wales Bonner suit. The evening underscored the versatility and expressive potential of modern suiting.
Conclusion
Zendaya and Anna Sawai’s sartorial choices at the 2025 Met Gala not only honored the event’s theme but also sparked meaningful conversations about individuality, cultural appreciation, and the evolving landscape of fashion. Their ensembles exemplified how tailored fashion can serve as a powerful medium for personal and cultural expression. The buzz around their matching outfits also emphasized how fashion can connect individuals across different backgrounds, while still allowing for distinct interpretation and flair. The 2025 Met Gala ultimately stood as a testament to how style, history, and identity continue to intertwine, with every outfit becoming part of a broader cultural narrative.
