Wales Bonner, Ferragamo among designer looks at Met Gala
Published:Tuesday | May 6, 2025 | 9:42 PM
The first Monday in May can only mean one thing: the Met Gala. This year’s theme, 'Tailored for You’, is inspired by the exhibition ‘Superfine Tailoring: Black Style’, which highlighted the influence of black culture, craftsmanship, and identity both on and off the runway. Among those taking the spotlight are designers and stars of Jamaican descent.
British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, one of the event’s co-chairs, wore a custom look by fellow co-chair, British-Jamaican designer Grace Wales Bonner. Hamilton wore bespoke Wales Bonner tailoring, shoes and fine jewellery, creating a look he called "more than a suit".
"From the moment I heard the theme of this year’s Met Gala, I knew I wanted to work with Grace @walesbonner. This look has taken months of research and development," wrote Hamilton on Instagram. "Every detail has been deeply considered — there’s a lot of emotion and meaning woven into this. This is more than a suit, this is ancestral history. Stylish, spiritual, and sharp," he said as he expressed gratitude to Wales Bonner.
The popularity of Wales Bonner on the carpet came as no surprise. Singer-songwriter FKA Twigs wore custom Wales Bonner, a bespoke organza dress and chiffon silk stole, hand-embroidered with Swarovski crystals and adorned with ostrich feathers. Other attendees in Wales Bonner included Monica L. Miller, the curator of the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' exhibition, who wore archive Wales Bonner and American photographer Tyler Mitchell, actor Jeff Goldblum, singer-songwriter Omar Apollo, and painter Eric N. Mack, who all wore bespoke Wales Bonner.
Wales Bonner appeared on the carpet, posed with Antwaun Sargent. Both wore bespoke Wales Bonner tailoring and footwear.
The magnanimity of the moment isn't lost on the brand. Ahead of the event, the official Wales Bonner Instagram account, called the theme of this year’s MET Costume Institute exhibition, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', "a cherished opportunity to celebrate the inspirations, codes, and craft signatures at the core of the brand".
FAMILY HERITAGE
Adding to the impact of representation on the carpet was Ferragamo under the creative direction of Maximilian Davis, a British designer with Jamaican roots. Actress Ayo Edebiri wore a custom Mascarpone wool silk shirt dress with Plastron detail by Ferragamo that paid homage to her family heritage. The ensemble was layered with a coral beaded fringe harness and a sharp black Nappa tailcoat. Sheer mesh gloves and white patent mules completed the look.
Davis, who also walked the carpet (in Ferragamo, of course), also created looks for socialite and businesswoman Kylie Jenner, LaKeith Stanfield and Paloma Elsesser.
The brand called each creation "a testament to the power of clothing as a form of self-expression and cultural identity".
British-Jamaican designer Bianca Saunders dressed Stefon Diggs and Nick Jonas.
Kerry Washington, who traces her Jamaican roots through her mother Valerie Washington, wore custom SIMKHAI by Jonathan Simkhai. Washington stunned in jewelled gloves, a cream wide-brimmed hat, a see-through skirt, and a plunging cut-out jacket.
Also among the A-listers making their way to the Met Gala was former vice president Kamala Harris, who was photographed in an Off-White gown designed by creative director IB Kamara. British-Jamaican actress Jodie Turner-Smith wore Burberry. Supermodel Tyson Beckford donned custom-made Ralph Lauren Purple Label. Professional fencer and Olympian Miles Chamley-Watson wore Casely-Hayford.
With several of his looks appearing in the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' exhibit, Theophilio's Edvin Thompson donned custom Theophilio and a Brandon Blackwood coat, by Jamaican-Chinese designer Brandon Blackwood. He once again walked the carpet and dressed singer Jazmine Sutherland and actor Kenny Leon for the event.
Notably, model Christian Latchman paired his bespoke 5000 suit, by designer Taylor Thompson, with a shirt by Theophillio and shoes by Ferragamo.
Diotima's Rachel Scott walked the carpet with Nordstrom's vice president and fashion director, Rickie De Sole, who wore Diotima. James Frazier, founder of the Empowered Vision Award, also wore custom Diotima for the event.
British fashion editor Chioma Nnadi, head of editorial content for British Vogue, wore a custom piece from British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose.
Lauryn Hill made her appearance in yellow Cheney Chan, with statement shoulders, and Emefa Cole jewellery.
Olympian Junelle Bromfield was Styled to Roc by fashion stylist and creative director, Neko 'Bootleg Rocstar' Kelly, for a last-minute Met Gala after party in a double-breasted blazer from fellow Olympian and fiancé Noah Lyles' closet.