How the Met Gala is Becoming a Runway for Black Excellence

The Met Gala. When you hear those words, you can’t help but think of the incredible fashion, dazzling celebrities, and the extravagant red carpet. It’s a highly influential night, one that takes over social media with cameras flashing and endless commentary and chatter. But for some, in the Black community especially, it remains a mystery. 

The star-studded event was just a simple fundraiser when it made its debut in 1948. Fast forward to the 1970s, it transformed into a glitzy sartorial affair. But all the while, the fashion industry and black culture were having a complicated relationship. It’s important to recognize that the fashion business was built on the oppression of Black and Brown bodies, rooted in a history of colonialism and racism. Many fashion houses, brands, and celebrities have been quick to appropriate and profit from black culture without ever showing respect for its contribution while failing to make efforts to diversify their companies, transform their structures, or support their POC staff.

Over the years, the Met Gala was often criticized for being exclusive, but it is now slowly evolving. When we see Black celebrities not only attending but thriving at the event, it sends a powerful message: Black talent deserves a place at the table, and that includes the most unshared fashion circles. This year’s theme itself was based on the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest exhibition called “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” and it sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion. While the “Sleeping Beauty” concept may have initially brought to mind European ball gowns, it actually opened up more dialogue about recognizing and celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of Black designers throughout history, for example, who have long shaped the fashion world such as Patrick Kelly, Willi Smith, and Zelda Wynn Valdez. They were fearless pioneers who revolutionized fashion in the 20th century and although they are no longer with us, they are finally receiving the recognition and celebration they deserve. 

The red carpet at this year’s Met Gala served as a platform for Black celebrities to make commanding statements not only through their words but also with their daring fashion selections, a testament to a long history of the Black fashion prowess and cultural influence. Style phenoms like Zendaya (she stunned in two, custom haute couture looks), Tyla (during a red carpet interview she explained how her perfectly sculpted gown represented the sands of time, her body acting as the hourglass) and Cardi B (she rocked a gothic glamour look with mounds of tulle and a sweeping train) did not hesitate to bring the drama and spark new conversations in thoughtful and unexpected ways. But it wasn’t just Zendaya, Tyla, and Cardi B who stole the show at this year’s Met Gala. Luminaries like Keke Palmer, Anok Yai, Damson Idris and many others also brought their A-game and unmatched influence to fashion’s biggest night. 

Continue scrolling to see the Met Gala’s most stunning and memorable fashion moments, featuring some of the most influential Black entertainers who made it an experience unlike any other.

Zendaya

Tyla

Cardi B

Usher 

Nicki Minaj

Janelle Monet

Teyana Taylor

Doja Cat

Naomi Campbell

Taraji P. Henson

Lizzo

Damson Idris

Angel Reese

Keke Palmer

Colman Domingo

Serena Williams

Cynthia Erivo

Venus Williams

Taylor Russell

Queen Latifah and Partner Eboni Nichols

Anok Yai

Jodie Turner-Smith

Ayo Edebiri

Tate Russell