Met Gala 2025: Can Fashion Keep Diversity Alive In Trump’s America?

May 05, 2025: On Monday night, the Met Gala returns with more than just dazzling fashion—it brings a powerful question to the forefront: can Vogue and the fashion industry continue to champion diversity under the Trump administration?

This year’s Met Gala marks the launch of the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which opens to the public on May 10. The show explores the role of black men in America and Europe in shaping fashion through self-expression, dandyism, and resistance to underrepresentation in museum culture. Amid a political climate increasingly hostile to both diversity and intellectualism, the exhibition makes a timely and provocative statement.

Fashion’s biggest night has always been where couture meets commentary. Over the years, it’s served iconic moments—from Kim Kardashian wearing Marilyn Monroe’s historic dress to Katy Perry dressing as a cheeseburger. Yet this year, the red carpet glitz is inextricably linked to deeper cultural conversations.

The guest list, as always, reflects the intersection of fame, wealth, and influence. Editor-in-chief Anna Wintour—an outspoken supporter of the Democratic Party—hosts alongside co-chairs A\$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James. A high turnout of black designers is expected in alignment with the exhibit’s focus. British Vogue editor Chioma Nnadi is slated to wear a suit by designer Martine Rose.

Still, not all guests feel confident about how to engage. Some white celebrities and their stylists are reportedly struggling with how to dress respectfully for an evening centered on black culture and identity. Pharrell Williams has suggested keeping an eye on power couple Rihanna and A\$AP Rocky, saying, “Those two, they come through with a blowtorch.”

Lewis Hamilton, who appears in Vogue’s current issue wearing a tuxedo with a Tiffany diamond brooch, emphasized fashion’s role in black self-expression. In a personal letter, he expressed hope that the event sparks dialogue and reaffirms the depth of fashion’s place in black culture. “With people pulling back on diversity in the U.S., this Met Gala sends a strong message: we must continue to celebrate and elevate black history.”

Colman Domingo, touched by the exhibition’s lifelike dark-skinned mannequins, described them as “lean and beautiful,” specially crafted to reflect authentic black beauty. Domingo, known for his bold fashion, is expected to make multiple outfit changes on the red carpet in collaboration with designer Alessandro Michele, showcasing “great moments in tailoring for men of colour.”

While the Trump administration pushes back on DEI efforts, the Met Gala doubles down on inclusion, elegance, and the celebration of immigrant and black identities. Cultural clashes typically seen on college campuses now take center stage at this elite fundraiser, where tickets cost \$75,000 and guest appearances often include billionaires, celebrities, and political figures.

Though Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is expected to attend—recalling her viral 2021 “Tax the Rich” gown—it remains to be seen if any of Trump’s circle will be welcomed. Ivanka Trump, who attended 12 times before 2016, is notably absent, as are Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, who are skipping this year’s event due to wedding plans.

The exhibition is the work of Costume Institute head Andrew Bolton and guest curator Monica L. Miller, inspired by Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, which explores how black dandyism functions as both aesthetic and resistance. “Dandyism can seem frivolous,” Miller said, “but it often challenges or transcends social hierarchies.”

As sequins shimmer and flashbulbs pop, the real statement of the evening lies in how fashion can confront power, claim space, and continue to redefine identity.