Met Gala 2025 Was a Love Letter to African Design: See the Designers Who Stole the Show

This year’s Met Gala was more than just a fashion spectacle—it was a moment of cultural affirmation. Under the theme “Super Fine: Tailoring Black Style,” the 2025 Met Gala red carpet transformed into a canvas of stories, symbols, and heritage, and African designers took centre stage with resounding impact.

The dress code, “Tailored For You,” invited impeccably crafted suits and dresses, which many African designers delivered with striking precision and style. From Tems’s striking Ankara print waistcoat-like dress to Diana Ross’s sequinned gown, designers from across the continent delivered a masterclass in creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural pride.

Below are the African designers who were spotted:

Tems, Burna Boy, Issa Rae & Ncuti Gatwa in Ozwald Boateng

British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng, celebrated for his flawless tailoring, had a standout evening. Burna Boy turned heads in a reddish-brown suit paired with a leather cape by Boateng, while Ncuti Gatwa impressed in a sleek, purple-patterned ensemble. Tems captivated in a bold Ankara print with a waistcoat-like construction that transitioned into a dramatic fishtail dress. At the same time, Issa Rae looked dapper in a fitted black three-piece suit with tails, with all credit to Ozwald Boateng.

Savannah James in Hanifa

Savannah James made a striking debut at the 2025 Met Gala, donning a custom ensemble by designer Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa. The outfit featured a tailored burgundy pinstripe suit-inspired gown with a corset bodice, white cuffs, and a matching tie, paying homage to the Harlem zoot suit and the tradition of Black dandyism.

Her appearance was widely praised for its bold interpretation of the gala’s theme and for showcasing the work of a young Black designer.

Diana Ross in Eleven Sixteen

Diana Ross made a triumphant return to the Met Gala, captivating attendees with a breathtaking custom creation by Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie. The gown, part of Mozie’s luxury brand Eleven Sixteen, featured a floor-length white design adorned with crystals and beads, complemented by an 18-foot feathered train and a matching oversized feathered hat. The ensemble was widely celebrated as a highlight of the evening, aligning perfectly with the gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which honoured Black dandyism and individuality.

Jonathan Owens in Deji and Kola

Jonathan Owens made a striking debut in a custom ensemble by Nigerian menswear label Deji & Kola. His look featured an immaculately tailored all-white suit adorned with subtle embroidery and fringe detailing around the hem, complemented by a white fur stole draped over his shoulders.

Brian Tyree Henry in Orange Culture

Brian Tyree Henry captivated attendees with a custom ensemble by Nigerian designer Orange Culture, aligning seamlessly with the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” His outfit featured a rich maroon suit paired with a brocade cape, embodying the essence of Black dandyism and showcasing the designer’s signature blend of traditional Nigerian aesthetics with contemporary fashion.