Met Gala 2025 Beauty Moments: Hair, Makeup, and Accessories That Celebrated Black Culture
The 2025 Met Gala’s beauty moments were a testament to the rich tapestry of Black culture, with attendees embracing elements that resonated with African heritage and Afrobeat aesthetics.
Braided Hairstyles: A Nod to Ancestry and Resistance
At the 2025 Met Gala, braided hairstyles made an impact, serving as powerful symbols of cultural heritage and resistance. Celebrities embraced intricate braids that paid homage to African traditions, challenging conventional beauty standards and celebrating ancestral practices.
For instance, singer and actress Coco Jones turned heads with an XXL braid that nearly touched the floor. Her dramatic hairstyle was paired with soft glam makeup, featuring snatched eyes, a nude lip, and radiant skin, aligning perfectly with the gala’s theme .
Coco Jones stole the spotlight at the 2025 Met Gala with a dramatic XXL braid, perfectly reflecting her fearless and fashion-forward approach to Black dandyism. Photo credit: BBC News
Hats Off to Heritage: The Crowning Glory of Black Dandyism
At the 2025 Met Gala, hats took center stage as bold symbols of Black elegance and cultural pride, in perfect sync with this year’s theme, specifically spotlighting Black dandyism. From Janelle Monáe’s mini top hat to Tracee Ellis Ross’s dramatic fedora and Whoopi Goldberg’s gender defying brim, headwear wasn’t just an accessory, it was an act of storytelling. Each piece channeled the flamboyance and intentionality of dandy culture, blending reverence, rebellion, and high style into a singular statement.
Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Whoopi Goldberg at the 2025 Met Gala, each making a bold statement with headwear that reflected the elegance and flair of Black dandyism. Photo credits: People, Vogue
Skin-Finish Glam: Echoing Afrobeat Video Aesthetics
The “skin-finish glam” trend, characterized by luminous and dewy skin, was prevalent among attendees. This aesthetic mirrors the radiant looks often seen in Afrobeat music videos, emphasizing natural beauty and confidence. Celebrities like Rihanna and Tyla embraced this look, further bridging the gap between music, culture, and fashion.
Rihanna and Tyla stunned with glowing, dewy skin at the 2025 Met Gala, channeling the signature radiance of Afrobeat music video glam.
Photo credits: Future Publishing, Vogue
The Power of Accessories
At the 2025 Met Gala, accessories spoke volumes, serving not just as embellishments, but as cultural signifiers. Lisa Manobal’s Louis Vuitton look stood out with intricate embroidery on her undergarments, one could attribute to civil rights icon Rosa Parks. This subtle yet powerful detail embedded a historical narrative into high fashion. Usher took a more poetic route, adding a sparkling red rose to his all-black ensemble, a nod to romantic symbolism often seen in dandy fashion. These moments at the 2025 Met Gala not only highlighted the evolution of Black dandyism but also underscored the importance of fashion as a medium for cultural expression and identity.
Lisa Manobal’s detailed ensemble and Usher’s red rose accessory added layers of cultural storytelling to their 2025 Met Gala looks. Photo credits: Vogue, People
