When it comes to shutting down the Met Gala carpet, nobody does it quite like our favorite Black celebrities and we know this year’s event on May 5 will be no exception.
Whether it’s Janelle Monae or Rihanna year after year, they remind us that fashion isn’t just about the clothes—it’s about storytelling, culture, and walking art. From Cardi B.’s jaw-dropping gold look in Versace to Zendaya slaying hard thanks to Law Roach’s amazing eye, Black stars have long been the heartbeat of fashion’s biggest night.
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And with the 2025 theme centering around Black Dandyism and its history and legacy, we already know what we’re about to see soon will leave us all collectively gasping on social media.
So it’s in anticipation of the exiting moment to come, we thought it’d be fitting to take a look back unforgettable Met Gala fashion moments when Black excellence and high fashion collided. We’re talking Billy Porter arriving like a golden Egyptian god, Beyoncé in that sheer dress that basically broke the internet and more.
So buckle up, because we’re about to take a stylish stroll down memory lane. Keep reading to take a look and prepare to be gagged!
Rihanna, 2015
Met Gala Theme: China: Through The Looking Glass
Rihanna’s gorgeous marigold Guo Pei cape will never not be one of her best looks ever. And that’s saying a lot considering how fashionable Rih regularly is!
Chadwick Boseman, 2018
Met Gala Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination
To this day, Chadwick Boseman still arguably delivered the most fire Met Gala look for the men of all time. The swag, the white, the gold—just, wow. You and your style will forever be missed.
Anok Yai, 2024
Met Gala Theme: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
Do we really have to say much here? There’s a reason why Anok Yai is one of the most sought after models.
Tyla, 2024
Met Gala Theme: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
Who knew Tyla would be the one to make sand look super stylish? And the sand clock as a purse was truly the icing on the cake.
Cardi B., 2022
Met Gala Theme: In America: An Anthology of Fashion
Atelier Versace has never looked good as it did on Cardi B. when she showed up in it for the 2022 Met Gala. Talk about “coming through dripping.”
Rihanna, 2018
Met Gala Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination
Who better than Rihanna to pull up to the 2018 Met Gala, which boasted a Catholic theme, as the pope? No one else—and we do mean no one—could’ve done it better.
Zendaya, 2018
Met Gala Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination
Forget a knight in shining armour—Zendaya slayed in silver in the best way. Such a truly iconic moment.
Iman, 2021
Met Gala Theme: In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion
A spectacle. A vision. A moment. A lewk. But what else would you expect from a legend like Iman?
Lupita Nyong’o, 2021
Met Gala Theme: In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion
While the denim dress Lupita Nyong’o was sporting here was amazing, it’s her afro that really stole the show. There’s something so ethereal and soft about it.
Lil Nas X, 2023
Met Gala Theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty
We already know all the cats in the vicinity were shook and clutching their paws when they saw Lil Nas X show up to the 2023 Met Gala as Karl Lagerfield’s famous pet cat Choupette.
Billy Porter, 2019
Met Gala Theme: Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion
A Met Gala with the theme of “camp” and Billy Porter being on the guest list was really a match made in heaven because his look truly rose to the occasion and gave us exactly what we were waiting for.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 2023
Met Gala Theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty
If you’re going to keep it classic while honoring Karl Lagerfield, let Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s look be the model you base your fits off of from here on out. He rarely misses and this is just further proof of that.
Janelle Monae, 2024
Met Gala Theme: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
While this may be one of Janelle Monae’s less extravagant looks, it’s exactly why it’s one of her best ones. Not only does it call attention to her amazing physique, it’s also just a truly phenomenal dress for a phenomenal woman.
Beyonce, 2015
Met Gala Theme: China: Through The Looking Glass
There’s a reason why this sheer, nearly naked dress broke the internet back in 2015 and that’s because the world was just not ready for Bey to shut the Met Gala carpet down like this.
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