On May 8, 2025, during her SiriusXM program The Megyn Kelly Show, broadcaster Megyn Kelly voiced strong criticism of the 2025 Met Gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which celebrated Black dandyism. Kelly described the theme as “hyper-pandering” and “empty,” questioning its relevance and clarity.
The Met Gala, held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, serves as a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute. This year’s theme aimed to explore the intersection of African and European sartorial traditions through the lens of Black dandyism, drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
Kelly expressed skepticism about the theme’s accessibility, stating, “No one has any idea [what it means].” She further commented on the language used to describe the theme, referring to it as “leftist, academic, gobbledygook.” Kelly also criticized the event’s fashion choices, suggesting that the outfits were more about making political statements than celebrating fashion.
The Met Gala’s theme has sparked a range of reactions, with some praising its focus on Black fashion history and others questioning its execution and clarity. As discussions continue, the event remains a focal point for conversations about culture, fashion, and representation.
While Megyn Kelly continues to critique modern media’s focus on identity and representation, the 2025 Met Gala proved just how powerful—and popular—those themes can be when executed with authenticity and style. This year’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” paired with the sub-theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” wasn’t just embraced by designers and celebrities—it was celebrated by millions of viewers across social platforms. Within hours, Zendaya, Janelle Monáe, and André 3000 were trending worldwide. Law Roach’s Burberry-led table and LaQuan Smith’s sensual silhouettes dominated fashion headlines and lit up timelines with praise for honoring Black elegance and history.
Fans flooded the Met’s official livestream and Instagram feed with comments calling it “the most meaningful red carpet in years,” while fashion insiders applauded the night as a turning point. It was clear: the audience was not only watching—they were deeply moved. In a media landscape often divided by commentary like Kelly’s, the Met Gala united style lovers with a message of celebration, legacy, and cultural power.
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For more information on the 2025 Met Gala and its theme, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s official website.