Met Gala Criticized as 'Most Boring Ever' Amid Style Debate

The 2025 Met Gala, themed 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' aimed to celebrate Black dandyism and its influence on fashion, drawing inspiration from Monica Miller’s book on Black diasporic style. Many celebrities, including co-chairs Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton, embraced tailored menswear-inspired looks, while stars like Sydney Sweeney faced criticism for missing the mark. Sweeney’s black sequined gown, an homage to actress Kim Novak whom she will portray in an upcoming film, was widely seen as off-theme, with critics highlighting the disconnect between her reference to a white Hollywood icon and the event’s focus on Black fashion heritage. Social media reactions were mixed; some praised the elegance of the outfits, but many denounced both Sweeney’s ensemble and the event itself as 'boring' and lacking creativity compared to previous years. The shift from extravagant gowns to more subdued, tailored styles led to calls for a return to more colorful, dynamic themes. Despite the backlash, the Met Gala continued to spotlight individual expression and the evolving conversation around cultural representation in fashion.