The Wait Is Over! Dress Code, Long List of Stylish Black Celebs To Help Host The Met Gala—Revealed

Because May 5 is way too long to wait for this celebration of Black style excellence, we’re looking at some of the host committee members best-tailored fits.

For fashion lovers, the Met Gala is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the season. Besides raising money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, it’s also one of the hottest red carpets around, with stars like Rihanna, Zendaya and Cardi B showing off looks that almost always break the internet.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Lupita Nyong’o Celebrates 10 Years After Oscar Win and Her New Film: The Wild Robot

Each year, the gala’s dress code is inspired by the Costume Institute’s exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, allowing guests to interpret the exhibit’s theme in their own way. This year’s exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” and will explore the best of Black men’s style from the 18th century to today.

This week, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the dress code for this year’s gala, “Tailored for You,” a nod to the exhibit’s focus on suiting and menswear along with a star-studded Met Gala host committee, which includes LeBron James, Usher, Pharrell Williams and Janelle Monáe.

“The theme this year is not only timely but also speaks to our rich culture that should always be widely celebrated,” Usher said in a statement about the event.

Because May 5 is way too long to wait for this celebration of Black style excellence, we’re looking back at some of the host committee members suited and booted in their best-tailored looks. Enjoy!

Doechii

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Doechii attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer

Coming off her amazing GRAMMY win, we have no doubt that Doechii will show up to the Met Gala looking extra fly.

Angel Reese

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Angel Reese attends the Footwear News Achievement Awards (FNAAs) 2024 at Cipriani South Street on December 04, 2024 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images Craig Barritt/Footwear News

WNBA superstar Angel Reese is a beast on the basketball court. But the Chicago Sky forward’s “Bayou Barbie” alter ego is just as exciting to watch.

Lewis Hamilton

Choosing British Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton as one of the Met Gala co-hosts was a no-brainer. Whether he’s wearing jeans, leather or a suit, he always shows up in style.

Dapper Dan

At 80 years old, fashion designer Dapper Dan has been a major player in the fashion game for decades. With all of that style experience under his belt, we can’t wait to see how he’ll interpret this year’s dress code.

Ayo Edebiri

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Ayo Edebiri attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Getty Images Stewart Cook/CBS

When it comes to the next generation of style stars, actress Ayo Edebiri is one to watch.

Usher

Usher at Usher’s Secret Garden Met Gala After Party held at The Times Square Edition on May 6, 2024 in New York, New York. Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores/WWD

Ok, who are we kidding? Usher looks good in just about everything. But we have to give him his props, the man knows how to wear a suit.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monáe at the Fashion Trust U.S. 2024 Awards held on April 9, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores/Variety

When it comes to the Met Gala, singer-songwriter-actress and all-around style icon Janelle Monáe has already given us way too many amazing red carpet looks to count. Her creative interpretations of the theme always leave us wanting more.

Colman Domingo

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Colman Domingo attends The 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards at The May Fair Hotel on February 2, 2025 in London, England. Photo: Getty Images Dave Benett

Colman Domingo stays on our best dressed list. While some guys might see the tailored dress code as confining, we think he’ll definitely hit a style home run.

A$AP Rocky

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 04: ASAP Rocky is seen on October 4, 2024 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images XNY/Star Max

Without question, A$AP Rocky is one of the hottest style stars in the game. The rapper has already shown us that he knows how to wear a suit, and since he’ll likely have Rihanna on his arm, we know we’ll be in for a fashion treat.

LeBron James

NBA superstar LeBron James has come into his own as one of the most stylish players in the league.

Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: (L-R) Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee attend the 2022 EBONY Power 100 at Milk Studios Los Angeles on October 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images JC Olivera/WireImage

Whether he’s at an awards show or court side at a Knicks game, Spike Lee is known for creative and colorful looks. We can’t wait to see how he and wife, Tonya Lewis Lee interpret this year’s Met Gala dress code.

Jonathan Owens & Simone Biles

Fresh off Simone’s amazing Olympic performance at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, sports power couple Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles will be a great addition to the Met Gala red carpet this year. They’ve already shown and proved that know how to go glam in this pic during an appearance at the White House in 2022.

Pharrell Williams

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 30: Pharrell Williams attends the #BoF500 Gala during Paris Fashion Week at Shangri-La Hotel Paris on September 30, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

We love that Pharrell Williams is never afraid to push the fashion envelope. Since he’s added men’s creative director for renowned fashion house Louis Vuitton to his resume, he’s become an even more important part of the conversation.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

With Trump facing continuous protests, lawsuits and dissent within his own party, growing pressure could mean a disastrous ending for him …
A Peek Inside Aretha Franklin's 1990s Detroit Mansion, In Honor of Her 84th Birthday

A Peek Inside Aretha Franklin’s 1990s Detroit Mansion, In Honor of Her 84th Birthday

In honor of what would have been her 84th birthday, check out the beautiful palace that the Queen of Soul called home! …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …
Lamar Odom's Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

Lamar Odom’s Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

While many know NBA star Lamar Odom for his famous relationship with Khloe Kardashian, his teenage sweetheart is finally opening up about their dynamic …
Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the 'Verzuz' Battle

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the ‘Verzuz’ Battle

“Verzuz” is back, y’all! From “Sweet Lady” to “When We,” Tank and Tyrese are bringing all their hits to the stage. We curated the best playlist to get you ready to sing and slow dance for the show …
Black People Are Asking Why Didn't Anyone Know About  Mamdani’s Wife’s  N-Word Tweets

Black People Are Asking Why Didn’t Anyone Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black folks are pissed after Zohran Mamdani’s wife’s old tweets resurfaced, painting her in a problematic light within the Black community …
The Numbers Don't Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

From the C-suite to entrepreneurship, Black women have had a record-breaking rise in recent years, even as they battle an uneven playing field …
Why a Comedian's Translation of 'The Lion King's' Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

Why a Comedian’s Translation of ‘The Lion King’s’ Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

The “Circle of Life” chant is one of the most recognizable sounds in Disney movie history! But right now, it’s the center of a $27 million legal war …
Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Reviews are mixed on whether maskless Black ICE agents are causing more harm than good in U.S. airports …
Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Shay Taylor-Allen shared a now-viral clip of the moment she learned that she would do her medical residency at Yale Hospital –where she once worked as a janitor …
We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

Usher and Justin Bieber allegedly got into a ‘heated exchange’ during an Oscars after-party. And now we’ve got insight into what really went down! …
Boston's 'Best Social Justice Advocate' Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Boston’s ‘Best Social Justice Advocate’ Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Monica Cannon-Grant, named “Bostonian of the Year,” stole donations and rental aid while illegally collecting unemployment as she organized BLM …
Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

In a shocking turn of events, a Republican judge and DA both agreed a woman’s arrest after taking abortion pills in Georgia was “problematic.” …
'How Long Not Long' – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King's Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

‘How Long Not Long’ – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King’s Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

Today, 61 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous Alabama speech, “How Long, Not Long,” reminding us that the arc of the moral universe bends only when we bend it …
Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy's Character During Trial

Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy’s Character During Trial

Rapper Yung Miami, one half of the rap duo The City Girls, was romantically linked to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs from 2021 to 2023 …
Why Michael B. Jordan's Oscar Win Isn't Feeling the Love From Judge Joe Brown

Why Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar Win Isn’t Feeling the Love From Judge Joe Brown

While many are ecstatic over Michael B. Jordan’s long-awaited Oscar win, Judge Joe Brown says it’s not all it’s cracked up to be …
A Year After Eaton Wildfires Devastated this Historic Black Neighborhood, a Full Investigation Begins

A Year After Eaton Wildfires Devastated this Historic Black Neighborhood, a Full Investigation Begins

Calif. AG Rob Bonta is investigating whether systemic racism impacted how emergency responders reacted to devastating Eaton wildfires …
Don Lemon Shares His Frightening Connection to Rihanna Shooting Incident

Don Lemon Shares His Frightening Connection to Rihanna Shooting Incident

Don Lemon, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday with Rihanna, is opening up about the eerie connection he had to her home shooting …
New Twist in Nia Long's Allege Stalker Drama

New Twist in Nia Long’s Allege Stalker Drama

‘The Best Man’ actress seeks court protection for her family following a two-year pattern of alleged harassment and a terrifying weekend encounter …
What J. Cole Says About Drake and Kendrick Will Surprise You

What J. Cole Says About Drake and Kendrick Will Surprise You

J. Cole said he was “disgusted” that the world turned on Drake during his beef against Kendrick Lamar …