The Best Black Met Gala Looks of All Time

Met Gala 2023 has come and gone, so we decided to take a trip down memory lane. From Naomi Campbell to Rihanna, Black stars stunned on those iconic red stairs.

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo / Staff

The Met Gala 2023 is in the books! We saw our favorite stars climbing those iconic stairs. Let’s take a look back at some of the best Black looks over the years!

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
‘Origin’ Star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: Ava DuVernay Is “A Freedom Fighter Posing As A Director”

Anok Yai- 2023

Photo: Getty Images Taylor Hill / Contributor

Model Anok Yai shut the Met Gala 2023 down with this gold and silver mini dress. This is possibly one of the most stunning looks we’ve ever seen on a carpet!

Brian Tyree Henry- 2023

Photo: Getty Images ANGELA WEISS / Contributor

Everybody thank Brian Tyree Henry for stepping out for the men at the 2023 Met Gala! This look is MAJOR!

Michaela Coel- 2023

Photo: Getty Images Sean Zanni / Contributor

Michaela Coel was lucky enough to land a custom dress by Schiaparelli for the 2023 Met Gala. She slayed this gold and heavily beaded gown, cornrows, and the face card that never declines!

Naomi Campbell- 1995

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd. / Contributor

Supermodel Naomi Campbell wore this Versace Haute Couture column gown to the 1995 Met Gala. Stunning!

Andre Leon Talley- 2011

Photo: Getty Images WWD / Contributor

Former Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley mastered the art of the kaftan wearing this bold blue piece over a navy suit and red loafers!

Janelle Monáe- 2018

Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil / Staff

Janelle Monáe wore this ensemble by Marc Jacobs to the 2018 Met Gala. That hat was all the rage!

Tracee Ellis Ross- 2018

Photo: Getty Images Sean Zanni / Contributor

Tracee Ellis Ross’ iconic Barbie pink outfit for the 2018 Met Gala was created by Michael Kors!

Ashton Sanders- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Moonlight and I Wanna Dance With Somebody’s Ashton Sanders nailed the Gilded Glamor theme for the 2022 Met Gala with his vampire look. How cool!

Diddy- 2005

Photo: Getty Images Evan Agostini / Staff

Diddy arrived on the 2005 Met Gala carpet for the House of Chanel theme in this cream, striped suit and gray overcoat. Classic and timeless!

Rihanna- 2017

Photo: Getty Images Neilson Barnard / Staff

Rihanna was the best dressed of the evening at the 2017 Met Gala wearing this avant garde look by the evening’s honoree, Rei Kawakubo. Her makeup became a trend, inspiring many people to use excessive amounts of blush on their faces!

Usher- 2015

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Usher wore this perfectly tailored double breasted black suit to the 2015 Met Gala. He used a cane due to a foot operation he had before the event.

Solange Knowles- 2015

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Solange wore this amazing mini dress by Giles with pleats in a fit-and-flare silhouette for the 2015 Met Gala!

Iman- 2021

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Supermodel Iman wore this jaw-dropping gold Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reed collaboration that took over 400 hours to make! Wow!

Diana Ross- 1981

Photo: Getty Images Bertrand Rindoff Petroff

Diana Ross wore this feather gown for the 1981 Met Gala! She even wore it again to the 2014 American Music Awards.

Odell Beckham Jr.- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. wore this green, suede two-piece set with an attached durag-hoodie to the 2022 Met Gala. His necklace was worth a whopping $650,000!

Mary J. Blige- 2017

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Mary J. Blige showed off a hot new blonde haircut paired with this black lacey La Perla Haute Couture gown for the 2017 Met Gala! Okay, Mary!

Dwyane Wade- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz / Contributor

Dwyane Wade ditched a shirt and showed off his abs under this crispy, white Versace suit with gold detailing for the 2022 Met Gala!

Beyoncé- 2014

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Beyoncé wore this beautiful Diana Ross-inspired black gown to the 2014 Met Gala, the same night of the infamous elevator fight between her husband, Jay-Z, and sister, Solange. What a night!

Alton Mason- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz / Contributor

Model and actor Alton Mason wore custom Prada for the 2022 Met Gala. The cape and fierce cateye makeup is to die for!

Eve- 2003

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images / Handout

Eve wore this black, timeless Gucci gown to the 2003 Met Gala. The look perfectly hugs her body and shows off her tattoos!

Miguel- 2015

Photo: Getty Images Larry Busacca / Staff

For the “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme at the 2015 Met Gala, singer Miguel wore this bright red Michael Kors suit and black boots.

Kerry Washington- 2022

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Actress Kerry Washington showed off some leg at the 2022 Met Gala in this elegant, sheer black Tory Burch gown!

Ciara- 2019

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Ciara wore a Diana Ross-inspired, green custom Peter Dundas gown and a humongous afro to the 2019 Met Gala! She was one of the stars of the night!

Cardi B- 2019

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Rapper Cardi B wore a stunning Thome Browne outfit for the 2019 Met Gala. The outfit was made with $250,000 worth of rubies and 30,000 feathers, and took 2,000 hours to create.

Naomi Campbell- 2019

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

For the 2019 Met Gala “camp” theme, supermodel Naomi Campbell wore a lilac Valentino Couture gown. The gown featured several textures and details, perfect for the busy theme!

Lupita Nyong’o- 2016

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Actress Lupita Nyong’o’s green Calvin Klein dress was absolutely smashing, but her hairstyle was all the talk! She had her hair in an updo inrpired by Nina Simone and traditional African hairstyles.

Future- 2017

Photo: Getty Images George Pimentel / Contributor

Rapper Future wore a Rei Kawakubo-inspired custom suit by H&M for the 2017 Met Gala. This might the coolest he’s ever looked!

Cynthia Erivo- 2018

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Singer and actress Cynthia Erivo’s “Heavenly Bodies” theme for the 2018 Met Gala included Sistine Chapel design nails and bejeweled eyebrows! Her velvet gown was created by Valentino.

Christian Combs- 2018

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison / Staff

Diddy’s son and twin, Christian Combs, rocked the 2018 “Heavenly Bodies” theme wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria couture suit and crown!

Yara Shahidi- 2021

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Yara Shahidi was drop dead gorgeous paying homage to Jospehine Baker with this Dior look for the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” theme at the 2021 Met Gala.

Jeremy Pope- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Actor Jeremy Pope wore this leather ensemble by Dion Lee for the 2022 Met Gala! He simply never goes wrong when it comes to a red carpet!

Cardi B- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Cardi B’s 2022 “Gilded Glamor” look by Versace was a hit at the Met Gala! Her gown took over 20 people to create over 1,300 hours.

Dapper Dan- 2019

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Designer Dapper Dan stepped out for his first Met Gala in 2019 wearing a red embroidered tuxedo coat, white ruffle shirt, black slacks, and shiny, short-heeled shoes! Looking good, Dapper Dan!

Doja Cat- 2023

Photo: Getty Images Taylor Hill / Contributor

Doja Cat killed it in this Oscar De La Renta look as Karl Lagerfeld’s cat! Her fantastic face prosthetics were done by Malina Stearns.

Alton Mason- 2023

Photo: Getty Images Taylor Hill / Contributor

Alton Mason paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld by wearing a bridal-inspired outfit. Lagerfeld was known for closing his fashion shows with a bridal look. Bravo!

Halle Bailey- 2023

Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner / Contributor

Halle Bailey looked like a true mermaid in this gown by Gucci! Also, props to her hair stylist for transforming her locs into this straight bob!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Inside ‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown's Luxurious South Carolina Home

Inside ‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown’s Luxurious South Carolina Home

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,’ let’s take a look inside James Brown’s legendary home …
The Oscars Biggest Black History Moments Over the Years

The Oscars Biggest Black History Moments Over the Years

With the 2026 Oscars just days away, let’s take a look at some of the best Black, history-making moments at the Academy Awards over the years! …
'RHOA' Star Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker Finally Reach Conclusion in Messy Divorce

‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker Finally Reach Conclusion in Messy Divorce

The testy divorce between Kandi Burress and Todd Tucker has finally come to an end. Here’s the latest in their unfortunate saga! …
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Keke Palmer at SXSW Panel

You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Keke Palmer at SXSW Panel

Fans of the actress are speaking out following the shocking ordeal in Texas on Friday, and they’re asking all the right questions! …
Dak Prescott and Sara Ramos Interesting Relationship Timeline

Dak Prescott and Sara Ramos Interesting Relationship Timeline

Dak Prescott and Sara Jane Ramos made headlines on their shocking breakup. Let’s examine how they went from an anticipated fairytale wedding to calling it quits …
Why Former Illinois ‘Super Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard is Leaving Her State and Her Party Behind

Why Former Illinois ‘Super Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard is Leaving Her State and Her Party Behind

Now, ex-Mayor Henyard plans to run in the well-known Fulton County, Ga. race for the Board of Commissioners, and she’s doing so as a Republican …
Ex-DOGE Staffers Admit Using AI to Gut Diversity Programs, Federal Grants

Ex-DOGE Staffers Admit Using AI to Gut Diversity Programs, Federal Grants

DOGE staffers’ shocking depositions about their efforts to bring efficiency to government revealed that a former employee couldn’t even define DEI …
Yale Scholar Warns Worst Is Yet to Come After Predicting Iran War and Trump Election Win Years Ago

Yale Scholar Warns Worst Is Yet to Come After Predicting Iran War and Trump Election Win Years Ago

‘China’s Nostradamus,’ who foresaw Trump’s win and Iran war, issued predictions about America’s future in 2024, and many are starting to believe him …
Jasmine Crockett Just Reminded Us What Black Women's Leadership Looks Like

Jasmine Crockett Just Reminded Us What Black Women’s Leadership Looks Like

Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign reminds us that real political change is never built in a single race …
Black America Divided Over ‘End’ of Target Boycott As Big Debates Ignite Across the Internet

Black America Divided Over ‘End’ of Target Boycott As Big Debates Ignite Across the Internet

Black folks online are divided on whether the national Target boycott is actually over and who has the authority to call a quits …
This Political Odd Couple Reached Across the Aisle to Pass a Historic Housing Bill in the Senate

This Political Odd Couple Reached Across the Aisle to Pass a Historic Housing Bill in the Senate

Republican Tim Scott and Democrat Elizabeth Warren have teamed up to make housing more affordable for Americans …
Family Claims Black Man Left Bleeding Out While EMS Treated White Cop’s ‘Anxiety Attack’

Family Claims Black Man Left Bleeding Out While EMS Treated White Cop’s ‘Anxiety Attack’

A Black man who was shot by Bridgeport police and later died had to wait 10 extra minutes for an ambulance after a cop took the first one to treat her anxiety …
Ray J's Mom Says She Knows ‘The Truth’ About the Kardashians in Attack Over Latest Legal Fight

Ray J’s Mom Says She Knows ‘The Truth’ About the Kardashians in Attack Over Latest Legal Fight

As the legal back and forth between Ray J, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner rages on, his mother is entering the chat and speaking her peace! …
Rappers Try to Stop a Black Texas Man's Execution Based on His Song Lyrics

Rappers Try to Stop a Black Texas Man’s Execution Based on His Song Lyrics

Rappers are banding together to advocate for a Texas man set to be executed next month largely due to his incriminating song lyrics …
After the 'End' of the Target Boycott, Organizer Nina Turner Says CVS is Next

After the ‘End’ of the Target Boycott, Organizer Nina Turner Says CVS is Next

Former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner is calling on Black folks to stop spending at another billion-dollar corporation after a Tennessee Senate bill is causing a stir …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd was named a “target” in the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything you might’ve missed until now …
We Loved "Sinners," But Ryan Coogler, We Need You to Answer These Questions

We Loved “Sinners,” But Ryan Coogler, We Need You to Answer These Questions

While ‘Sinners’ prepares to make potential Oscars history on Sunday, there a still some fun questions that the film doesn’t answer. Let’s get into it! …
The Friendship Between These NYC Besties Will Make Youou Cry

The Friendship Between These NYC Besties Will Make Youou Cry

The TikTok page @NYC_Besties has been capturing the stories of best friends in New York City, but their most recent post will touch your heart …
The Best Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

The Best Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

From Teyana Taylor and Ryan Destiny to Chloe Bailey and more, these Black women shined bright at ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood celebration. Let’s get into their looks! …
SC Rep. Jim Clyburn's Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

SC Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

After 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his run for an 18th term, Black folks online shared plenty of thoughts …