Met Gala 2023: The Best Black Red Carpet Looks

Lala, Quinta Brunson, Usher, Brian Tyree Henry and more ATE at the Met Gala in New York City

Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner / Contributor

It’s Met Gala Monday! Ready for Black folk to shut down the event? Keep scrolling. This year’s theme is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” meaning you should expect to see plenty of gold chains and tweed. Ok, Ready: Here are the Black looks of the evening, enjoy!

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Inside Lenny Kravitz’s Jaw-Dropping Paris Mansion

Lala Anthony

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz / Contributor

Lala Anthony is one of the Met Gala’s co-hosts; she looks stunning in the white gown with gold chain details! Oh, just the perfect way to start off the night.

Erika Woods and Wendell Pierce

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Actor Wendell Pierce and his girlfriend, Erika Woods, have arrived at the Met Gala!

Dambisa Moyo

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Baroness Moyo is a Zambian author and economist and she’s slaying the carpet!

Anok Yai

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Model Anok Yai is killing it in this gown!

Quinta Brunson

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson is here in this pink and black gown!

Ariana DeBose

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo / Staff

Ariana DeBose did the thing, y’all! We are loving this yellow dress on her!

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

The Wades, one of the coolest fashion couples, have arrived! Dwyane’s look is an ode to Karl Lagerfeld himself!

Michaela Coel

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Co-host of the Met Gala, Michael Coel looks stunning as always!

Ice Spice

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Our Bronx queen, Ice Spice, has arrived for her first Met Gala!

Naomi Campbell

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is slaying the night with this salmon-colored gown and silver detailing.

Imaan Hammam

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Supermodel Imaan Hammam is gorgeous in this all-white outfit!

Usher

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Usher is looking fine as always in this black suit! Love it!

Brian Tyree Henry

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Thank you Brian Tyree Henry for showing up an showing out for the men!

Tyler Mitchell

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Famed photographer Tyler Mitchell has arrived wearing this beautifully tailored suit!

Bianca Saunders

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Usher’s outfit designer, Bianca Saunders, is here!

Adut Akech

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

Model Adut Akech is shutting down the Met Gala! This dress is to die for!

Precious Lee

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

Model Precious Lee is strutting her stuff at the Gala!

Halle Bailey

Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer/MG23 / Contributor

Our Little Mermaid Halle Bailey is stunning in this red hair and fishtail design dress!

Keke Palmer

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

New mommy Keke Palmer is here!

Yara Shahidi

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Actress Yara Shahidi looks lovely in this tan ensemble!

Stefon Diggs

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Stefon Diggs is true to the theme in this tweed suit!

Kerry Washington

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Kerry Washington is showing off those abs in this two-piece set!

Pusha T

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Okay, Pusha T! You better push through in this black and white suit!

Doja Cat

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Doja Cat really was true to her name in this amazing face prosthetic and beautiful white gown!

Letitia Wright

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Our Black Panther, Letitia Wright, made it to the Met Gala!

Whitney Peak

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

Actress Whitney Peak is stunning tonight!

FKA Twigs

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

FKA Twigs looks smashing in this ensemble!

Dr. Dre

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Dr. Dre is in the building! This suit is fitted to perfection.

Lil Nas X

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Just as we expected, Lil Nas X is out of the box in this get-up!

Brittney Griner and Cherelle Griner

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle are killing it at the Met Gala in these champagne outfits!

Trevor Noah

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Trevor is all braided up tonight and wearing a stunning black suit!

Lizzo

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Lizzo’s outfit is textbook Karl tonight! Lovely!

Russell Westbrook

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

NBA star Russell Westbrook is comfy but stylish this evening!

Tems

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Tems is serving us drama and beauty tonight! Yes ma’am!

Janelle Monáe

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

The Met Gala is Janelle Monáe’s playground! She looks fabulous in this Thom Browne outfit.

Alton Mason

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Model and actor Alton Mason is snatched in this white lace ensemble. Okay then!

Serena Williams

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

It’s rare to see a fashion fail on Serena Williams, and tonight is no exception!

Paloma Elsesser

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Model Paloma Elsesser is giving body in this fitted gown!

Aurora James

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Aurora James switched it up and wore yellow as opposed to the black-and-white theme!

Sabrina Dhowre and Idris Elba

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

The Elbas are here and looking sharp and chic per usual.

Yung Miami

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

One-half of the City Girls have arrived! Yung Miami looks breathtaking tonight.

Sean “Diddy” Combs

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Diddy is here for yet another Met Gala! This cape is everything!

Teyana Taylor

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Teyana Taylor is serving body tonight! She is one theme in this tweed fit!

Viola Davis

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

Viola Davis is giving us Barbie chic at the Met Gala! Loving the afro as well!

Mary J. Blige

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Mary J broke out another pair of her iconic thigh-high boots!

Labrinth

Photo: Getty Images Christopher Polk / Contributor

Labrinth is the coolest guy at the Met tonight! We’re loving the pop of red in the sea of black and white tonight!

Cardi B

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Cardi B our fashion queen! Cardi is serving THE look of the night!

Burna Boy

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Okay Burna Boy! The Nigerian artist looks great for the Met Gala!

Alex Newell

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Alex Newell didn’t come to play, but to slay!

Olivier Rousteing

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/MG23 / Contributor

Designer Olivier is wearing this fabulous silhouette! The bag is also iconic!

Jeremy Pope

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/MG23 / Contributor

Jeremy Pope is killing it like usual! Easily one of the best dressed men of the night!

Skepta

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

Skepta is oh so handsome in this blue and black fit!

Maya Penn and Stuart Vevers

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Maya Penn is the CEO of an environmentally-friendly fashion company! She’s here looking beautiful in this white gown.

Erykah Badu

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

Erykah Badu is always going to turn heads, and that’s exactly what she did tonight!

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky

Photo: Getty Images Noam Galai/GA / Contributor

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky showed up fashionable late, as expected!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z and Jill Scott—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
These Black Leading Men Aren't Just Paving the Way, They're Building New Roads

These Black Leading Men Aren’t Just Paving the Way, They’re Building New Roads

After Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s Oscar wins last weekend, we’re looking at more Black men who are leading in their respective fields …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …