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
Wayne Brady and Maile Brady Tell Us Who Choreographs Their Fun TikTok Dances

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

13 Times Stephen A. Smith Disappointed Black Folks

13 Times Stephen A. Smith Disappointed Black Folks

Before Stephen A. Smith gets serious about a potential 2028 presidential run, he still has to answer for these shocking and disappointing incidents …
Black Stars Who Slayed on the 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors Red Carpet

Black Stars Who Slayed on the 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors Red Carpet

From the Oscar nominees like Ryan Coogler to veterans like Vivica A. Fox, check out some of our faves who slayed on the ABFF 2026 red carpet! …
Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

CNN political contributor Bakari Sellers shared his thoughts on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson exclusively with The Root …
The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé's Upcoming 'Act III' Album

The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé’s Upcoming ‘Act III’ Album

Thanks to Beyoncé’s recent photo dump on social media, many fans are pointing to it as potential clues for her next musical act. Let’s get into all of the best and worst breakdowns! …
Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His 'Due Process May Have Been Violated'

Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His ‘Due Process May Have Been Violated’

Sherrone Moore could have charges dropped if judge finds out his due process was violated. Court hearing scheduled for March 2 …
TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith's Goes Viral Again -- This Time For Issues With Her House

TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith’s Goes Viral Again — This Time For Issues With Her House

The East Coast winter storm has TikTok influencer Nara Smith doing a major renovation project on her home …
Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg isn’t here for any potential links between her and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. And now she’s providing some much needed clarity! …
How <i>Not</i> To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

How Not To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

If you want to be happy in love but don’t know how to get there, pull up a chair. It’s time we had a talk …
Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That's Not All

Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That’s Not All

After a blistering criticism of his basketball team, Kansas State has fired basketball head coach, Jerome Tang, for “just cause.” …
CNN's Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson's Political Legacy

CNN’s Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson’s Political Legacy

The Root spoke exclusively with CNN’s Abby Phillip about what we can learn from the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s multicultural political movement …
Former Obama Staffers Reveal How Profoundly Trump Blindsided Them in 2016

Former Obama Staffers Reveal How Profoundly Trump Blindsided Them in 2016

Obama and his staff had a perception about Trump leading up to the 2016 presidential election that …
NBA Legend Chris Paul's 5 Dirtiest On-Court Moves

NBA Legend Chris Paul’s 5 Dirtiest On-Court Moves

Retiring after 21 years in the NBA, Chris Paul was widely regarded as one of the dirtiest players in the league …
What NYT Journalists Are Finding in The Epstein Files

What NYT Journalists Are Finding in The Epstein Files

The New York Times staff is poring through millions of pages of documents in the Epstein files. Now four NYT journalists are revealing what they know so far …
'We Were All Rooting For You' ANTM Model Speaks Out!

‘We Were All Rooting For You’ ANTM Model Speaks Out!

‘ANTM’ contestants are breaking their silence after the release of Netflix’s new documentary. Let’s take a look at what they have to say! …
Trump Locks Horns With Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Over This Scary Environmental Disaster

Trump Locks Horns With Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Over This Scary Environmental Disaster

After more than 240 million gallons of sewage spilled into the Potomac River, President Trump is calling out Gov. Wes Moore …
Why Lil Durk's Music Will Play a Huge Role in His Murder-for-Hire Case

Why Lil Durk’s Music Will Play a Huge Role in His Murder-for-Hire Case

A federal judge has just issued his complicated ruling over song lyrics and Instagram DMs connected to Lil Durk’s upcoming trial …
Clifton Powell Crashes Out When Challenged To Be More Accountable To Black Women, Black Twitter Responds

Clifton Powell Crashes Out When Challenged To Be More Accountable To Black Women, Black Twitter Responds

Powell was a part of a round table discussion titled “Black Men Trust Black Women.” …
Exclusive: Raphael Saadiq Opens Up About Being With D'Angelo Days Before His Passing

Exclusive: Raphael Saadiq Opens Up About Being With D’Angelo Days Before His Passing

Oscar-nominee and legendary singer Raphael Saadiq sat down with The Root where he reflected on his deep friendship with the late D’Angelo …
Why Tyra Banks Was Always the <i>Real</i> Problem on 'ANTM'

Why Tyra Banks Was Always the Real Problem on ‘ANTM’

Thanks to Netflix’s new documentary, Tyra Banks’ time as host and producer of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ is getting looked at with fervent scrutiny! Let’s break down why …
Celebs Pay Tribute to The Rev. Jesse Jackson

Celebs Pay Tribute to The Rev. Jesse Jackson

After the shocking news of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s passing, celebrities are sending their condolences to the Jackson family …