Met Gala 2025: Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne x Paul Tazewell

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Trust Janelle Monae to bring high theatrics to the Met Gala red carpet – to go along with her stunning outfit, of course. She collaborated with designer Thom Browne and Oscar-winning Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell to devise this surreal take on Black Dandyism:

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Of course there’s a reveal:

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We love it, but we have to admit, we loved it more when it was a trompe l’oeil suit rather than an actual suit. Brown designed the black portion and Tazewell designed the red portion and the result is that it looks like the design is fighting with itself a little. There’s just too much going on. We also can’t say we’re all that thrilled with the so-called “tequila diamond” that made all the news, created by the brand 1800 Tequila, of which Monae is a spokesperson. Granted, everyone there is wearing borrowed jewels from houses that want to make money off the exposure, so it’s not like this is some sort of pristine arts event, free from the clutches of capitalism. Still, “tequila diamond” just doesn’t sound fabulous to us, although she’s to be commended for wearing an ethical jewel.

Style Credits:
– Custom Thom Browne Oversized Trompe L’oeil Suit Cape Half Realized In 3-ply Mohair with White Radial Stitch Grosgrain Tipping, and Half Finished in Embroidered Pinstripe Intarsia into Red Double Duchess Silk, With Embroidered Radial Outlines in Grosgrain Ribbons
– Custom Thom Browne Deconstructed Bi-color Sportcoat and Skirt in Pinstripe Suiting and Red Wool Crepe, With Exposed Facing and Shoulder Pads in White Silk Faille, Finished with Tailoring Basting, Cross and Marking Stitches. The Bi-color Ensemble Is Worn Over a Corset in Black Silk Faille with White Binding, A White Cotton Oxford Shirt and Black, White and Red Striped Seamed Intarsia Tie
– Thom Browne Bag
– Thom Browne 4-bar Spectator Platforms
Styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn | Hair by Nikki Nelms | Makeup by Keita Moore | Nails by Angie Aguirre

[Photo Credit: Matt Crossick/PA Images/INSTARimages, Theo Wargo/FilmMagic, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue]

• Alexandra Mandelkorn
• Angie Aguirre
• Galas
• Janelle Monáe
• Keita Moore
• Met Gala
• Met Gala 2025
• Nikki Nelms
• Red Carpet
• Thom Browne