Met Gala Red Carpet Showdown: Zendaya vs. Janelle Monáe

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You didn’t think we were going skip the gals this year, did you? Silly kittens. While this year’s Met Gala was a salute to Black male style, it was also an opportunity for women to hit that blue carpet in something unexpected and unusual for the event. In other words, the gowns were boring. This year, it was all about the suits. Interestingly enough, this is a reversal of the Men’s Division showdown, where Lorenzo choose the unfussy white suit and Tom choose the maximalist red suit.
 

Tom’s Pick: Zendaya in Louis Vuitton

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Tom’s defense: I love this because it’s so damn respectful. Zendaya slays the Met Gala every year, usually showing up in something that quickly goes viral because of its outrageousness or overwhelming fabulousness. On a night devoted to Black men, she showed the ultimate restraint, knowing that many of them would be showing up in eye-popping outfits. There were similar, and nearly identical looks on that carpet, but the details here are so impeccable and flawless.

Lo’s Pick: Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne

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Lo’s defense: Like so much of what Janelle Monae wears on the red carpet, this approaches the level of art. It’s a look loaded with references and meaning and culture. It’s theatrical in the way the Met Gala calls for, and it made for one of the most unforgettable looks of the night.

There you have it once again! Two insanely killer looks! Two opinionated bitches! YOU make the call! Scroll down to the widget thingie.
Style Credits:
Janelle Monáe:
– 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

Zendaya:
– Louis Vuitton White Ensemble
– Bulgari Jewelry
Styled by Law Roach

[Photo Credit: Matt Crossick/PA Images/INSTARimages, Doug Peters/PA Images/INSTARimages, Theo Wargo/FilmMagic]

• Alexandra Mandelkorn
• Angie Aguirre
• Bulgari
• Galas
• Janelle Monáe
• Keita Moore
• Law Roach
• Louis Vuitton
• Met Gala
• Met Gala 2025
• Nikki Nelms
• Red Carpet
• Red Carpet Showdown
• Thom Browne
• Zendaya