See the Exact Met Gala 2025 Reference Photos Side-by-Side with the Stars They Inspired, from Dorothy Dandridge to Diana Ross

With a theme like “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and a dress code of “Tailored for You,” we knew that the celebrities were going to come to the Met Gala 2025 red carpet having done their homework – and teaching us a thing or two in the process.

According to Curator in Charge Andrew Bolton, the exhibit, which is inspired by guest curator Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, explores “the Black dandy as both a concept and an identity signifier.”

Through a curation of garments, paintings and photographs, the exhibit “presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style from the 18th century to the present through an exploration of the concept of dandyism,” according to a post on the museum’s Instagram.

Stylists and designers including Law Roach, Ruth E. Carter, Paul Tazewell and Ozwald Boateng did the research, pulled the references and dressed these celebrities in looks that were at once completely modern and a thoughtful homage to their stylish predecessors. See below for the exact inspiration for some of our favorite Met Gala looks.

Zendaya Inspired by Bianca Jagger

According to her longtime stylist and collaborator, Law Roach, Zendaya’s custom Louis Vuitton three-piece was inspired by ’70s Bianca Jagger. Between the crease in the pants, statement shoulders and button down vest, yes, we see the vision.

Quinta Brunson Inspired By Josephine Baker

Quinta Brunson’s sleek hair was also an homage to one of her icons: Josephine Baker. The Abbott Elementary creator posted a photo of the late singer in her Instagram Stories, showcasing the similarities between their ‘dos.

Megan Thee Stallion Inspired By Josephine Baker

And Brunson wasn’t the only one drawing inspo from the late icon. Megan Thee Stallion also told reporters on the carpet that she was channeling both Baker and Eartha Kitt.

Gigi Hadid Inspired By Josephine Baker

To say Josephine Baker had the girls serving looks is an understatement. Gigi Hadid’s striking gold Miu Miu dress was a recreation of a similar look worn by Baker back in 1951, and Hadidi told LaLa Anthony the look was inspired by the work of Zelda Wynn Valdes, an American designer who helped transform the style of the female silhouette over the years.

Colman Domingo Inspired By André Leon Talley

André Leon Talley’s influence on the 2025 theme is undeniable and co-chair Colman Domingo was sure to pay his respects. The Euphoria actor’s eye-catching cobalt cape was a nod to Leon Talley, who was known for strutting in dramatic capes during his reign as fashion king (including this one at the 2011 Met Gala).

Tyla Inspired By André Leon Talley

Another ode to Leon Talley, Law Roach also posted a picture to his Instagram Stories revealing that Tyla’s Jacquemus gown was inspired by a portrait of the late fashion pioneer and Vogue editor, wearing this overcoat.

Jodie Turner-Smith Inspired By Selika Lazevski

Jodie Turner-Smith’s striking Burberry ensemble paid homage to Selika Lazevski, a 19th-century Black equestrian who was photographed by Paul Nader during the Belle Époque in Paris in 1891.

Keke Palmer Inspired By Dorothy Dandridge

“I pretty much just wanted to inhabit the tailoring, but also the history of Black culture, fashion as a tool to enter spaces that often we’re not allowed,” Keke Palmer said of her of her black and white Vera Wang. “So that’s why I wanted to take the inspiration of Dorothy Dandridge. All the doors that she’s opened for us with fashion and beauty,”

Sydney Sweeney Inspired By Kim Novak

For her Miu Miu look, Sydney Sweeney looked to Kim Novak, who she’ll be playing in the upcoming film Scandalous! — a Colman Domingo-directed film about Novak’s doomed 1950s romance with Sammy Davis, Jr.

“I always feel that [Miu Miu] just brings such beautiful stories to every dress,” she told Vogue. “So this is actually paying homage to Kim Novak, and I’m doing a movie with Colman Domingo … so we wanted to really just bring that to life.

Kerry Washington Inspired By Diana Ross

Diana Ross in Mahogany has inspired many a red carpet look — and at the Met Gala, Kerry Washington’s all-white skirt suit with dramatic hat appeared to nod to the similar look Ms. Ross wore in the 1975 film.

Jon Batiste Inspired By Miles Davis

According to Law Roach’s Instagram, Jon Batiste’s ultra-chic Tom Ford look was inspired by Miles Davis. When he accessorizes with his own brass instrument, it’s hard to miss the parallels.

Diana Ross Inspired by Diana Ross

Mahogany is a classic for a reason, and nobody knows that better than the film’s star herself, Diana Ross. Her second look for the evening was one she designed herself as a nod to the purple gown from the film — also self-designed — as she explained to Vogue.

Ava DuVernay Inspired by Her Grandmother

Many celebrities drew inspiration from their families when thinking about what they wanted to wear: Ayo Edibiri’s look was a tribute to her dad and grandpa; Laura Harrier says she was inspired by a photo of her grandfather; and Ava DuVernay provided the exact reference photo that inspired her Prada look.

“This is my great-grandmother, Annie Fisher. When the Met Gala announced its theme around Black Dandyism, I dove into my family photo albums. Black Dandyism is about the self-expression of dignity, even when the world refused to see it,” she wrote ahead of the event. “Tonight, there’ll be stunning displays of glamour on the famous steps of the Met. But for me, it is all about her. The understated beauty and dignity of my Big Gramma.”

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