Every year, the Met Gala gives us something to talk about — whether it’s the drama, the dresses, or the daredevil beauty looks that make the red carpet feel like a dreamscape. But 2025 was different. This wasn’t just a celebration of fashion. It was a celebration of identity. Of roots. Of resistance.
The theme? “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” It was about honouring the beauty and brilliance of Black dandyism — and the guests understood the assignment. From kiss curls sculpted like poetry to brows that glittered with rebellion, beauty wasn’t just part of the outfit. It was the message.
Kiss Curls, Finger Waves, and Victory Rolls: Beauty with a Backstory
Let’s start with the hair. Because hair spoke volumes this year.
Dua Lipa and Angel Reese channelled Harlem Renaissance energy with kiss curls that framed their faces like calligraphy. Gigi Hadid brought 1940s pin-up to 2025 with polished victory rolls (thank you, Dimitris Giannetos). And when Serena Williams stepped out with finger waves that could’ve made Josephine Baker proud? Goosebumps.
Bare-Faced, But Make It Magic
There’s a new glam in town — and it’s whispering, not shouting. No mascara. Bare lids. Skin that glows like it drinks water and minds its business.
Lorde and Sofia Richie were the poster girls for this “barely-there-but-still-everything” vibe. Think luminous, lived-in skin that doesn’t need filters — just confidence and a good facialist.
Brows, But Make Them Jewellery
Brows became jewellery this year. Literal sparkle.
Lupita Nyong’o’s crystal-studded brows? Iconic. Doechii’s stamped Louis Vuitton cheek moment? Editorial. It was glam that winked at branding, but still felt deeply personal.
Let’s Talk Nails — Because They Were Loud
Manicures made noise. Cardi B showed up with emerald-tipped claws that matched her dress like they had a group chat beforehand. Cynthia Erivo? She had tiny pocket squares sculpted onto her nails — a nod to menswear tailoring that no one saw coming. It was thoughtful, tongue-in-cheek, and ridiculously cool.
Makeup That Time-Traveled
There was something nostalgic in the air. Maybe it was the smokey eyes, the burgundy lips, the nods to old-school glamour. Doja Cat went full ‘80s with lilac lids and a red lip. Zendaya, ever the chameleon, gave us ’90s bronze goddess — smoky, sculpted, sublime.
Chop, Chop: Haircuts Were Sharp
And then came the chop. Pamela Anderson debuted a short bob with baby bangs and no makeup — and somehow, it looked like freedom. Nicole Kidman’s two-tone bob? A nod to punk with a couture twist. There’s something radical about cutting your hair short before a gala — and this year, it felt like a quiet rebellion.
Beauty Wasn’t Just Worn — It Was Declared
As someone who writes about beauty every day, I loved seeing the industry stretch beyond trends into territory that felt soulful. This Met Gala reminded us that hair, makeup, and nails can be armor, art, and archive — all at once.
It wasn’t about perfection. It was about power. About showing up as yourself, but turned all the way up.
