The Kardashians Conquer the Met Gala: A Study in Black, Gray, and High Fashion
The annual Met Gala, a spectacle of sartorial extravagance held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, once again witnessed the arrival of the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty. Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner graced the red carpet on May 5th, each showcasing their unique interpretation of the evening’s dress code: "Tailored for You," under the overarching theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The sisters, arriving fashionably late, presented a united front in coordinating shades of black and gray, proving their continued reign as forces to be reckoned with in the world of haute couture.
This appearance marks another chapter in the Kardashian-Jenner family’s long-standing relationship with the Met Gala. In 2024, the sisters attended the event themed "The Garden of Time" and dress code "Sleeping Beauties." Kim Kardashian delivered a memorable moment in a floral Maison Margiela gown, while Kendall Jenner opted for a sleek Givenchy Haute Couture creation, and Kylie Jenner chose a piece from Oscar de la Renta. These past appearances serve as a testament to the family’s evolution in the fashion landscape and their eagerness to embrace the creative challenges posed by each year’s unique theme.
For the 2025 gala, Kim Kardashian remained true to her reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing bold looks. She arrived in a custom black two-piece leather ensemble designed by Chrome Hearts, a brand deeply rooted in the Los Angeles fashion scene. The decision to champion a Hollywood label underscored Kardashian’s connection to her roots and her ability to infuse her personal style with the grandeur of the Met Gala.
The leather, boasting a distinctive crocodile-like texture, added a layer of intrigue and luxury to the overall aesthetic. The bustier-style top accentuated Kardashian’s figure, while the floor-length skirt, complete with a subtle train and a daringly low-cut back, exuded both sophistication and confidence. True to her maximalist tendencies, Kardashian accessorized the outfit with a statement silver necklace and a wide-brimmed leather hat, both pieces from Moussaieff, adding further drama and intrigue to the already eye-catching design.
Kardashian’s dedication to fashion often involves enduring a certain degree of discomfort, a sentiment she has openly expressed in the past. A recent episode of "The Kardashians" featured her struggling to breathe in the constricting dress she wore to the 2024 Met Gala. Despite her discomfort, Kardashian famously declared, "If you look good, it is all worth it," a testament to her commitment to the art of fashion. This devotion to aesthetic excellence has defined many of her most iconic Met Gala moments, dating back to her debut in 2013 while pregnant with her daughter, North West.
Beyond the physical challenges, Kardashian has consistently sought ways to make her mark on the Met Gala’s history. In 2022, she famously wore Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress, accompanied by her then-boyfriend Pete Davidson, sparking debate and capturing global attention. The following year, she embraced the "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" theme by commissioning a custom Schiaparelli ensemble, further cementing her reputation for bold choices and respect for fashion history.
Kendall Jenner took a different route for the 2025 Met Gala, seeking out the innovative perspective of emerging British designer Torishéju Dumi. Drawing inspiration from Harlem Renaissance musician Gladys Bentley, a groundbreaking figure known for challenging gender norms and expressing herself through both music and fashion, Dumi crafted a look that paid homage to Bentley’s legacy while showcasing Jenner’s modern sensibility.
The severe-looking dark gray structured blazer featured a peplum flare-out at the bottom and a plunging neckline. The silver statement necklace mimicked her sister Kim’s, creating a cohesive family aesthetic. While loose, the skirt accentuated the runway model’s physique and had a modest train. Bentley, as described by Smithsonian Magazine in 2019, "was ahead of her time for proudly loving other women, wearing men’s clothing and singing bawdy songs." She was known for appearing in a three-piece suit and a top hat.
Jenner’s decision to collaborate with a rising designer underscores her appreciation for fresh talent and her commitment to using her platform to amplify diverse voices within the fashion industry. "I had a vision of being very minimal and tailored for this Met, and I went on the hunt to find something interesting and fresh and super exciting to me. Finding a new, young designer was the vision," Jenner told British Vogue.
The creation of the outfit involved 100 feet of deadstock fabric and a staggering 242 hours of work, reflecting the dedication and artistry that went into bringing Dumi’s vision to life. "It’s all about using what you have," Dumi told British Vogue, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and resourcefulness in contemporary fashion design. The emphasis on silhouette and cut, rather than excessive ornamentation, allowed the garment’s structure and tailoring to take center stage. Dumi explained, "The drama isn’t really in the color. It’s more in the cut and the silhouette."
Following in her sisters’ footsteps, Kylie Jenner also opted for a form-fitting bodice, showcasing her silhouette while adhering to the evening’s theme. She arrived on the blue carpet in a striking black-and-gray creation from Ferragamo, accompanied by the brand’s designer, Maximilian Davis. The sheer black torso portion seamlessly blended with Jenner’s opera gloves, creating a sense of mystery and allure. The black satin stole that fanned out across the carpet added a touch of old Hollywood glamour.
The Kardashian-Jenner sisters’ appearances at the 2025 Met Gala represent more than just an evening of elaborate outfits; they reflect the family’s ongoing influence on fashion and their willingness to push boundaries while engaging with complex themes. Each sister’s individual style and choice of designer further solidifies their position as trendsetters and cultural icons, ensuring their continued presence at the forefront of the fashion world. Their collective impact on the red carpet underscores their understanding of the Met Gala’s purpose, which is not only to display aesthetically pleasing garments, but to tell a story through fashion, spark dialogue, and celebrate art.
