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The MET Gala is one of the fashion industry’s biggest nights that so many look forward to. Every year, the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art sets a theme that challenges attendees to push boundaries. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated the precision, elegance, and innovation of Black fashion, with a dress code that screamed “Tailored for You.”
Think sharp suiting, bold accessories, and a deep reverence for craftsmanship.
And guess who showed up and showed out? Nigerians. Our Naija stars brought their A-game to the blue carpet (yes, it’s blue at the MET).
Here’s a look at Nigerian celebrities who graced the event and the designers who brought their visions to life.
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1. Ayra Starr
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Our very own Ayra Starr showed up at her first Met Gala, and this time, she wasn’t wearing crop tops and miniskirts, though we’ll always love her for those too! The Nigerian star stepped out in a sleek black dress by Ozwald Boateng that was anything but basic.
The dress had that sexy open back, and Ayra took it up a notch with those long gloves and a fancy cane. No loud colours, no extra drama, just clean, sharp tailoring that showed she came to slay quietly.
2. Tems
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Tems made an entrance at the Met in a custom Ozwald Boateng masterpiece that screamed "Black excellence" from head to toe.
She wore a deep blue shirt dress, sleek and tailored to perfection, splashed with a green print that popped against the Met’s blue carpet. But the magic was in the details: the matching necktie, the chic hair ribbon, and that iconic green-patterned umbrella she wielded like a fashion sceptre.
Tems didn’t just wear the look, she embodied it.
3. Burna Boy
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Burna Boy stepped onto the blue carpet in a rich red wool tuxedo, custom-made by Ozwald Boateng, one of the finest to ever do it. The oxblood eelskin cape draped over his shoulders added regal flair to his ensemble.
Every detail felt intentional. Burna looked like royalty, dignified, stylish, and unmistakably Nigerian.
4. Chimamanda Adichie
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Chimamanda graced the Met Gala for the first time, and she did it with her signature poise. The literary queen is just as much a fashion icon as she is a wordsmith in that show-stopping Prabal Gurung gown.
The gown's voluminous tulle layers, delicate feather details and structured bows added just the right touch of polish fit for the theme.
5. Ayo Edebiri
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Ayo Edebiri turned heads in a stylish custom outfit by Ferragamo, inspired by the Edo culture. She rocked a crisp white floor-length shirtdress decorated with bold red glass beads that added just the right pop of colour.
Over it, she wore a sleek black leather coat that gave the whole outfit a sharp, fashion-forward twist. Ayo finished the look with black opera gloves and a neat updo. She absolutely nailed the theme!
6. Ego Nwodim
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Ego Nwodim showed up and showed out at her very first Met Gala, and let’s just say, she understood the assignment from head to toe.
She rocked a custom three-piece suit by Christopher John Rogers: a sharp cropped blazer with bold shoulder pads, high-waisted ankle-length trousers, and a ruffled peplum corset that gave the look some flair. She sealed it off with red heels and a glittering diamond necklace. Confidence, class, charm, Ego didn't miss.
Nigerian designers who brought in the heat
While our stars shined, our designers stole the show behind the scenes:
1. Deji and Kola created ensembles for American professional football player Jonathan Owens and Claire Sulmers, CEO of Fashion Bomb Daily. Naija glam meets MET extravagance.
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2. Ugo Monzie crafted an 18-foot train gown for Diana Ross, featuring intricate crystal and bead details—because only a Nigerian could make a diva shine brighter.
3. Orange Culture dressed Brian Tyree Henry in a custom red suit.
4. Swanky Jerry styled Claire Sulmers, adding his signature flair to her ensemble and ensuring she stood out on the red carpet.
Notable mentions
These celebs, though not born in Nigeria, brought their own fire and made unforgettable fashion statements at the Met Gala.
READ ALSO: Rihanna and 5 other celebrities who walked the Met Gala carpet while pregnant
1. Cynthia Erivo
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The British-Nigerian actress stepped out in a custom outfit from Givenchy, designed by Sarah Burton. She wore a sharp jacket paired with a big, flowing tulle skirt, all covered in red flower-like beads. It was a bold and beautiful mix of edgy and elegant. Very fashion-forward.
2. Shaboozey
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Making his Met Gala debut, the American rapper didn’t come to play. He rocked a full look by designer Robert Wun, complete with stylish accessories from David Yurman.
3. Damson Idris
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The British-Nigerian actor made an unforgettable entrance at the 2025 Met Gala, blending high fashion with a touch of theatrical flair. He arrived in a full APXGP Formula 1 race suit, complete with a helmet adorned with 20,000 Swarovski crystals. Iconc!
4. Kwame Onwuachi
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The Nigerian-American chef and restaurateur wore a tailored suit that incorporated elements of modern fashion. His outfit was completed with a statement headpiece, adding a touch of grandeur.
5. Chioma Nnadi
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The Nigerian-British editor at British Vogue sported a unique ensemble from Miss Claire. The outfit seamlessly blended classic tailoring with modern flair.
And now, as we wrap this up, let me leave you with this: next year’s Met Gala? You know it’s going to be extra because these stars have just set the bar.
When it comes to fashion, Nigerians don’t play.
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