Standout looks from the 2025 Met Gala

Among the most talked-about ensembles at the 2025 Met Gala, Zendaya’s dramatic return to the red carpet stood out as a defining moment. Dressed in a custom couture gown by Maison Margiela, she embraced the Gala’s theme with a theatrical silhouette, complete with sculptural elements and a rich, jewel-toned palette. Her look was widely praised for its boldness and impeccable styling, setting the tone for the evening’s high-fashion spectacle.

Rihanna once again captivated audiences with a voluminous, avant-garde creation by Balenciaga. The ensemble featured intricate layering and a sweeping train, blending high fashion with a touch of streetwear edge. Her choice of accessories, including a diamond-encrusted headpiece, added a regal flair that drew comparisons to past Met Gala triumphs.

Australian actress Margot Robbie made a striking impression in a sleek, futuristic gown by Dion Lee, showcasing local talent on the global stage. The metallic fabric and architectural cut paid homage to the Gala’s theme while highlighting Robbie’s effortless elegance. Her look was celebrated for its modernity and subtle nods to Australian design innovation.

Timothée Chalamet continued his streak of fashion-forward choices in a gender-fluid ensemble by Haider Ackermann. The look combined a tailored jacket with flowing silk trousers and a sheer blouse, challenging traditional menswear norms and earning praise for its artistic expression.

Also turning heads was singer Doja Cat, who embraced the surreal with a sculptural Iris van Herpen creation that seemed to defy gravity. The dress featured kinetic elements that moved as she walked, creating a mesmerising visual effect that aligned perfectly with the Gala’s emphasis on creativity and transformation.

Other standout appearances included Janelle Monáe in a colour-shifting Thom Browne design, and Harry Styles in a deconstructed Gucci suit adorned with hand-painted motifs. Each look contributed to a night defined by fearless fashion and boundary-pushing style statements.

Marcellus Reynolds’ expert fashion analysis

Marcellus Reynolds brought his signature blend of insight and enthusiasm to the CBS News Los Angeles segment, offering a nuanced breakdown of the night’s most compelling fashion narratives. He praised Zendaya’s Maison Margiela ensemble as a masterclass in thematic interpretation, noting how the gown’s sculptural drama and rich textures elevated it beyond mere costume into the realm of wearable art. Reynolds highlighted the strategic use of colour and silhouette, pointing out how Zendaya’s look balanced theatricality with sophistication.

Turning to Rihanna, Reynolds described her Balenciaga look as “a study in controlled chaos,” applauding the way the ensemble merged streetwear sensibilities with haute couture craftsmanship. He emphasised the importance of Rihanna’s consistent ability to push boundaries while maintaining a strong personal aesthetic, calling her one of the few celebrities who truly understands the performative nature of the Met Gala.

Reynolds was particularly enthusiastic about Margot Robbie’s choice to wear Dion Lee, commending the actress for spotlighting Australian design on such a prestigious platform. He noted the gown’s architectural lines and metallic sheen as a clever nod to futurism, while still remaining grounded in wearable elegance. “It’s a proud moment for Australian fashion,” he remarked, “and a testament to Robbie’s commitment to supporting homegrown talent.”

Discussing Timothée Chalamet’s gender-fluid ensemble, Reynolds praised the actor’s continued role in redefining masculinity on the red carpet. He pointed out the delicate balance between structure and softness in the Haider Ackermann look, noting how the sheer blouse and flowing trousers created a poetic contrast to the tailored jacket. “Chalamet is not just wearing clothes—he’s telling a story,” Reynolds said.

Doja Cat’s kinetic Iris van Herpen gown also earned high marks from Reynolds, who described the look as “a living sculpture.” He admired the technical innovation behind the dress’s moving elements and applauded the singer’s fearless embrace of avant-garde fashion. “This is what the Met Gala is all about—pushing the limits of what fashion can be,” he said.

Reynolds also took time to acknowledge the subtler triumphs of the evening, such as Janelle Monáe’s colour-shifting Thom Browne ensemble, which he called “a visual metaphor for transformation,” and Harry Styles’ hand-painted Gucci suit, which he described as “a wearable canvas that blurred the line between fashion and fine art.”

Throughout the segment, Reynolds underscored the importance of authenticity and narrative in red carpet fashion. “The best looks aren’t just beautiful—they say something,” he explained. “They reflect who the wearer is, what they stand for, and how they interpret the theme. That’s what makes the Met Gala such a unique and powerful fashion moment.”

Trends and risks on the red carpet

This year’s Met Gala red carpet was a masterclass in balancing risk with reverence for the theme, as celebrities and designers alike leaned into experimental silhouettes, unconventional materials, and bold storytelling. According to Marcellus Reynolds, the 2025 event marked a noticeable shift toward fashion as performance art, with many attendees embracing conceptual designs that challenged traditional red carpet norms.

One of the most prominent trends was the resurgence of sculptural fashion. Designers played with exaggerated proportions, asymmetry, and kinetic elements, as seen in Doja Cat’s gravity-defying Iris van Herpen gown. These pieces weren’t just garments—they were engineered experiences, designed to move, shimmer, and transform under the lights and cameras. Reynolds noted that this trend speaks to a growing appetite for fashion that engages the senses and sparks conversation.

Another key trend was the embrace of gender-fluid styling. Timothée Chalamet, Lil Nas X, and Australian singer Troye Sivan all opted for looks that blurred the lines between masculine and feminine, incorporating sheer fabrics, corsetry, and flowing silhouettes. Reynolds highlighted this as a powerful statement on inclusivity and the evolving definition of red carpet masculinity. “We’re seeing a new generation of men who aren’t afraid to be soft, expressive, and fashion-forward,” he said.

Risk-taking also came in the form of unexpected fabric choices and construction techniques. Several attendees wore garments made from unconventional materials such as recycled plastics, metallic mesh, and even 3D-printed components. These choices not only aligned with the Gala’s futuristic theme but also reflected a growing awareness of sustainability in high fashion. Reynolds applauded these efforts, noting that “eco-conscious design is no longer a niche—it’s becoming a red carpet standard.”

Colour also played a significant role in setting the tone for the evening. While classic black and white remained staples, many stars opted for bold jewel tones, iridescent finishes, and colour-shifting textiles. Janelle Monáe’s Thom Browne ensemble, which changed hues under different lighting, exemplified this trend. Reynolds described it as “a visual metaphor for transformation and fluidity—perfectly in tune with the night’s spirit.”

Of course, not every risk paid off. Reynolds pointed out a few looks that may have missed the mark, either by overcomplicating the concept or failing to connect with the theme. However, he was quick to defend the value of experimentation. “Fashion isn’t about playing it safe,” he said. “Even when a look doesn’t quite land, the willingness to take a chance is what keeps the Met Gala exciting year after year.”

Ultimately, the 2025 Met Gala red carpet was a celebration of fashion’s ability to provoke, inspire, and evolve. From wearable sculptures to gender-defying ensembles, the night was a testament to the power of style as a form of self-expression and cultural commentary.

Standout looks from the 2025 Met Gala

From the moment the first stilettos hit the Met steps, the 2025 Gala delivered a visual feast of avant-garde glamour and unapologetic individuality. This year’s theme, a celebration of “Mythos & Modernity,” inspired a wave of celestial silhouettes, archival homages, and futuristic tailoring that blurred the lines between fashion and fantasy.

Zendaya stunned in a custom Maison Margiela gown, crafted by John Galliano, featuring a sculptural bodice and iridescent train that shimmered like liquid mercury under the lights. The look was a masterclass in theatrical elegance, with her headpiece—a constellation of silver stars—cementing her status as the night’s reigning muse.

Rihanna made a late entrance in a voluminous Balenciaga couture cape, layered over a sheer crystal-embellished catsuit. The ensemble paid homage to Black glamour and high drama, with a nod to Josephine Baker’s legacy. Her bold red lip and diamond-studded brows added a touch of vintage rebellion.

Florence Pugh turned heads in a Valentino creation that merged Grecian draping with punk edge. The gown’s asymmetrical hem and metallic corsetry brought a rebellious twist to classic femininity, while her buzzcut and smoky eye gave the look a raw, modern finish.

Timothée Chalamet broke gender norms in a pearl-encrusted Thom Browne suit-skirt hybrid, layered over sheer tights and patent boots. The look was both romantic and subversive, echoing the Gala’s embrace of fluidity and reinvention.

Nicole Kidman represented Australian elegance in a custom Alex Perry gown, featuring structured shoulders, a plunging neckline, and a dramatic silk faille train in opalescent ivory. Her look was a nod to Old Hollywood with a distinctly modern Australian edge.

• Metallics and iridescence dominated the carpet, with designers embracing reflective fabrics and holographic finishes.
• Headpieces and sculptural accessories were key, from celestial crowns to architectural collars.
• Gender-fluid silhouettes and non-traditional tailoring signalled a shift toward inclusivity and experimentation.

The 2025 Met Gala proved once again that fashion is not just about clothes—it’s about storytelling, identity, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the red carpet.

Marcellus Reynolds’ expert fashion analysis

Marcellus Reynolds brought his signature blend of sharp critique and cultural insight to the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, offering a nuanced breakdown of the night’s most talked-about ensembles. Speaking from Los Angeles, Reynolds praised the event’s embrace of theatricality and symbolism, noting that this year’s theme allowed celebrities and designers to explore fashion as both mythology and modern art.

He singled out Zendaya’s Maison Margiela look as a “triumph of narrative dressing,” applauding Galliano’s ability to fuse fantasy with form. “It wasn’t just a gown—it was a story in motion,” Reynolds said, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the metallic fabric and the celestial headpiece that elevated the entire ensemble.

Reynolds also lauded Rihanna for her continued commitment to fashion as cultural commentary. “She doesn’t just wear clothes—she makes statements,” he remarked. The Balenciaga cape, he noted, was a deliberate nod to the grandeur of Black performance history, while the crystal catsuit underneath added a layer of sensual futurism.

On Florence Pugh, Reynolds was particularly enthusiastic, calling her Valentino look “a bold reimagining of femininity.” He pointed out the tension between the soft draping and the hard-edged corsetry, saying it reflected a new generation of women who are “both ethereal and unapologetically strong.”

Reynolds was equally impressed by Timothée Chalamet, whom he described as “a master of gender-fluid fashion.” The pearl-encrusted Thom Browne ensemble, he said, was “a poetic rebellion against traditional menswear,” and a standout example of how male celebrities are increasingly using the red carpet to challenge norms.

When asked about Nicole Kidman, Reynolds beamed with pride. “Nicole brought that refined Australian glamour we know and love,” he said. “The Alex Perry gown was architectural yet romantic—an homage to both her heritage and her Hollywood legacy.” He noted that the structured silhouette and opalescent fabric were “a perfect marriage of strength and softness.”

“This year’s Met Gala wasn’t just about who wore what—it was about who told the most compelling story through fashion,” Reynolds concluded. “And the best looks were the ones that dared to dream.”