The Met Gala never fails to dazzle, and this year’s event was no exception, with Hollywood’s elite showcasing breathtaking jewelry that stole the show. Priyanka Chopra turned heads alongside her husband, Nick Jonas, wearing Bulgari’s monumental Magnus Necklace, a striking piece featuring a 242-carat emerald nestled dramatically in her voluptuous cleavage. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway captivated onlookers with the jeweler’s Cosmic Vault Necklace, adorned with a stunning 123-carat sapphire. So, what makes these pieces so unforgettable? Let’s explore the glamour, the exclusivity, and where enthusiasts can find their own touch of Met-worthy sparkle.

A Night of Unprecedented Jewelry

The 2025 Met Gala served as a glittering preview for Bulgari’s Polychroma high jewelry collection, set to debut officially on May 19th in Taormina, Sicily. Chopra’s Magnus Necklace, with its rare emerald centerpiece, became the talk of the evening, amplifying her presence in a custom ensemble. Similarly, Hathaway’s sapphire-laden Cosmic Vault Necklace complemented her elegant attire, drawing gasps from the crowd. However, Bulgari’s reps remained coy, noting that prices are available “on request,” hinting at the exclusivity of these masterpieces.

Moreover, the event showcased how high jewelry can transform a red-carpet look into a historic moment. For instance, the craftsmanship behind Chopra’s necklace likely rivals the hours spent on past Bulgari icons, while Hathaway’s sapphire piece added a regal touch to the night’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. Nevertheless, the secrecy around pricing underscores the elite status of these creations, reserved for the world’s most discerning collectors.

The Allure of Bulgari’s Polychroma Collection

Bulgari’s decision to tease the Polychroma collection at the Met Gala reflects a strategic move to build anticipation for its Sicilian debut. The collection promises to highlight bold colors and innovative designs, with Chopra’s emerald and Hathaway’s sapphire serving as tantalizing previews. Additionally, the event in Taormina on May 19th will likely unveil more pieces that blend tradition with modernity, appealing to jewelry aficionados worldwide.

However, the focus on such extravagant gems raises questions about accessibility. While these necklaces may be out of reach for most, their debut at the Met Gala democratizes the conversation around high jewelry, inspiring fans to seek out their own luxurious statements. Ultimately, Bulgari’s bold approach ensures that the Polychroma collection will leave a lasting impression beyond the gala’s spotlight.

Sparkle Stateside: M.S. Rau’s Luxe Alternatives

For those eager to emulate the Met Gala’s glamour without the astronomical price tags, M.S. Rau in New Orleans offers stunning options. The store features a pair of Cartier diamond and sapphire earrings priced at $2.25 million, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any occasion. Furthermore, a sapphire and diamond ring, valued at $1.2 million, provides a sophisticated alternative for jewelry lovers seeking a piece with pedigree.

Still, these items come with their own exclusivity, appealing to collectors who value craftsmanship over mass-market trends. For example, the Cartier earrings could rival the sparkle of Hathaway’s necklace, while the ring offers a versatile option inspired by Chopra’s emerald flair. Therefore, M.S. Rau bridges the gap between Hollywood extravagance and attainable luxury for those willing to invest.

Reflections on Luxury and Desire

The Met Gala’s jewelry spectacle, led by Chopra and Hathaway, underscores the power of high jewelry to captivate and inspire. While the Bulgari pieces set a new benchmark for opulence, the options at M.S. Rau suggest that luxury can be more inclusive, even at millions of dollars. For instance, the contrast between the unpriced Bulgari necklaces and the clearly marked M.S. Rau items highlights a spectrum of wealth and aspiration.

Moreover, this event prompts us to consider the artistry behind such pieces, from the emerald’s rare cut to the sapphire’s vivid hue. Meanwhile, as the Polychroma collection awaits its Sicilian unveiling, the allure of these jewels continues to grow. So, whether you dream of owning a Met Gala-worthy treasure or simply admire from afar, the 2025 gala has set a glittering standard for luxury.

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Dear Reader, I’ve been going to the Met Gala for over five decades and I’m often asked ‘Is it better or do you miss the old days?’ Without hestation, I say, ‘What worked in the 70’s, 90’s and beyond wouldn’t work today.’ The Party of the Year has evolved and kept up with the times. It’s relevant, it’s au courant and it’s still avante-garde. So the answer is unequivocally  ‘It’s better than ever,’ and let’s not forget that this benefit raised a record-breaking, and very cool, 31 million dollars. In the end, that’s what allows the Costume Institute to present groundbreaking shows like “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. Bravo! Who else would tell you these things?

Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

The Costume Institute’s 2025 exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, is a historical examination of the Black Dandy, displaying the figure’s emergence in the 18th century to 21st-century incarnations in the cosmopolitan cities of London, New York, and Paris. Dandyism, originally imposed on Black men in the 18th-century as a response to an increasingly consumerist society, evolved into an opportunity to employ not only clothing but also gesture, irony, and wit to transform their given identities and embody new social possibilities. N’est-ce pas?

Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion

Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity”, the exhibition tells the often neglected stories of stylish Black individuals across art, literature, music, and society. The show is organized around a series of characteristics, such as ownership, presence, ease, and cosmopolitan-ism, and is exemplified through a range of media, such as garments and accessories, drawings and prints, and paintings, photographs, and film excerpts. Taken together, these narratives offer a history and description of Black dandyism as a discrete phenomenon that reflects broader issues of power and race relations in the Black diaspora.

Andrew Bolton – Curator in Charge

Fashion becomes a story of resistance, identity, and imagination in the Met’s latest exhibition. Andrew Bolton, Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, described how the show explores Black dandyism not just as an aesthetic, but as a political phenomenon. “​​Black dandyism is a concept that’s just as much an idea as an identity. ‘Superfine’ is a visualization and extension of Monica Miller’s groundbreaking book, exploring the origins and multiple meanings of Black dandyism in the Atlantic diaspora. Although several of our recent shows have addressed issues of race and identity, such as “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”, this is our first show that is directly addressing the impact of race on sartorial style. For this reason, it was important that the exhibition be authentic to the department by reflecting the scope of our collection.”                      

André Leon Talley

Bolton also reflected on the monumental figures whose legacies helped shape the groundbreaking exhibition – namely, André Leon Talley. “As befitting such a respected and much-loved figure in fashion, André’s death was widely covered in the press, with many of his obituaries calling attention to his theatrical self-presentation; his penchant for wearing capes, kaftans, and what the New York Times called ‘his regal headpieces’. But the obituary published in The Guardian went one step further, describing Andre as “a true dandy, like those in the novels of Balzac and Baudelaire.” The Guardian’s comment prompted me to think about what happens to the figure of the dandy when he’s racialized.” 

Max Hollein  – Director of The Met

At the preview of the show Max Hollein drew attention to the true mission of the mythologized event: exposing all people to creativity,  knowledge, and ideas. “The Met Gala is many things. It’s an outstanding event, it’s a great celebration, it’s a moment for our community to come together. It is also an outstanding fundraiser for the museum, which enables the Costume Institute to take care of all it should do, to take care of its collection of more than 30,000 items. To publish scholarly catalogs. To acquire new work. To diversify its collection so that it can help expand the stories that we tell and that we should tell. And of course, it is for producing innovative, compelling, groundbreaking exhibitions, like, I hope you will agree, ‘Superfine’ is. The significance of this exhibition is undoubtedly amplified in today’s world. And our hope is that Superfine will inspire thoughtful dialogue and deep understandings of the powerful histories told throughout the galleries and the accompanying catalog. And recognize extraordinary, powerful voices, designers, artists, with their many important contributions. I’m excited to announce to you all that this evening’s Gala has raised a record-breaking $31 million.”

Monica L. Miller, Guest Curator

Monica Miller’s book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandies and the Styling of Diasporic Identity,” sparked the idea for this year’s exhibition. She outlines the historical background of Dandyism. “Dandies designed their ways of being in the world. Beginning in the 18th century and as a result of the slave trade, colonialism and imperialism, African and Western traditions of dress and distinction met. Just as soon as enslaved Africans were dandified as servants and transformed into objects of conspicuous consumption, they similarly employed the power of clothing, dress, fashion, and accessories to challenge its representation and reimagine themselves. Their dandyism manifested a necessary and pointed understanding of the relationship between clothing, race, and power. Dandies are historically men and increasingly people who practice precision and intentionality in their dress, whether that dress is sober or spectacular. A well-tailored suit with all of the attendant accessories is a touchstone of the dandy’s closet and is the focus around where Superfine is designed.”

The Party

After climbing the iconic steps, guests were greeted by thousands of narcissus flowers and the co-chairs of the evening, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton ,Colman Domingo, and Anna Wintour, who has helmed the gala since 1999. The Gala’s honorary chair was LeBron James. The decor was guided by Cy Gavin, who served as the Creative Director for the night’s blue carpet. Gavin’s painting, “Untitled (Sky)” was also the inspiration for this year’s centerpieces and was  also projected onto the ceiling of the Temple of Dendur during the dinner portion of the evening. Chef Kwame Onwuachi curated the menu for the evening, featuring dishes such as creole roasted chicken, mini chopped cheeses, cornbread topped with caviar, and curry chicken patties. Usher and Stevie Wonder took to the stage for this year’s special performance, dazzling the crowd with hits such as “U Don’t Have to Call,” “OMG,”  and “Yeah!”. It’s the only way really! The exhibition runs through October 26, 2025. metmuseum.org

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By R. Couri Hay | Updated May 6, 2025

New York City pulsed with glamour on May 5 as A-list celebrities, designers, and fashion royalty ascended the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2025 Met Gala. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid homage to the deep legacy of Black fashion innovation and its nuanced relationship with formalwear and couture tailoring.

Theme and Co-Chairs

The event’s powerful theme was curated under the guidance of high-profile co-chairs including A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James serving as honorary co-chair. Together, they set the tone for one of the boldest, most culturally resonant Galas in recent memory.

The Best Dressed Stars at Met Gala 2025

The red carpet was a tapestry of elegance, opulence, and audacity. Here are the night’s standout looks, categorized for easy navigation:

Spotlight: Zendaya, Colman Domingo & Diana Ross

Zendaya: Effortless Icon

Fresh off her engagement announcement, Zendaya turned heads in a custom Louis Vuitton white pantsuit paired with an exaggerated hat, blending chic minimalism with grandeur. Her ensemble subtly nodded to traditional men’s tailoring while remaining fiercely feminine—a perfect nod to the theme.

Colman Domingo: Dual Masterpieces

As co-chair, Domingo delivered not one, but two jaw-dropping Valentino looks. He collaborated extensively with the fashion house, as he revealed to E! News:

“We took elements we loved and pushed the envelope. The final result celebrates fine tailoring and the beauty of history.”

• Look One: A shimmering cobalt cape with floor-sweeping drama.

• Look Two: A patterned grey and white suit that redefined evening menswear.

Diana Ross: A Supreme Moment

Music legend Diana Ross made an unforgettable entrance in a custom gown co-designed by herself, her son Evan Ross, and designer Ugo Mozie. With a train that swept the Met steps and plumage that echoed old-Hollywood decadence, she embodied regal elegance. Mozie’s work often centers on Afrocentric luxury, making this a poignant fashion moment.

Other Scene-Stealing Ensembles

Kim Kardashian: Leather Luxe

In a structured Chrome Hearts leather look, Kim once again blended dominance with femininity, emphasizing her command over red-carpet fashion.

Kendall Jenner: NSFW Edge

Sporting a cleavage-forward pantsuit from Torishéju, Kendall dared to bare in a design that challenged traditional suit tailoring.

Pamela Anderson: Retro Reimagined

The “Baywatch” star stunned with a bob haircut and a shimmering long-sleeved Tory Burch gown.

LaKeith Stanfield: White Hot

Wearing a monochrome white suit coat and top hat, the Get Out star presented a theatrical twist on Victorian tailoring.

Janelle Monáe: Meta Moment

Wearing a jacket printed with a suit over another suit, Janelle’s layered look was a self-aware nod to fashion’s history-meets-irony dynamic.

More Dapper & Divine Appearances

Visuals & Social Buzz

For a full gallery of red carpet highlights, visit Vogue’s Met Gala 2025 photo coverage.

Final Thoughts: A Night of Tailored Tribute

The 2025 Met Gala wasn’t just about glitz—it was about homage. With its theme spotlighting the heritage of Black style and craftsmanship, the event became a moving runway of cultural storytelling. From Diana Ross’s regal revival to Zendaya’s modern minimalism, this year’s event may well be remembered as one of the Met’s most powerful sartorial statements to date.

Stay updated on celebrity fashion, red carpet coverage, and luxury lifestyle moments by bookmarking R Couri Hay.

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