WHEN FASHION MEETS CULTURE: THE MET GALA'S BOLDEST COLLABS

May 9th, 2025

When fashion meets culture, magic hits the carpet—and this year’s Met Gala proved it once again. From heritage-driven designs to futuristic tech-powered accessories, the 2025 Met Gala was more than a red-carpet event; it was a masterclass in storytelling through fashion. Celebrities teamed up with top designers to deliver unforgettable moments that blended style, culture, and personal narrative. Here’s a round-up of the boldest brand x talent collaborations that defined the night.



Thom Browne x Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe once again cemented her status as one of fashion’s most fearless icons with a Thom Browne creation that turned heads and sparked conversation. Her look featured a motorized clock monocle, crafted by Cameron Hughes, with a spinning face powered by micro motors. This mechanical detail brought movement and intrigue to her ensemble, perfectly marrying Browne’s structured tailoring with Monáe’s love for avant-garde storytelling.

Rihanna x Marc Jacobs

Rihanna made a powerful return to the Met Gala, debuting her third pregnancy in a custom Marc Jacobs look that celebrated Black tailoring. The ensemble included a cropped wool jacket, a pinstripe skirt with a dramatic bustle, and a wide-brimmed hat. More than just a fashion moment, Rihanna’s look paid tribute to the evening’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," once again proving why she remains fashion’s ultimate showstopper.

Prada x Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny took the opportunity to honor his Puerto Rican heritage in a custom chocolate brown Prada suit, topped off with a traditional pava hat. The hat, historically worn by Puerto Rican agricultural workers, carried cultural weight, while bedazzled gloves, a woven tie, and a vintage-inspired bowling bag completed the look. Every detail reflected his roots while aligning with the Met Gala’s exploration of tailoring and identity.


Tommy Hilfiger x Damson Idris

Damson Idris partnered with Tommy Hilfiger for a sharp, custom-tailored ensemble that blended classic Americana with modern refinement. His appearance wasn’t just about style—it marked a cultural moment ahead of his starring role in Apple TV’s upcoming Formula 1 film. Idris' look represented the perfect fusion of fashion, film, and rising global stardom.



Louis Vuitton x Pharrell Williams

As both a lead sponsor of the evening and home to co-chair Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton made its presence felt across the carpet. Pharrell himself led the charge, while stars like Doechii, Zendaya, and Lisa of BLACKPINK followed suit. From Doechii’s monogrammed blazer and shorts to Zendaya’s impeccably styled three-piece white suit, and Lisa’s tailored jacket and bodysuit adorned with subtle LV embellishments, the brand dominated with cohesive yet individually expressive statements.


Willy Chavarria x Maluma

Maluma paid homage to Pachuco culture with a custom midnight blue and emerald green brocade zoot suit designed by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria. Channeling the 1940s-era style tied to Latino and Black identity, Maluma’s look stood out as both a historical reference and a modern fashion triumph, celebrating the rich legacy of Chicano and Pachuco culture on one of the world’s biggest style stages.


Hugo Boss x S.Coups

K-pop star S.Coups made his Met Gala debut in a look that honored his Korean heritage with a modern twist. Designed by Hugo Boss, his outfit featured a tailored jacket, wide pleated pants, and a flowing cape inspired by the traditional hanbok. The ensemble bridged cultural tradition with contemporary design, signaling K-pop’s continued influence on global fashion.
This year’s Met Gala wasn’t just about the clothes—it was about the stories they told. From the streets of Puerto Rico to the dance halls of Pachuco culture, from motorized accessories to heritage-inspired tailoring, these brand x talent collaborations reminded us that fashion is a powerful vehicle for cultural expression. As boundaries between style, identity, and storytelling continue to blur, one thing remains clear: when fashion meets culture, the results are unforgettable.

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