How Nigerian Stars Channeled Dandyism at the 2025 Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala stood out for many reasons: eye-catching outfits, bold representations, and most of all, the powerful presence of stars who proudly celebrated Black heritage on fashion’s biggest night.

This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s exploration of Black Dandyism, celebrating the elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy of Black fashion. Centered on precision tailoring and bold accessories, the night paid homage to the creativity, pride, and historical richness that define Black style across the diaspora. It was an evening where culture met couture in the sharpest of silhouettes.

Among the most star-studded attendees at the Met Gala were Nigerian stars Tems, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Chimamanda Adichie, each bringing their own unique style to the red carpet.

Tems delivered one of the most powerful moments of the night. Known for her fearless fashion and genre-defying music, she arrived in a custom gown made from Ankara fabric, designed by Ghanaian-British designer Ozwald Boateng. The dress combined tradition and modernity, tailored in a mermaid silhouette with deep blue and green Ankara tones that popped against the Met steps. 

Underneath the gown, she wore a sharp pinstriped shirt, adding structure to the softer lines of the dress. A green pussy-bow tie introduced a feminine flair, and her accessories pushed the look even further. 

Tems carried a custom umbrella with a bold peacock print that matched the tie, serving both as a functional prop and a statement piece. 

Her hair was styled in a sleek braided updo, framed with kiss curls, and a playful bow.  Her makeup featured soft green eyeshadow with wine-colored lips, echoing the palette of her dress.

Ayra Starr also made her debut at the Met Gala this year. The young Nigerian singer-songwriter, known for her vibrant personality and bold fashion choices, wore a daring black gown designed by Ozwald Boateng. The dress had a deep plunging neckline and a dramatic thigh-high slit, hugging her frame while showing off just enough to keep things interesting. The back was completely bare, cut low and wide, adding a sense of drama and sensuality.

She paired the look with a few simple accessories: a dainty silver necklace, a statement ring, and long, pointed nails painted in an unexpected shade of blue. Her hair was styled in a soft, short pixie cut that complemented her face beautifully, and her makeup was kept dewy and fresh with a glossy nude lip. 

She also carried a black cane and paired her beauty look with some gems on her teeth.

Burna Boy didn’t just walk the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, he made a cultural statement. The Grammy-winning artist arrived in a custom royal red wool tuxedo by British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng, blending classic tailoring with symbolic storytelling.

The suit’s bold colour broke through a sea of black tuxedos, while the sharp cuts and flawless fit paid homage to the traditional standards of Black Dandyism. But what truly set Burna’s look apart was the oxblood eelskin cape draped behind him, a nod to his Niger Delta roots and the enduring strength of his lineage.

He paired the tailored ensemble with a crisp yellow shirt and deep red shoes, creating a look that was both regal and grounded. Burna described the look as “ancestral elegance,” and it was just that, a refined expression of heritage that honoured style icons like Fela Kuti and his own grandfather.

In a room full of extravagance, Burna’s presence was quietly commanding, offering a powerful narrative on survival, identity, and Black pride stitched into every detail.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie turned heads in a striking red gown designed by Prabal Gurung. The gown featured a dramatic train and bold feather accents, giving it a theatrical flair. 

What made the look even more interesting were the tailored elements woven into the design: sharp lines, a cinched waist, and oversized bows that nodded to menswear. 

Her accessories were elegant and understated, with diamond earrings and a bold red lipstick that highlighted her natural beauty. 

Chimamanda’s presence at the Met Gala went beyond fashion. As a member of this year’s host committee, she played a role in shaping the night’s tone and meaning, standing alongside figures like Usher, Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, and Dapper Dan.

Nigerian celebrities embraced the theme of the 2025 Met Gala with individuality, intention, and cultural pride. Each look carried meaning and contributed to the larger conversation about representation, identity, and the future of Black fashion. 

From Tems’s Ankara masterpiece to Ayra Starr’s bold debut, this year’s Gala proved that Nigerian creatives are not just participating in global fashion; they’re shaping it.

Photo: Getty Images