Met Gala 2025 LIVE updates: Madonna, Kardashians, Sydney Sweeney and more descend on New York; Diana Ross appears in dramatic diamante-encrusted dress

Sydney Morning Herald

06-05-2025

Key posts
12.08pm So what happens once they go inside?
11.42am Halle Berry bares some artfully placed cutouts on the carpet
11.15am The Kardashians continue to keep up with the Met Gala
10.57am Demi Moore literally came dressed as a tie
10.50am Nicole Kidman's call to arms
10.25am Lana Del Rey leaves alligator tour guide husband at home for the night
10.13am Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt comes as… A recycling bin?
10.02am It's a White Lotus reunion on the Met Gala carpet, but is there drama in the air?
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12.15pm
Miranda Kerr stays sweet
By Damien Woolnough
When it comes to fashion Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr has as much edge as a tennis ball so it's not surprising that she stuck to her sweet and chic image for this year's Met Gala.
This year's theme might be Superfine: Tailoring Black Style but somehow the beauty entrepreneur seems to have interpreted that as Audrey Hepburn. In a strapless Dior gown with her hair piled high, Kerr is more Breakfast at Tiffany 's than Lady Sings The Blue s.
The dinner suit references on the dress are overwhelmed by Kerr's commitment to a polished appearance.
Fellow Australian supermodel Adut Akech was more willing to spread her style wings in a heavily embellished pink waistcoat dress, with a matching jacket finishing in a feather train. At Akech's neck was a dramatic crystal neckpiece.
Akech gave birth to her first daughter Kiki in December, posing together on the recent cover of Pop magazine. She arrived at the Gala with fellow models Soo Joo Park and Alex Consani, along with former model and Swarovski creative director Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert. That explains the onslaught of Swarovski crystals.
12.13pm
Kamala Harris skips red carpet in surprise Met debut
By Hannah Kennelly
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has attended her first Met Gala, dressed in a custom monochrome gown designed by Off-White creative director IB Kamara.
Harris did not arrive at the red carpet or pose for pictures. However, she shared exclusive photos and quotes with Vogue.
'Art has always had a significant impact on not just culture, but also our policies and politics,' she said.
'Artistic expression—whether it's dance, music, visual arts, or fashion—has a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words. Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go.'
12.08pm
So what happens once they go inside?
By Nell Geraets
We're all here to see the looks on the carpet, perhaps a celebrity interview or two. But, believe it or not, the Met Gala actually continues for those lucky enough to have snagged a highly coveted invite. So, where on earth do they all go now?
What happens inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art on gala day remains murky since no one is allowed to snap photos on their phones or post to social media while inside (though we all know that rule becomes a grey area in the museum's bathrooms).
That being said, it's largely reported that the invitees first walk through the special exhibition – in this case, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style – before making their way into the main room.
Once there, they presumably mingle with other guests while sipping on drinks, and find their carefully assigned seat (remember, everyone must sit in their Wintour-approved spot). A dinner follows, which is likely inspired by the theme of the evening. In 2023, Vogue previewed the dinner, which was inspired by one of Karl Lagerfeld's most famous gatherings, Paloma Picasso's wedding reception.
This is often accompanied by a live performance of some kind. In the past, they've had Cher, Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lizzo. Last year, Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performed, finishing the night's entertainment with When You Believe.
And, of course, it's all capped off with the famous Met Gala after-parties. Brands, designers and celebrities often host their own festivities, with The Standard Hotel's Boom Boom Room a common venue. This is yet another opportunity for A-listers to show off their wares, as many opt to change into something that's perhaps a little more scandalous to party late into the night.
12.06pm
Why sculpted curls are the ultimate accessory this year
By Hannah Kennelly
Amidst the sea of gigantic hats, monochrome suits and floor-length trains, you may have noticed another popular theme: slicked back curls.
Award-winning singer Dua Lipa, actress Quinta Brunson and Jenna Ortega have opted for slicked-down curls and sculpted face-framing waves. The hairstyle is a nod to American-born French singer and actress Josephine Baker who was famous for her kiss curls.
Gigi Hadid's custom Miu Miu gown and pinned curls were also inspired by Baker. The model's gold dress pays homage to designer Zelda Wynn, who famously dressed Baker.
12.05pm
Whatever 'That Thing' is, Lauryn Hill has it (Doo Wop)
By Lauren Ironmonger
Rap icon and pioneering artist Lauryn Hill is here, looking utterly regal in a butter yellow suit and tulle wing to match that sweeps around her body, turning into a mermaid train. Styled with a halo of natural hair, statement gold jewellery and oversized sunglasses, Hill shines brighter than the sun.
She's even got her own attendant, following her with a butter yellow parasol, leaving her hands-free to hold up a diamante-encrusted fan and turquoise Hermes Kelly Bag.
11.44am
Girl, so (not) confusing: Lorde and Charli XCX bring pop to the Met Gala carpet
By Nell Geraets
Charli XCX and Lorde have been very busy recently – the former sent crowds wild at Coachella and the latter literally shut a US park down after promoting a free concert for her upcoming album Virgin.
They've also had pop fans reeling over their supposed reunion following a collaboration on Charli's Girl, So Confusing.
So, seeing both of them at the biggest night in fashion is sure to get people excited (and perhaps hopeful of a duet performance inside the museum?).
Charli is giving sultry raven in an all-black suit and sheer skirt replete with feathers.
She's making the carpet her stage, as she's known to do, by kneeling on the ground to show off her thigh-high leather boots. That's so brat.
Meanwhile, Lorde has arrived at the Met Gala for the first time since 2021 wearing a gravity-defying backless bandeau top and matching silver skirt designed by Thom Browne.
The satin may give bedsheets, but the magical floating bra certainly makes up for it.
11.42am
Halle Berry bares some artfully placed cutouts on the carpet
By Lauren Ironmonger
Halle Berry has turned heads in a fishtail gown with some rather artfully placed cutouts.
The 58-year-old wears a velvet LaQuan Smith dress Cartier jewellery and a Jennifer Behr headpiece that seems more suited to the racecourse than the Met Gala red carpet. And we're not too sure about the cropped leather jacket, although Berry seems to be having fun. We're here for it.
11.17am
Madonna is close, but no cigar
By Nell Geraets
Madonna isn't just wearing her clothes tonight – she's bringing them to life.
The legendary singer is channelling serious 1920s energy in an all-white silky suit, replete with a wide cummerbund, bow-tie and large white boutonniere.
But what really completes the look is the fat cigar she pretends to toke on while strutting across the carpet, gloved hand in pocket.
She's the epitome of debonair, but you can't help but notice the length of her trousers. They go so far over the front of her shoes that they appear to have stained on the way to the museum. Oops.
Madonna is known for turning heads at the Met Gala, including when she wore her gothic Jean Paul Gaultier gown and crown and, of course, her all-camouflage look in 2017.
As she's proven tonight, you can pull anything off if you just lean into its energy. The cigar helps too.
11.15am
The Kardashians continue to keep up with the Met Gala
By Nell Geraets
Every year, there are rumours that Anna Wintour has decided not to invite the world's most famous sisters to the Met Gala. Then every year, they rock up.
For supermodel Kendall Jenner, it's a bit more of an understated affair in an all-grey classic skirt suit by British fashion designer Torisheju and simple straightened hair. What sets it apart, however, is the eye-catching multi-tiered diamond necklace. When in doubt, throw some diamonds on it.
Younger sister Kylie Jenner has followed a similar monochromatic dress-code, wearing a corseted high-slit dress with a long, cape-like sash. Like Gigi Hadid, she has also left her second half (actor Timothée Chalamet) at home.
Kim Kardashian doesn't do anything in halves, unless it's half an outfit, that is. Always partial to a cut-out, the entrepreneur and reality star has appeared in a backless black snakeskin dress, paired with a wide-rimmed hat that makes her look like she's straight off the set of Zorro (or The Mask). Femme fatale or farm wrangler – take your pick.
11.11am
Janelle Monae nails the brief in whimsical take on suiting
By Lauren Ironmonger
American singer and actor Janelle Monae has built a reputation for her eccentric, whimsical Met Gala looks over the years -- always a refreshing sight in what can be a predictable sea of pretty gowns.
Monae's look today is a collaboration between designer Thom Browne and Paul Tazewell, who earlier this year made history as the first black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked.
Her trompe l'oeil suit cape was peeled off by Tazewell to reveal a red, white and navy printed suit underneath. Monae has styled this with a black hat and monocle (that features a working ticking clock), the printed detailing making it look like she's waltzed straight out of a painting.
The idea behind the look, Monae told The New York Times