The real MVPs of the 2025 Met Gala? The athletes

Year after year, the highly anticipated Met Gala draws in those from fashion-adjacent spheres to ascend the lush carpeted steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Think prominent musicians, beloved actors and pop culture personalities granted coveted friend-of-the-fashion-house status. This year's most notable guests? Professional athletes. 

There's no denying the explosive impact fashion is having on sports right now. French luxury-goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton sponsored the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and its branding was highly visible on everything from the medals to French athletes' outfits. Also, Coach just became an official partner of the WNBA, and more and more athletes and teams have been enlisting stylists to up their team fits. Even Carine Roitfeld, former editor in chief of Vogue Paris, is set to launch a media brand and a magazine exploring the intersection of fashion, sports and culture, aptly dubbed Players. 

Honorary chair LeBron James was supposed to make his Met Gala debut, but the NBA legend and Los Angeles Lakers star sat out due to an injury. Nevertheless, many athletes showed up in their interpretations of the Tailored for You dress code to honour this year's exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

Here, we round up some of our favourite looks.

Angel Reese

A member of the host committee this year, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese attended her second Met Gala in a two-piece outfit by Thom Browne, accessorized with over 107 carats of Graff diamonds. Her look embodied the event's menswear theme, with playful elements like lacing and boning. 

Lewis Hamilton

After an eventful weekend at the Miami Grand Prix, Formula One driver and Met Gala co-chair Lewis Hamilton traded in his Ferrari suit for a custom ivory ensemble by Wales Bonner, adorned with cowrie shells and freshwater pearls. His stylist, Eric McNeal, finished off the look with a beret by Stephen Jones Millinery and an Asscher-cut brooch by Briony Raymond.

Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson walked the carpet with Public School founders Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne. Jefferson wore an oversized grey suit with a flower brooch by the designers

Serena Williams

"For every dandy, there's a gown," Serena Williams wrote in an Instagram post on her Met Gala look. The tennis legend — who was recently announced as part owner of the Toronto Tempo, a new WNBA franchise — wore an ice blue off-the-shoulder gown and quilted duvet cape, both custom-made by Moncler and styled by former British Vogue editor in chief Edward Enninful.

Sha'Carri Richardson

Bringing a touch of pastel to the carpet, Olympic gold medallist and sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson wore a butter-yellow chiffon dress and lavender lace bodice, both by Valentino. She accessorized with ribbons and chiffon bows in her hair.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union

Met Gala regulars Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union sported complementary Prada fits and Tiffany & Co. jewels. The NBA Hall of Famer donned a cropped white jacket and embellished vest, while the actor opted for a black strapless gown with a white train.

Venus Williams

In an ode to her years on the court, tennis superstar Venus Williams wore a custom ensemble — designed by Lacoste's creative director, Pelagia Kolotouros — which blended elements of tennis style with traditional tailoring. The result? A dramatic dark green polo, pleated skirt and coat that, dare we say, served.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens

Sports power couple and host committee members Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens attended the event together for the first time. The 11-time Olympic medallist sported a bedazzled cobalt-blue minidress with an extended train by Harbison Studio. Owens, a Chicago Bears safety, wore a white suit with a blue gemstone brooch, which matched his wife's dress.

Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs dressed to impress in a Bianca Saunders suit and fur coat. 

Breanna Stewart

WNBA legend Breanna Stewart attended the gala — alongside New York Liberty teammates Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu and owner Clara Wu Tsai — in a custom Sergio Hudson ensemble, styled by Courtney Mays. The finishing touches? Sheer gloves and a brimmed hat. 

Gabby Thomas

Olympic gold medallist and track-and-field star Gabby Thomas stunned in an embellished red halter top and matching floor-length skirt by Ahluwalia. 

Noah Lyles

Olympic gold-medal sprinter Noah Lyles accessorized his Thom Browne suit with statement pearls — his signature look — by jewelry designer Ana Khouri, who joined him at the event.