There was hardly rain to be had on anyone’s parade departing from the Mark Hotel for the 2025 Met Gala on Monday.
Sure, what began as a late and slow trickle of talent through the lobby – Usher, in fact, arrived as floors were still being mopped – soon became the usual cacophony of celebrities on one of fashion’s biggest nights in New York.
Kicking off the departures was Jordan Roth who, by his own admission, took “tailoring to new heights” in LaQuan Smith accentuated in 10-inch heels, which warranted a slow descent down the lobby staircase. Shortly thereafter and much speedier came Pharrell, who co-chaired the event and breezed through straight to his car outside.
Next up was Willy Chavarria, who came down in his own “pachuco” look, a reference to dandyism from “Latinos and Black [people] in the 30s and 40s who dressed as a form of resistance,” he said.
Then came the Boss crew, which included South Korean rapper S.Coups, Ashley Graham and Keith Powers, the latter of whom said it was his first met gala. “Everything there is such a mystery to me,” he said, “but to be here for the first time, I’m most looking forward to whoever’s performing.”
Sam Smith and Christian Cowan came down ensemble, with jewelry that nodded to “a green carnation, which is an iconic queer symbol within tailoring,” Cowan said, noting the look took about three months from sketch to the party.
Then came Imaan Hammam in Magda Butrym, who said the theme was especially poignant for her. “What excited me was to be in a room with so much beauty, so many inspirational people and to be there to celebrate Black culture, Black dandysim, and everyone who was there to express themselves in the best way,” she said, before heading off on the arm of Stéphane de La Faverie, chief executive officer of the Estée Lauder Cos.
Jeremy Allen White then came down and camped out in a corner, while Cynthia Erivo joined Givenchy’s Sarah Burton before shortly making their way to the exterior, undeterred by the showers. Sabrina Carpenter followed suit, quickly shuffling out in an ankle-length fur to conceal her red carpet garb.
The hum of chatter and air-kisses crescendoed when Doechii, who was anticipating a white tent to conceal her Louis Vuitton tailoring, lost the element of surprise with an accidental elevator door opening.
She kept shouting, “I need more f–cking umbrellas,” with a quick “who are these photographers?” to the press awaiting her on the ground floor. Quickly ensconced in the makeshift velcro tent a crew of security guards ushered her into, she kept saying to “keep that f–king velcro closed.”
Clearly, the “Anxiety” singer was feeling the heat.
Quickly thereafter, Jeff Goldblum came out in Wales Bonner, noting the vintage buttons and Mongolian shearling on his coat – plus a Jacob & Co. watch paved all around the bracelet in emerald-cut diamonds, which complemented his sincere demeanor. “[Wales Bonner] came up and she fitted me, and she put all this effort in,” he said. “I got a little choked up when I thanked her.”
Charli XCX shuffled in just after the Swarovski crew, departing from her Brat era in a dark Ann Demeulemeester gown and hopping behind the concierge desk for photo opps. Equally as playful was Sophia Richie Grange, who was back after a few years off. “I prepared with a lot of good rest, and a lot of water, and then a shot of tequila,” she said.
Central Cee also took a more jovial tone, playing music from his speaker while the car queue intensified.
“Breathe, because it is mayhem, but enjoy yourself and just have fun,” said Taraji P. Henson as advice to first-time goers. “I always look forward to seeing what everyone wears.”
Last out the door were Nicki Minaj in Thom Browne and Tyla in Jacquemus, and Usher brought it full-circle with his departure in Ralph Lauren.
#Rosé #Lisa #Doechii #Celebrity #Departures
