Laura Harrier Does Denim Dandyism in Gap Studio Suit at Met Gala 2025

“Sunday’s best” influenced the first Monday in May for Zac Posen, who found inspiration in Laura Harrier’s family during his research to design her menswear-inspired look for Met Gala 2025. It’s his first time designing pants for the gala — a nod to its theme “Tailored for You,” inspired by the Costume Institute’s exhibition “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which celebrates the legacy and power of Black fashion expression and dandyism.

“Those archival photos of Laura’s father and grandfather in their Sunday best were incredibly moving,” Posen told WWD ahead of the gala. “I like the presence they had in those images — the attitude they embodied, which in part inspired the look for Laura. It was the starting place for the inspiration and attitude of the piece.” 

“Those photos are more than just style — they’re about pride, presence and the way Black men in my family used fashion to express dignity,” Harrier told WWD. “Seeing that legacy reimagined by Zac and brought to life on a stage like the Met Gala feels full circle. It’s emotional, honestly.”

Posen, who was appointed Gap Inc’s executive vice president and creative director in February 2024, also reimagined the heritage of Gap’s own DNA with denim and natural fibers. “I love the combination of the industrial raw unbleached and natural denim with the luxurious double-face duchesse silk satin,” he said of the Gap Studio look.

“I hope it shows that tailoring can be more than just a silhouette — it can be a statement of identity, belonging and creative autonomy,” Posen added. “This look challenges rigid binaries around masculinity and femininity, formality and rebellion. It’s about owning your narrative and showing up with intention.”  

Harrier said she thought her outfit had an emotional synergy with fashion as the materials are a form of storytelling on their own. “They speak to heritage and luxury, strength and grace,” Harrier told WWD. “And Zac’s sculptural touch made it feel powerful. I’ve never worn anything like it, and I’ve never felt more connected to a look.”

Posen also found inspiration in denim for his own look, debuting a custom suit from Gap Inc’s Banana Republic.

“My own look embraces the spirit of dandyism and is inspired by the “London Drape” — known for its strong shoulders, nipped-in waist, and double pleated trousers,” Posen said. “For this suit, I used a wool-linen blend from the renowned Marzotto mill reimagining a denim-inspired tuxedo.”