With this year’s Met Gala themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the fashion world paid tribute to the beauty, precision, and legacy of Black sartorial expression. Style icon and fashion advocate Derek Warburton was glued to the carpet, and we tapped him for his absolute favorites of the night.
Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel
“The baby blue. The cape. The tailored silhouette. It was immaculate,” Derek said. Lupita was a vision of sharp softness in Chanel—channeling strength with grace.
Jennie Kim in Chanel
“Jennie gave us high fashion noir,” Derek said of the BLACKPINK star. Her black satin tuxedo gown with camellias and pearls was a standout Chanel moment—minimal but unforgettable.
Teyana Taylor in Ruth E. Carter
“Ruth and Teyana together? Iconic,” Derek beamed. The futuristic tailoring, regal silhouette, and nod to Black power made this one of the night’s boldest and most important looks.
Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry
“Jodie’s look was all poetry and posture,” said Derek. Her Burberry creation referenced equestrian elegance with fierce femininity and an old-school flair.
Janelle Monáe in Thom Browne
“Performance art at its finest,” Derek said. The exaggerated cuffs, layers, and illusions—Monáe delivered tailored fantasy with a wink.
Zoe Saldaña in Thom Browne
“Unexpected texture, and it worked.” Derek said.
Diana Ross in Ugo Mozie
“Diana gave us a reminder of what legend looks like,” Derek said. The 18-foot cape, royal structure, and Mozie’s regal design made her an icon among icons.
Amelia Gray in Valentino
“New chapter, new icon,” Derek said. Amelia’s sleek Valentino silhouette showed restraint and power, all at once.
Honorable Mentions:
Hunter Schafer in Marni – “Black and white never looked this emotional.”
Joey King in Miu Miu – “So young, yet so poised. That neckline!”
Lauryn Hill in Thom Browne – “Serene. Elegant. A masterclass in balance.”
Alton Mason in BOSS – “He glided down the carpet like a living sculpture.”
Jordan Roth – “A theatrical ode to the Harlem Renaissance.”
