Tessa Thompson’s return to the Met Gala was like a breath of couture-infused fresh air. I’ve genuinely missed her presence on the red carpet — that fearless mix of experimental fashion with deep cultural resonance. And for the 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, she delivered one of the most memorable looks of the night.
Wearing an Atelier Prabal Gurung ivory molded panier tuxedo gown, Tessa gave us a masterclass in reimagined tailoring. The structured silhouette, inspired by 18th-century panier skirts, met with the sharp precision of a tuxedo jacket — complete with a black lapel and an unexpected back cut-out that kept things fresh and modern. The look was both an ode to Black dandyism and an assertion of femininity through traditionally masculine codes of dress.
A beaded, tilted Stephen Jones hat added yet another layer of narrative to the look—but it was the church fan by Watts, adorned with an image of the late André Leon Talley, that truly resonated. More than just an accessory, it was a powerful homage to his Southern Baptist roots and his everlasting imprint on the fashion world. The gesture referenced church fashion, Black dandyism, and the unapologetic grandiosity.
Tessa’s ability to wear something both architectural and reverent—with grace, intention, and presence—makes this a truly welcome return. The red carpet missed you, Tessa, and honestly, so did we all.
EFFY Jewelry completed her look.
Stylists: Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald.
Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
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