Styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn, the avant-garde ensemble paid tribute to Black Dandyism and the power of tailoring.
Janelle Monáe stunned on the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala with a mind-bending custom look created in collaboration between designer Thom Browne and renowned costume designer Paul Tazewell. Known for his award-winning Broadway costume work in Hamilton, In the Heights, and The Color Purple, Tazewell helped bring Monáe’s artistic vision to life through a surreal, architectural design that pushed the boundaries of fashion.
The Met Gala’s 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated the rich heritage of Black dandyism, and Monáe’s look embodied that spirit through precision tailoring, bold symmetry, and fearless style. Her dramatic outfit featured two contrasting halves: one side sleek in black with white pinstripes, the other vibrant red adorned with white geometric patterns. The structured silhouette, exaggerated shoulders, and rectangular frame gave the outfit a cartoon-like, almost animated illusion — a true showstopper on the iconic Met steps.
“From the very beginning of the design process — exploring the beautiful and important theme of the Black dandy — it was essential that tailoring be front and center,” Paul Tazewell shared on Instagram. “With Janelle’s expansive imagination and Thom Browne’s meticulous attention to every detail, this collaboration is just the beginning.”
Adding to the sophistication of the look, Monáe wore a Vacheron Constantin luxury timepiece and jewelry by Selim Mouzannar. Her bold fashion statement was styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn, who also dressed actress Rachel Brosnahan for the gala.
Mandelkorn described her approach to Monáe’s styling as both cultural and personal.
“Dandyism is one of the many vibrant ways the Black community has created to channel self-expression and culture,” she told WWD. “It’s a way to be loud and proud of who they are — to showcase immense creativity even in the face of oppression.”
She emphasized that her mission was to balance individuality and celebration:
“My goal was to ensure both of my clients felt like their personal fashion sensibilities were represented, while also uplifting the Black creatives we collaborated with,” Mandelkorn said.
At the heart of her vision was honoring Black artists like Tazewell.
“They are all tailoring experts — and they’re making Black fashion history right now.”
Reflecting on the significance of the Met Gala, Mandelkorn added:
“It’s our one chance a year to dream our biggest fashion dreams. At the Met, bold experimentation is welcomed — and we help our clients bring those visions to life with meaning, strategy, and style.”
The 2025 Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, spotlighted Black menswear, creativity, and tailoring through its theme and dress code, “Tailored for You.” This year’s cochairs included Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour.
