Fashion’s most dazzling night returned yesterday (May 5th) with a powerful tribute to Black Style… The night saw the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art once again transformed into the world's most anticipated runway, as the fashion elite gathered for the annual Met Gala in New York City.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” marked a bold and historic moment centred entirely on menswear for the first time in over two decades. The concept was drawn from the Costume Institute’s newly unveiled exhibit celebrating the “Black Dandy,” an exploration of Black identity and impeccable Black style across the diaspora and how it has shaped fashion.
Kezia Parkins and Ellen Cummings share some of PB’s fave makeup and nail looks from the Met Gala 2025.
Cynthia Erivo
Everybody’s favourite nail lover, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, did not disappoint when it came to her nail art at this year’s Met Gala with XXL black and red 3D nails fittingly featuring ties, buttons and pocket squares. The process of creating the manicure took 2 days and were created by 20-year-old Mycah Dior.
Lupita Nyong’o
Actress Lupita Nyong’o radiated elegance with a glowing skin finish and soft flush of blush that let her natural beauty shine through. A smoky eye added quiet drama, but it was the tiny black rhinestones placed along her eyebrows that elevated the look into something truly red carpet-worthy. Nyong’o’s go-to makeup artist Nick Barose delivered a masterclass in refined statement beauty.
Megan Thee Stallion
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion channelled camp icon Josephine Baker in a full lace and bejewelled gown. Her stiletto-shaped nails matched perfectly featuring handpainted lace and Swarovski motifs. The set was created by nail artist Tahvya Krok, owner of Nailed by Tav in South Pasadena.
Lauryn Hill
We are obsessed with R&B icon Lauryn Hill's Met Gala look created by MUA Alana Paul using a full face of Mac Makeup. “Ms. Hill is the Creative Director of her beauty aesthetic," says Paul. "She envisioned paying homage to diasporic Indigenous women while staying true to her iconic editorial personal style—blackened currant lips, sculpted skin and brushed brows, accented with a playful pop of texture and colour on the eyes.”
Doja Cat
Never one to play it safe, rapper/singer Doja Cat leaned into full '80s fantasy with a bold red lip and sculpted cat-like lashes. A wash of pale blue eyeshadow blanketed her eyelids and brows, creating a surreal, editorial feel, while subtly defined brows maintained her facial structure. Created by Pat McGrath’s team, this look was both retro and futuristic – a true beauty moment.
Lizzo
In-keeping perfectly with the theme, Lizzo’s manicure, created by celebrity nail artist Eri Ishizu looked like suits themselves in an XXL super sharp stiletto shape. The artist carefully placed a black ball onto each nail to match Lizzo's dress.
Doechii
Rapper/singer of the moment Doechii brought playful rebellion to the Met steps with a look that was both creative and clever. Pat McGrath’s makeup team gave her heavy pink blush across the cheeks and nose, lined lips, and a standout Louis Vuitton embossed logo onto one cheek – a nod to the fashion house behind her ensemble and a stylish wink to the theme.
Cardi B
Rapper Cardi B’s makeup was a vivid extension of her eye-catching green gown. Makeup artist Erika La’ Pearl matched the vibrancy with bright green eyeshadow, paired with winged liner and green contact lenses for maximum impact. Rosy-pink blush and sculpted cheeks balanced the bold eye, bringing warmth and contrast to the look.
Chappell Roan
Always theatrical, singer Chappell Roan embraced her signature “clown” aesthetic with a full pink look to match her hot pink tailored suit. Her white foundation created a porcelain canvas, with exaggerated blush and eye detailing in various shades of pink and silver. Rhinestones traced her brows, paired with XXL false lashes and a nude lip to finish. The look was brought to life by Pat McGrath’s team and captured Roan’s flair for storytelling through beauty.
Ego Nwodim
Ego Nwodim understood the assignment when it came to displaying the best of black dandyism. The Saturday Night Live star donned a special tribute to the late Black fashion designer Patrick Kelly with multicoloured button nail decals by Betina Goldstein and matching colored buttons on her sleeves. We see button nails becoming a thing following this look and Doechii’s recent fashion week button nails by Rachel Sun.
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