The Details Did It: 2025 Met Gala's Most Unexpected Accessories
At a gala centered around tailoring, it was only fitting that the details mattered most. The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” saw guests go beyond the expected to play with proportion, heritage, and humor.
But what really takes an outfit from great to unforgettable? The accessories. The small details that show intention — the unexpected touches that keep you looking twice. At this year’s Met Gala, some guests had me doing exactly that. Every time I revisited their look, I caught something new. That’s where the magic was. We saw canes, brooches, top hats, and even a handbag shaped like a sewing machine.
Here’s a roundup of the accessory moments that defined the night — and proved that in fashion, it’s the finishing touches that say the most.
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Khaby Lame’s Pocket Watch Vest
TikTok star Khaby Lame hit the Met steps in a BOSS pinstripe suit, but it was the vest that stole the show — covered in antique pocket watches. According to BOSS Creative Director Marco Falcioni, the watches were hand-sourced from three separate flea markets. It was a clever nod to the tailoring theme, the legacy of Black Dandyism, and of course, the "clock app" that launched his career.
Olivier Rousteing’s Sewing Machine Handbag
Balmain’s Creative Director Olivier Rousteing brought the drama with a brass-plated handbag shaped like a vintage sewing machine—complete with the Balmain logo. Designed by Balmain leather goods artisan Sajith Amaratunga, the bag was a clever nod to tailoring tools and craftsmanship. It wasn’t just a flex—it was fashion history, reimagined as a luxury accessory.
Jeremy O. Harris’s Fabergé-Inspired Ring
Playwright and Met Gala host committee member Jeremy O. Harris wore Balmain, but the standout was his bespoke ring by Benjamin Hawkins. Inspired by 19th-century caricatures of Black dandies, a visual obsession of Harris’s, the ring reimagined the elegance of a Fabergé egg. The custom piece turned historical critique into couture-level symbolism.
Clairo’s Catwalk Companion
Clairo embraced the theme with a custom Valentino ensemble — elegant, layered, and full of quiet drama. But the scene-stealer? A porcelain cat minaudière named Le Chat de la Maison. Designed by Alessandro Michele for Valentino, the quirky clutch added just the right dose of whimsy to her otherwise poised look. A purr-fect Met moment.
Tessa Thompson’s Andre Leon Talley Church Fan
Tessa Thompson delivered one of the night’s most touching accessory moments, carrying an old-school church fan printed with the image of André Leon Talley. A nod to the late fashion icon’s Southern roots, the fan referenced his deeply personal memories of faith and churchgoing, as shared in his memoir The Chiffon Trenches. Thompson told Billboard her entire look was meant to reflect “the way fashion illustrates our dignity.” Her sculptural gown, gloved hands, and reverent accessory brought both reverence and storytelling to the Met steps.
Janelle Monáe’s Monocle in Motion
Leave it to Janelle Monáe to turn accessories into performance art. The multi-hyphenate wore a Thom Browne patchwork suit accented by a motorized monocle —yes, the clock hands moved as she walked. On her tie, a 5.5-carat emerald-cut diamond brooch sparkled with a twist: it was made from actual 1800 Cristalino tequila. Designed by Jonathan Raksha, the gem fused innovation and luxury, perfectly in step with Monáe’s futuristic flair.
A$AP Rocky’s Gun-Shaped Diamond Umbrella
A$AP Rocky arrived at the 2025 Met Gala dressed in a sleek custom ensemble, accessorized with what became one of the most talked-about pieces of the night: a diamond-covered umbrella by Briony Raymond. Shaped like a gun and encrusted with 90 carats-worth of diamonds, the piece drew immediate attention. The accessory came just months after Rocky was found not guilty in a high-profile 2021 shooting case. While he hasn’t confirmed its meaning, fans have speculated that the umbrella’s shape was no coincidence — a subtle yet striking nod to reclaiming his narrative.
Sha’Carri’s Coquettish Bow Moment
Track star Sha’Carri Richardson floated onto the Met steps with a cascade of yellow and ivory bows tucked into her waist-length waves — a dreamy, coquettish detail that brought her pastel Valentino gown to life. Designed by Creative Director Alessandro Michele, the bows echoed the dainty accents on her dress and played up her “candy glam” aesthetic.
André 3000’s Piano Backpack
André 3000 arrived with a baby grand piano strapped to his back — no metaphor, just pure spectacle. The lightweight replica, crafted by fabrication firm Pink Sparrow, mirrored a Steinway Model S at 75% scale and weighed only 30 pounds. The stunt aligned perfectly with the release of his new album 7 Piano Sketches, a meditative follow-up to his flute era. For André, dandyism isn’t a costume, it’s a way of life. As he put it: “We’ve been doing it for years.”
Bobby Digi Olisa's Symbolic Cane
Bobby Digi Olisa, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) New York chapter, brought powerful symbolism to the Met Gala carpet with his cane. Adorned with red fabric and a carved figure at the handle, the cane nodded to African craftsmanship, heritage, and resistance. A fitting complement to his royal blue double-breasted suit and sheer cape, the accessory reinforced the spirit of cultural pride embedded in this year’s theme.
Alton Mason’s Eye Patch and Custom Grills
Supermodel Alton Mason showed up shimmering. His standout look included an embellished eye patch by Chrishabana and custom grills from Avianne & Co., elevating his glitzy silver BOSS ensemble into futuristic cowboy territory. The mix of tailored edge, high-shine accessories, and theatrical touches made Alton a front-runner in the night’s most unforgettable details.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Gilded Fingers
Whoopi Goldberg hit the Met carpet with serious hardware, courtesy of Brooklyn-based brand L’Enchanteur. Designed by twin sisters Dynasty and Soull Ogun, her look featured handcrafted brass finger caps, a clever solution for skipping the manicure. what we already knew — accessories can make the outfit.
Tech Couture: Mona Patel’s Robotic Dog & Spine
Mona Patel’s accessories were straight out of a sci-fi fashion fantasy. She carried a robotic dachshund named Vector — a high-tech nod to Thom Browne’s iconic pup, Hector. Developed in partnership with MIT, the robotic dog was tuxedoed, diamond-leashed with over 1,000 carats of emerald-cut stones, and programmed with custom movement patterns. On her back, a robotic spine added even more drama, turning the entire look into a wearable machine. Details impossible to ignore.
Andra Day’s Dazzling Binoculars
Andra Day kept her eye on the details. The singer and actress stunned in hot pink and accessorized with crystal opera binoculars, turning every glance into a performance.
Gustav Magnar Witzøe’s Rose-Filled Briefcase
In a crisp, all-white ensemble, Gustav Magnar Witzøe let his accessory speak volumes. Carried in hand was a transparent briefcase with gold trim, packed with vivid red rose petals. It was more than just an eye-catching detail — it was a tender tribute to André Leon Talley. Romantic and intentional, the case honored not just Talley’s legacy, but the lineage of Black fashion icons who’ve shaped the industry’s very fabric.
Gina Alice Redlinger’s Piano Clutch
Concert pianist Gina Alice Redlinger made her Met Gala moment deeply personal. Dressed in a black-and-white mermaid gown, she carried a piano-shaped clutch that revealed a special detail: a scroll of sheet music for Rhapsody in Blue, her favorite composition. The piece hit all the right notes — honoring musical legacy, individuality, and the night’s theme of tailored Black style with thoughtful precision.
Jon Batiste’s Golden Saxophone
Jon Batiste brought live music to the Met steps. Dressed in a sparkling black tux, the musician casually strolled the carpet playing a golden saxophone, turning heads with a spontaneous solo. The surprise moment added a dose of showmanship to the evening, later continuing as he performed alongside Lana Del Rey at Cartier’s after-party. His accessory? Pure artistry in action.
What accessory moments are we missing? Share your favorites with us in the comments!
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