What Did The Met Gala Highlight About Modern Tailoring Trends?
With Monday night’s 2025 Met Gala theme ‘Tailored for You’ placing a strong emphasis on high-end menswear, Reto Peter, Co-Founder of Edit Suits, a premium, made-to-measure menswear brand, has spoken with YCB and discussed his take on what the outfits demonstrated on the red (blue) carpet signify for the wider industry.
Reto explains why – as someone with a lifelong passion for the craft of custom tailoring – he believes the impact of the 2025 Met Gala will mark a new shift in the way many modern-day consumers approach investing in quality pieces.
Retry says, “The Met Gala theme was a vibrant celebration of Black dandyism, and spotlighted the artistry and cultural significance of tailored fashion. Its focus signalled more than just another ‘red carpet moment’- but rather a positive shift towards the way that the individuality of menswear is perceived.
“After analysing some of the red carpet footage and notable looks, I observed several key trends which not only defined the evening, but also signalled a broader shift towards customised tailoring.”
Embracing gender fluidity and diverse silhouettes
“As expected, this year’s Met Gala theme gave many an opportunity to showcase a spectrum of gender-fluid designs. Singer and actress Janelle Monae’s layered custom pinstripe suit by Thom Browne channeled Cubism, blending feminine and masculine into a truly avante-garde look.
“Similarly, Zendaya’s white Louis Vuitton ‘Zoot’ suit blurred traditional gender lines of tailoring.” Retry tells us.
“These trends reflect the growing desire from modern consumers that go beyond conventional gender norms. Here at Edit Suits, our approach is that most individuals will not fall into standard sizing, and strive to ensure that each tailored garment is created to the unique proportions and preferences of our clients, celebrating individuality with each stitch.”
Modern twists on classic tailoring
Retro continues, “Monday night’s looks demonstrated a powerful return to elements of classic tailoring, reimagined with bold and contemporary flairs. Teyana Taylor received a huge amount of praise from fashion critics for her pinstripe suit coupled with an extravagant cape and headpiece which symbolised her 2018 song ‘Rose In Harlem, highlighting how traditional tailoring can be both personal and avant-garde.
“Wearing Valentino, Irish actor Barry Keoghan channelled Beatles member Ringo Starr – who he is currently preparing to play in the upcoming Sam Mendes Beatles biopic – in a classic military inspired look featuring embroidered florals and crystals – extremely reminiscent of the Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club band album cover.”
Exploring cultural narratives through fashion
“It was notable how many of the attendees used their outfit choices to tell deeper, heartfelt stories. Actor Colman Domingo chose a royal blue custom Valentino ensemble – featuring an eye-catching sweeping cape – in order to pay tribute to the late Andre Leon Talley and evoke choir robes of the Black church.
“Legendary singer Diana Ross returned to the Met Gala after a 22-year hiatus wearing an 18-foot gown train that featured the names of all her children and grandchildren, highlighting how tailoring can serve as a canvas for both personal and cultural expression.”
Exposing the versatility of casual tailoring
“The Met Gala this year demonstrated a shift towards more relaxed tailoring. Unstructured jackets, softer shoulders, and textured fabrics were all incorporated, reflecting a desire for comfort without sacrificing on style.
“This aligns with the broader trends we’ve observed. Today’s individual wants polish, but also ease. The modern wardrobe is built around versatility, with pieces that transition effortlessly between different settings.” Retro concludes.