The 2025 Met Gala (Who Could've Been) Of It All
Dedicated to those who should've been in attendance. Truly a missed opportunity for greatness.
Met Gala Monday came and went in a flash, and while the majority of the guests understood the assignment, I couldn’t help but ponder on the icons who were missing from the guest list.
When I heard the theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” back in October, the hairs on my arm were immediately raised as I started to curate a guest list in my mind. The theme drew “inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity with the exhibition organized into 12 sections, each representing a characteristic that defines dandy style.”
Additionally, when I learned that Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour were the co-chairs and LeBron James was the honorary chair, it only confirmed my beliefs that this would be a Met Gala for the history books.
With such star-studded people at the helm, it’s no wonder that this year, the proceeds have reportedly rung in at $31 million, which museum officials are reporting that it’s the biggest gross in the starry, storied event’s 77-year history!
Here are 11 people I think would’ve eaten this Met Gala theme all the way up!
Wisdom Kaye
The internet was in shambles upon finding out that self-made fashion influencer, Wisdom Kaye, was not invited this year. I still think about his custom Robert Wun "Red Rose" look from last year—a testament to how incredible his style is. Based on his meticulous dedication and attention to detail, I just know he would've gone all out with his look and pulled it off with a swag that few can match. #justiceforwisdomkaye
Queen Latifah
One thing about Ms. Latifah: she’s gonna rock a power suit. Throughout her career, she has not only pushed music and film boundaries, but fashion boundaries as well. From the 1995 American Music Awards look pictured above to the Thom Browne ensemble she stunned in at TheGrio Awards back in 2022, it’s clear that the Queen knows fashion.
Thom Browne’s guests looked spectacular and I’m sure Queen Latifah would’ve been no exception.
Dr. Umar Johnson
This is a reach but stay with me! Based on the pictures/interviews I’ve seen, Dr. Umar always comes trim in clothes that reflect his Pan-African ideologies. Similar to Nigerian singer Tems, who paid homage to her West African roots with a gown made from an Ankara fabric during this year’s Met Gala, I think Dr. Umar would’ve given us an interesting take on the theme.
Jidenna
Everyone, including me, forgot about the literal Classic Man himself. I was reminded by a TikTok video asking about Jidenna’s whereabouts that his persona in itself exemplifies the theme. Although he is not as prominent as he once was, I think he definitely should have received an invite.
From his slick gel comb-over to his polished leather shoes, he is dandyism personified. Known for his sharp, genre-blending aesthetic that fuses West African textiles with classic menswear tailoring, tradition meets innovation with unmistakable flair. In a room meant to celebrate Black fashion’s past, present, and future, he would have felt right at home.
This was a missed opportunity to blast his 2015 hit from the loudspeakers.
The Obama Family
I had originally planned to solely highlight Barack and Michelle, but there is no doubt in my mind that the whole former first family would have stepped! Between their style and dedication to elevating Black voices, they are the epitome of this year’s theme. They would have joined the Rosses and the Kardashians by making the Met Gala a family affair with looks that honor the precision, innovation, and deep cultural roots of Black fashion. Their presence on those iconic steps would have served as both a vision of elegance and a statement of purpose.
Teezo Touchdown
Teezo Touchdown, aka Aaron Thomas, has such a unique style that I would have been interested to see where he would’ve taken the theme. His style reminds me a lot of Young Thug and Dennis Rodman in the way that he pushes fashion boundaries. His collaboration with Moncler back in 2022, where he premiered the single "I'm Just a Fan," illustrates his talent and commitment to seamlessly blend music and high fashion in a compelling way.
Dolly Parton
I was shocked to learn that the queen of country has never attended a Met Gala. Her boobs would have been touching the moon and I would have lived for it. With her roots in Southern lyricism and a lifelong embrace of bold, custom-tailored glam, Dolly’s style aligns with the expressive spirit at the heart of Black dandyism.
Beyond style, Dolly has long been a quiet but unwavering ally to Black communities, using her platform to uplift others. Her presence would have demonstrated how a non-Black figure can genuinely support and honor Black creativity.
Kat Williams
We need more comedic representation at the Met Gala! Katt Williams’ fashion sense is a striking fusion of theatrical flair and cultural resonance, establishing him as one of the most visually unforgettable figures in comedy and pop culture.
I mean, there’s a reason he’s often cast as larger-than-life, flamboyant characters—it’s because he naturally infuses each role with a touch of his vibrant persona. If he channeled Slickback from The Boondocks or Money Mike from Friday After Next, he would have been golden.
Luka Sabbat
Fashion designer and actor Luka Sabbat has a face that’s made for the runway. Like the aforementioned Teezo Touchdown, Luka is a head-turner and a fashion boundary pusher who exudes an untouchable suave that would have meshed beautifully with this year’s theme. If he hadn’t been allegedly banned back in 2019 for taking a selfie while smoking a cigarette, he probably would’ve been in attendance this year. And we know Ms. Wintour can hold a grudge, so unfortunately, we probably won’t be lucky enough to see him at the Met Gala anytime soon. #freelukasabbat
Kim Mulkey
Coach Kim Mulkey’s fashion sense is bold, unapologetic, and unmistakably her own. The LSU women’s basketball coach who typically graces the court’s sidelines would have undoubtedly worn an outfit with glitter, feathers, sequins, bright colors, or a combination of all four. Because while these maximalist aspects typically clash somehow, in true Mulkey fashion, she pulls it altogether. I think it’s the blonde bob.
She, along with Angel Reese and Flau'jae Johnson—who were both in attendance and looked absolutely stunning—could have had a beautiful LSU women's basketball reunion.
Amaya Nichole
Last, but certainly not least, is me. Humbly, I have to admit that I would’ve had ya’ll gagged if I were at the Met Gala. Other than being one of the baddest to ever do it, I have no credits, and my fashion sense is all over the place, but as a grill aficionado, I would have fit right in.
Honorable Mentions With No Explanations
Madonna
Soulja Boy
Any of the Sinners cast
Quen Blackwell
Billie Eilish
Juvenile
H.E.R
Zack Fox
Latto
Kim Mulkey
Geronimo Stilton
Erykah Badu
Marsai Martin
Idris Elba
Morgan Freeman
Any Unc that was at Pinky’s carwash in Nashville circa 2010
Yes to all of this!!! I agree with this message
I love some of these choices! The last person on the list should have definitely been there! 😉