These Dapper Accessories Were The Talk Of The Met Gala

When it comes to style, the difference between a good look and a legendary one often lies in the details. And that is never more prevalent than at fashion’s SuperBowl, the Met Gala. Accessories have long been the secret sauce of Black fashion — a statement, a nod, a flex, and sometimes a sermon all on their own. From durags dipped in confidence to hats holding cultural weight (and baby bumps!), these are the accessories that didn’t just complement the outfit — they completed the moment. Let’s revisit the pieces that had us gasping, applauding, and screenshotting.

Crowned in Silk: The Durag Reigns Supreme

First and foremost, one thing about me: I love a durag. I was hoping someone would bring that sense of dandyism to the carpet and of course our Harlem Rose did with so much flair. This three-piece suit, a collaboration with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter was more than just visually stunning; it incorporated significant hidden symbolic elements. According to Carter’s interview with BET at the Met Gala, the striking suit, with its detailed embellishments, served as an tribute to Taylor’s burlesque shows and the lasting influence of the dandy. The ensemble was completed with a velvet feathered hat, which was later removed to show a coordinating red durag, and custom Marc Jacobs Kiki boots. We didn’t think we could love Teyana more because a Teyana and Ruth collab was not our Met Gala bingo card.

Top That: A Hat Fit for Fashion Royalty

Jodie Turner Smith’s top hat offered an intricate silhouette that brought the merlot-hued look together like never before. And it really took a village to slay every detail. Celebrity makeup artist Sheika Daily created Jodie Turner-Smith’s stunning MET Gala makeup look using Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, featuring the brand’s newest blush balm extension shades and coveted complexion products! Daily told HB, “Jodie embodied this year’s theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” in custom Burberry. To compliment the texture and deep merlot, I created her makeup look using similar tones.” The makeup coupled with the hat, just really did it for us!

Praise Be the Accessory: The Holy Grail of Cool

The actress offered a heartfelt tribute to the iconic André Leon Talley, whose influence permeated the event. She carried a church fan adorned with his portrait. A poignant gesture acknowledging his enduring legacy and the profound sense of belonging he fostered within the fashion world. This accessory served as a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect for a figure who shaped the very fabric of the Met Gala and the industry at large.

Pinned to Perfection: Venus’s Crown of Tenacity

Celebrity hairstylist Araxi Lindsey collaborated with Eco Style to create a striking hairstyle for the tennis star at this year’s Met Gala. Lindsey used the Eco Style Braids and Beyond collection, known for its extra-moisturizing Olive Oil-based formulas. They define, secure, and nourish hair from braids to the scalp, to achieve the look.

Backpack Symphony: Andre’s Marching to His Own Beat

The Outkast alum clearly has the keys to the Met Gala. At the benefit, the musician made a notable entrance with an outfit that served dual purposes as a statement and promotion. The event aligned with the debut of his instrumental piano album, “7 piano sketches.” In an Instagram post, he characterized the album as “improvisations” and shared a sketch of himself wearing a variation of his Met Gala attire. This piano-focused album is a follow-up to a previous one centered entirely on the flute.

The Hat Had Range: Mary J. Went Full Sculpture Mode

“When I tried the cream with the pinstripes and the big shoulders, I was like, Oh, this is Mary J. Blige to the 10th power,” the queen told Vogue. Her custom Stella McCartney bespoke suit look was completed with a custom wire fedora from Stephen Jones Millinery. Celebrity hairstylist Tym Wallace crafted Mary J. Blige’s Met Gala look with a bespoke 40-inch “Blondie Wig” from True Hair Co. The wig was expertly colored using Dark and Lovely Fade Resist to achieve a flawless, long style.

Mother of Slay: Rih’s Hat Trick of Maternity Chic

Last but not least, Rihanna stole the show yet again with not one but two stunning accessories. The first being her newly announced baby bump, making the star a soon-to-be mother of three. Rihanna’s dramatic headpiece was a seamless blend of opulence and her signature edge. This marked her triumphant return to the 2025 Met Gala alongside her partner and Gala Co-Chair, A$AP Rocky. This appearance delivered one of her most unforgettable Met moments as her face was shaded by an oversized custom Marc Jacobs x Stephen Jones hat. She collaborated with longtime friend and celebrity hairstylist Yusef Williams to deliver a bold statement braid achieved with a custom 42″ Naomi Lacefront Wig by True Hair Co.