The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — the Met Gala.

Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the Met has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians, we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.

Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the new exhibition inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, which set the tone — delving into the cultural significance of tailored garments in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. The associated dress code was ‘Tailored for You’, highlighting the artistry of Black dandyism, showcasing how Black individuals have historically used fashion as a form of self-expression and resistance.

Notable attendees, including co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, honoured the theme with bespoke ensembles that paid homage to the rich tradition of Black sartorial elegance.

Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.