At the 2025 Met Gala, Hailey Bieber arrived looking polished and poised in a sleek Saint Laurent blazer-style mini dress, sheer tights, and signature Tiffany & Co. jewelry. It was clean. It was minimal. It was undeniably her. But almost immediately, the internet had questions—not about her glam, but about the gala’s theme: Black Dandyism.
The theme paid tribute to an expressive fashion movement rooted in Black cultural identity, art, and resistance. Think flamboyance. Think high drama. Think historical influence. Hailey’s outfit? Well, it didn’t exactly scream “interpretative fashion.”
Video: Kendall Jenner & Hailey Bieber Are Matching Besties | Met Gala 2025 With Emma Chamberlain
The Met Gala thrives on bold statements, layered meanings, and visual storytelling. And 2025 was no exception. As other celebrities went full theatrical—some in velvet capes, others in custom corsets or embroidered coats—Hailey opted for her signature cool-girl minimalism.
Some fans appreciated her consistency. Others called her out for what they viewed as a missed opportunity. “Why come at all if you’re not participating in the theme?” one critic wrote on social media. Others were more forgiving: “Let her be. Not everyone wants to dress like they’re on Broadway.”
Here’s the thing: the Met Gala isn’t your average red carpet. It’s fashion with a capital F. And when the theme carries historical and cultural weight, the stakes are even higher. This wasn’t just about sparkle—it was about acknowledging a fashion tradition with deep cultural roots.
That’s why so many took issue with Hailey’s look. Not because it wasn’t stylish—it was—but because it felt disconnected from the evening’s message. A moment that called for cultural curiosity felt instead like brand loyalty.
Fashion insiders have long debated the balance between personal brand and thematic direction. Hailey, no doubt, stayed on-brand. She’s known for clean lines, neutral tones, and an “effortless chic” vibe. And that’s exactly what she brought.
But at a themed event where every detail tells a story, staying safe can come off as tone-deaf. This wasn’t a typical gala—it was a platform meant to spotlight Black fashion history and creative expression. And many felt her outfit simply didn’t meet the moment.
Video: met gala 2025
Several stars stood out for embracing the theme with depth and flair. Demi Moore turned heads with a dramatic piece that nodded to 19th-century dandy fashion while incorporating modern texture and tailoring. Janelle Monáe went full conceptual, fusing music and fashion in her ensemble. They told stories. They leaned in. And it showed.
In comparison, Hailey’s look felt like a muted whisper in a room full of roaring statements.
There’s something to be said for simplicity. In a sea of costume-level fashion, Hailey’s minimalist outfit made her stand out in its own way. But that’s not the same as meeting the moment. Fashion purists argue that the Met Gala is one night where restraint is the wrong play. The whole point is to stretch, to dramatize, to go beyond your comfort zone.
Minimalism might work on the streets of Paris, but on a carpet built for narrative and nuance, it runs the risk of falling flat.
Hailey Bieber looked incredible—there’s no doubt. But her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala sparked a valid discussion about fashion’s role in cultural participation. Sometimes, dressing the part is more than a style choice. It’s a show of respect.
Whether she misunderstood the assignment or chose to redefine it, one thing’s certain: she got people talking. And in fashion, that’s always worth something.
