Olivier Rousteing took tailoring to church at the 2025 Met Gala with a mini-collection that screamed couture craftsmanship and historical homage. For this year’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style theme, Rousteing let the artistry of the atelier take centre stage—rulers, mannequins, jockeys and all. Five stars, five very different stories, one unapologetically Balmain vision.

Dot your silhouette and cross your corset

Priyanka Chopra was the picture of retro glamour in her custom Balmain polka-dot skirt suit, reimagined from Pierre Balmain’s original 1952/53 collections. The cinched peplum jacket flowed seamlessly into a floor-length skirt, dripping in old-school haute couture energy. Styled with a wide-brimmed hat, it felt undeniably My Fair Lady—Eliza Doolittle goes to the Met, and she slays. Bvlgari jewels and Jimmy Choo Anouk pumps completed her look.

Measuring tape, but make it fashion

Jenna Ortega’s silver metal custom Balmain dress wasn’t just a look—it was a love letter to the behind-the-scenes magic of fashion. Made entirely of tailoring tape and metallic rulers, it sculpted her like a walking bust form. It’s giving “toolbox siren”—equal parts workshop and red carpet. Avant-garde, industrial, and very elegant. Grown Brilliance, Hearts On Fire Jewelry and Christian Louboutin Nenecheritza platforms completed her look.

Dress form, transformed

Rosalía leaned into high drama and precision with her custom Balmain look featuring a sculptural bodice molded in glossy, flocked silicone to mimic a Stockman mannequin which can be found in every couture house. It was unapologetically custom, topped off with a faille skirt that wrapped her body like a Grecian statue. A couture metaphor done right.

Jockey meets gentleman of the Belle Époque

Jeremy O. Harris was in full storytelling mode with his homage to legendary Black jockey James Winkfield. In a dandyish blue satin jacket and crisp white trousers, complete with a lavallière bow, his look merged Black excellence, equestrian heritage, and theatre with beautiful finesse. A perfectly tailored Balmain performance.

Too much fabric, not enough flair

Patrick Schwarzenegger, sadly, didn’t rise to the occasion. While the pinstripes had promise, the Fall 2025 Balmain suit just didn’t sit right—he was lost in the excess fabric below the belt. A more commanding presence might’ve carried it, but here, it felt like the suit wore him.

Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images / John Shearer/WireImage / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.