Kendall Met Gala 2025: Why Her "Boring" Suit Was Actually a Genius Move

Kendall Jenner walked onto the Met steps this year and basically set the internet on fire—but maybe not for the reasons she expected. Usually, we're used to seeing her in something sheer, something sparkly, or something that barely covers the essentials. But for the Kendall Met Gala 2025 appearance, she did a complete 180.

Honestly, it was a vibe shift.

The theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and while half the red carpet was drowning in ruffles or trying way too hard, Kendall showed up in a custom gray skirt suit by Torishéju. Yes, a suit. At the Met Gala. If you think that sounds like she was heading to a board meeting instead of fashion’s biggest night, you aren’t alone in that thought. Twitter—er, X—had thoughts. Lots of them. But if you look closer at the history she was actually referencing, the look starts to make a lot more sense.

The Designer Most People Had to Google

Let’s talk about Torishéju Dumi.

Most people hadn't heard the name until Kendall posted her "get ready with me" content. Torishéju is a young Black British designer known for deconstructing traditional tailoring, which is exactly why this partnership mattered. Kendall told Vogue she specifically went on a "hunt" for a fresh, young designer. She wanted someone who could interpret the dandyism theme through a lens that wasn't just "man in a tuxedo."

The outfit featured a plunging neckline, a peplum-style tie-back top, and a floor-length skirt that moved like liquid. It was a feminine take on the classic suit jacket. No pants. Just sharp, architectural lines. It was a massive departure from her 2024 "vampire" Givenchy archival look that had everyone talking about butt cutouts. This was more... restrained.

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The Gladys Bentley Inspiration

The real depth here comes from the Muse. According to the brand, the ensemble took its cues from Gladys Bentley.

If you aren't a Harlem Renaissance buff, Bentley was a legendary Black blues singer who famously performed in a white tuxedo and top hat. She challenged every gender norm of the 1920s. By wearing a suit that was stripped of its "masculinity" and turned into a sculptural gown, Kendall was nodding to that history of using tailoring to reclaim identity.

Did it land for everyone? Not exactly.

Some critics called it "corporate-core" or "underwhelming." There were even some eagle-eyed fashion nerds on Reddit claiming the construction looked a bit rushed, pointing out what they thought was "fusible interfacing" at the front. Whether that’s true or just internet nitpicking, the intentionality was definitely there. She wasn't trying to be the loudest in the room; she was trying to be the most "tailored."

That Chopard Ice

You can’t go to the Met in a gray suit and not bring the sparkle. Kendall balanced the "minimalist" suit with enough diamonds to fund a small country.

• The Jewelry: Multi-strand diamond choker and matching drop earrings from Chopard.
• The Glam: Makeup artist Mary Phillips kept things soft—signature "underpainting" technique, obviously—and swapped Kendall’s usual bob for longer, loose waves.
• The Vibe: It felt very Audrey Hepburn meets 1920s Harlem.

The contrast was the point. The "Superfine" part of the theme refers to the quality of fabric and the "attitude" of feeling good in your skin. Kendall looked comfortable. In the world of the Met Gala, where people are literally being carried up stairs because they can’t walk in their dresses, "comfortable" is a power move.

The After-Party: Vintage Mugler Drama

If the red carpet look was the "professional" Kendall, the after-party was where the drama actually lived. She didn't stay in the gray suit for long.

She swapped the Torishéju for a vintage Manfred Thierry Mugler suit from the Fall 1999 "La Vie en Rose" collection. This was a moment. It was a black, kinetic suit with a sculpted neckline that basically framed her face like a piece of art.

And the hat?

She wore a satellite-style fascinator that was tilted so low it basically covered one eye. It was mysterious. It was chic. It was very "don't talk to me." While her sister Kylie was reportedly heading off to support Timothée Chalamet at an awards show in Rome, Kendall was busy owning the NYC after-party circuit.

Why This Look Will Age Better Than You Think

Fashion is fickle. Usually, the "big" dresses—the ones with the 20-foot trains—are the ones we remember for a week and then forget. But Kendall’s 2025 choice is part of a larger trend we’re seeing in 2026: the return of "The Row" aesthetic to the red carpet.

It’s about the cut, not the glitter.

A lot of people wanted her to go "bigger," especially given the rich history of Black dandyism. There’s a valid argument that she played it too safe for a theme that celebrates flamboyant, defiant style. But by choosing an emerging Black designer and focusing on the literal tailoring aspect of the theme, she stayed more "on-script" than the people who just wore pretty dresses.

Actionable Insights for Fashion Lovers

If you want to channel the Kendall Met Gala 2025 energy without spending $50k on a custom suit, here’s how to do it:

1. Embrace the Peplum: Structured, tailored tops are back. Look for versions in stiff fabrics like wool crepe or heavy linen to get that architectural look.
2. Monochrome is Key: Kendall stuck to a strict gray palette for the red carpet and all-black for the after-party. It makes even simple pieces look expensive.
3. Invest in One "Alt" Accessory: That tilted hat from the after-party changed the entire vibe. A structured beret or a sharp fascinator can turn a basic blazer into a "look."
4. Support Emerging Talent: Follow designers like Torishéju Dumi. The next big thing usually starts on a Met Gala mood board.

Kendall Jenner might have played it "quiet," but in a room full of noise, sometimes the person in the perfectly fitted gray suit is the one you end up staring at the longest.

Next Steps for Your Style Evolution:

Take a look at your own closet and identify one "power" piece—a blazer or a structured skirt. Instead of pairing it with something casual, try a monochrome "suit" look this week. Focus on the silhouette rather than the color. You might find that "boring" tailoring is actually the most confident thing you can wear.