Honestly, the Simone Biles Met Gala journey is a lot like her gymnastics career. It’s basically a masterclass in defying expectations and carrying weight that would literally crush most people. When we talk about "fashion’s biggest night," we usually think of models gliding effortlessly up those massive steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But for Simone, those steps were actually more nerve-wracking than the Olympic vault.
It’s true. Anna Wintour herself recently shared that Simone confessed the blue carpet was more intimidating than the Olympics. Can you even imagine? A woman who survives the "twisties" and pulls off gravity-defying maneuvers felt more pressure in front of cameras in New York than on the world's biggest athletic stage.
The 88-Pound Statement: Why the 2021 Debut Still Matters
When Simone first showed up in 2021, she didn't just walk the carpet. She hauled it. Her custom AREA x Athleta outfit weighed a staggering 88 pounds. Let that sink in for a second. Simone weighs roughly 104 pounds. She was essentially wearing 85% of her own body weight in Swarovski crystals.
It wasn't just a dress; it was a three-in-one engineering feat. Underneath that massive, floor-sweeping skirt was a mini dress, and under that was a black catsuit featuring the Athleta logo.
- It took six men to help her move the train.
- Over 100 artisans worked on it.
- It took 6,650 hours to finish.
A lot of people think fashion is just about looking "pretty," but this was an athletic performance in its own right. The design was inspired by Josephine Baker, aiming to blend the world of high-glamour showgirls with the raw power of a Black female athlete. Some critics at the time thought it was "too much" for her 4'8" frame, but that was kinda the point. She was proving that she could carry the weight of an industry just as easily as she carries the hopes of Team USA.
Simone Biles Met Gala 2025: The "Superfine" Controversy
Fast forward to May 2025, and the vibe changed completely. This time, Simone wasn't just a guest; she was on the committee. She showed up with her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, and the internet had thoughts. The theme was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," based on the book Slaves to Fashion.
Simone wore a bright cobalt blue bustled minidress by Harbison Studio, called the "Seraphim" dress. It was bold. It had these glittering black ornaments and a massive Galaxy Cathedral Train.
Why the internet was divided
Social media can be brutal, let's be real. Some fans were confused by the proportions.
- The Length: A lot of people on Reddit and Twitter felt the dress was too short, even for Simone.
- The Tailoring: Critics pointed out puckered seams and argued it didn't do her athletic physique justice.
- The Comparison: Just days before, she had crushed it at the Kentucky Derby in a lavender dress that everyone loved, so the Met look felt like a "miss" to some.
But here’s the thing: Simone is clearly experimenting. She’s moving away from just being "the gymnast in a dress" and trying to find her footing in high fashion. Jonathan Owens actually leaned into the theme hard, wearing an all-white suit with a fur cape and a 119-carat aquamarine pendant. They looked like a total power couple, regardless of whether the "bubble trend" hemline worked for everyone.
Beyond the Carpet: The "Pregnancy" Rumors and AI Mess
You’ve probably seen the headlines. Every time Simone hits a red carpet now, the "baby bump" rumors start flying. It happened at the 2025 Met Gala, too. People were so convinced she was pregnant that she had to jump on Instagram to shut it down.
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"I am not pregnant, I never was pregnant... Please stop falling for AI," she told fans. It’s a weird reality of 2026—people see a slightly angled photo or an AI-generated edit and run with it. It’s a reminder that even when she's trying to enjoy the "ultimate date night" with her husband, she’s still under a microscope that has nothing to do with her double pikes.
Why Her Evolution Is Actually Inspiring
What most people get wrong about the Simone Biles Met Gala evolution is expecting her to fit a standard mold. She’s 4'8". She has massive shoulders and a tiny waist. Standard tailoring doesn't work for her.
She recently worked with Zac Posen for the 2025 ESPYs to create a gown made of Athleta fabric that was actually comfortable. She’s finally prioritizing her own comfort and "feel" over just looking like a traditional star. She’s admitted she used to just pick dresses off the rack with no alterations back in 2016. Now, she’s taking up space in the committee rooms.
Actionable Insights for Fashion Fans
If you’re looking at Simone’s journey for your own style inspiration, here are a few takeaways:
- Proportion is King: If you're petite, custom tailoring isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Simone's best looks are the ones where the hemline is adjusted specifically for her height.
- Comfort Equals Confidence: Simone’s shift toward "wearable" high fashion (like her 2025 ESPY gown) shows that if you aren't comfortable, you won't look confident.
- Ignore the "Rules": People told her the 88-pound dress was too heavy and the 2025 blue dress was too short. She wore them anyway.
The Simone Biles Met Gala story isn't over. Whether she's wearing 90 pounds of crystals or a controversial bubble skirt, she's proving that an athlete's body belongs in the halls of the Met just as much as any couture model's. She’s navigating a world that wasn't built for her proportions, and honestly, she’s sticking the landing more often than not.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
- Check out your local tailor to see how adjusting hemlines can change your silhouette, much like Simone had to do for her recent gala appearances.
- Research the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibit to understand the deeper cultural history behind the 2025 Met Gala theme.