The Met Gala may be famed for its couture theatrics and celebrity guest list. Still, this year’s event also served as a powerful celebration of Black identity, and African excellence took centre stage. With a theme that paid homage to “The Garden of Time” and “Tailoring Black Style,” the 2025 Met Gala brought together music, fashion, art and activism in striking harmony, and South African women played a starring role.
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From red carpet debuts to fashion house triumphs, African women’s presence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was impossible to ignore. Representing artistry, heritage, and innovation, these trailblazers didn’t just attend—they left their mark.
Tyla
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Tyla may be riding the wave of global fame after her Grammy win, but at the Met Gala, she stepped into an even more influential role. The 23-year-old South African singer was not only a guest—she was part of the official host committee, a prestigious group that helps shape the event’s direction. Tyla joined forces with industry giants like Simone Biles, Janelle Monáe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Spike Lee to bring the evening’s vision to life.
Her outfit, designed by Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, was a masterclass in thoughtful tailoring and cultural commentary. She wore a corseted poplin dress layered with an oversized pinstriped men’s shirt—each thread sparkling with crystal detailing. The look was a nod to André Leon Talley’s signature silhouettes, a wink to dandyism, and a celebration of androgyny in fashion.
Precious Moloi-Motsepe
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Making her Met Gala debut, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe turned heads in a floor-length gown from David Tlale’s Spring/Summer Collection. The medical doctor, philanthropist and founder of Africa Fashion International (AFI) attended not only as a guest but also as a driving force behind African fashion’s rising global profile. AFI was one of the sponsors of this year’s Gala, marking a major moment for the continent on the world’s most exclusive fashion stage.
“This is more than fashion—it’s the global recognition of African creativity and Black excellence,” she said during a pre-Gala interview.
Through her work with AFI, Moloi-Motsepe has championed emerging designers across the continent, with recent initiatives like Cape Town Fashion Week and Joburg Fashion Week cementing her reputation as a catalyst for change.
Thebe Magugu
Although not in attendance himself, South African designer Thebe Magugu had a major presence at this year’s Gala. Two of his custom couture looks walked the red carpet—one worn by Canadian fashion activist Aurora James, and the other by American heiress and model Ivy Getty. Both dresses showcased Magugu’s signature blend of intellectual fashion and heritage-driven design.
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James wore Magugu’s first-ever couture piece, a sculptural gown made of 12 metres of chemically crushed chiffon in a rich “thorn tree” brown. The ensemble was inspired by mid-century portraits of West African women and combined elegance with subversion, questioning the traditional boundaries of power dressing.
In an Instagram post, Magugu explained: “Black style has never been one thing. It’s a visual remix of ancestral textile, streetwear, church elegance and gender-fluid experimentation.”
A new era of African fashion influence
The Met Gala has often been criticised for its lack of diversity or for glossing over cultural nuances, but 2025 felt different. With African women leading conversations, curating style, and dictating visual narratives, the event moved beyond surface-level spectacle.
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Featured Image: Left to right | Instagram: @davidtlale / Instagram:
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