As the clock struck 7 pm on the first Monday of May, the fashion universe was set aflame by the arrival of Dua Lipa at the 2025 Met Gala. The British songstress stunned onlookers as she emerged from the velvet-draped entrance, her statuesque frame swathed in a show-stopping Chanel confection that was equal parts ethereal, extravagant, and tantalizingly tactile. It was an entrance that would be seared into the collective consciousness of fashion enthusiasts everywhere, and yet, it was the subtlest of details that truly set this look ablaze: the discreet, yet unmistakable, presence of Callum Turner by her side. As the paparazzi’s flashbulbs popped and the crowd’s collective gasp echoed through the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s hallowed halls, it was clear: this was a fashion moment that would be etched in the annals of Met Gala history.
Inspiration Behind the Look
In keeping with this year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Lipa and her stylist Lorenzo Posocco were inspired by dancer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker. “[She was] a woman who truly embodied the spirit of dandyism on and off-stage and whose legacy speaks to femininity, fearless expression, and resistance,” Posocco tells Unionjournalism. “It’s a black chiffon dress adorned with a fully embroidered corset, which was inspired by a photo that captivated Dua when we began our research with Unionjournalism contributor, Eric McNeal. The tweed jacket is a nod to Josephine’s play [with] masculinity and femininity. And the organza cape [is] for the performer, the drama of it all. Ultimately, we were captivated by Josephine Baker as she is one of the great Black female dandies. In so many ways, we found that the codes of Josephine were so relatable to the Chanel essence. It really was the perfect match.”
How Josephine Baker’s Style Influenced Dua Lipa’s Met Gala Look
The black chiffon dress adorned with a fully embroidered corset, the tweed jacket, and the organza cape all pay homage to Josephine Baker’s bold and daring sense of style. According to Posocco, the look was inspired by a photo of Josephine Baker that Dua Lipa found captivating. The dress, jacket, and cape were all carefully crafted to reflect Josephine’s playful and daring approach to fashion, which blended elements of masculinity and femininity. The result is a look that is both stylish and thought-provoking, reflecting the themes of femininity, fearless expression, and resistance that are central to Josephine Baker’s legacy.
Dua Lipa’s Chanel Look for the 2025 Met Gala Is Adorned With Feathers, Crystals… And Callum Turner – Vogue
The custom open-back chiffon dress, black sequin tweed jacket, and organza cape all adorned with crystals, pearls, and feathers added to the sense of drama of Dua Lipa’s 2025 Met Gala look. The complete look took 2,000 hours to make and features 45,000 embroidered elements, highlighting the remarkable level of craftsmanship on display.
In keeping with this year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Lipa and her stylist Lorenzo Posocco were inspired by dancer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker. “[She was] a woman who truly embodied the spirit of dandyism on and off-stage and whose legacy speaks to femininity, fearless expression, and resistance,” Posocco tells Vogue.
“It’s a black chiffon dress adorned with a fully embroidered corset, which was inspired by a photo that captivated Dua when we began our research with Vogue contributor, Eric McNeal. The tweed jacket is a nod to Josephine’s play with masculinity and femininity. And the organza cape is for the performer, the drama of it all. Ultimately, we were captivated by Josephine Baker as she is one of the great Black female dandies. In so many ways, we found that the codes of Josephine were so relatable to the Chanel essence. It really was the perfect match.”
Dua Lipa’s History with Chanel
A decade-long relationship: from the Chanel Boy bag to becoming a face of the Chanel 25 bag. Memorable Met Gala moments: Atelier Versace, archival Chanel haute couture, and Marc Jacobs. Exploring beyond Chanel: her style during Met Gala weekend and beyond.
Of course, Lipa’s relationship with the French fashion house goes way back: the star previously revealed how she splurged on the Chanel Boy bag after she got her first paycheck from her record label in 2014. Since then, she’s worn Chanel on countless occasions – including during her Radical Optimism tour, where she wore a bodysuit version of the chained dress originally seen on Christy Turlington on the maison’s spring/summer 1992 catwalk (Lily-Rose Depp later went on to wear the gown at the 2019 Met Gala) – and was announced as a face of the Chanel 25 bag earlier this year.
Lipa hasn’t been exclusively wearing Chanel for Met Gala weekend though, with the star also photographed in US brands Willy Chavarria and Calvin Klein while in the Big Apple. Could we see her championing another New York designer for the Met Gala after-parties? Watch this space.
Conclusion
As the curtains closed on the Met Gala, one thing was certain – her show-stopping ensemble was the talk of the town. Dua Lipa’s Chanel look, replete with feathers, crystals, and a dashing plus-one, Callum Turner, left fashion enthusiasts and critics in awe. This article dissected the intricacies of her outfit, from the delicate featherwork to the subtle yet striking presence of her actor beau.
The significance of this fashion moment lies not only in its sheer spectacle but in its reflection of the evolving nature of celebrity style. As red-carpet events become increasingly democratized, A-listers must push the boundaries of fashion to remain relevant. Dua Lipa’s daring choice solidifies her position as a style trailblazer, refusing to be bound by conventional norms. As we look to the future of fashion, it’s clear that the industry will continue to be shaped by the innovative and fearless choices of celebrities like Lipa.
