NEW YORK Halle Berry returned to the MET GALA 2025 on Monday, appearing on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a sheer LaQuan Smith gown paired with striking Cartier jewelry. This marked Berry's first attendance at the annual event since 2017.
Berry wore a striped mesh and black gown detailed with embroidered beads, a look the designer described as combining "sexy Bond girl meets Harlem Renaissance." The ensemble included a cropped tuxedo jacket, a black net veil, and black strappy heels. Designer LaQuan Smith indicated the combined looks for Berry and fellow attendee Ciara required over 2,000 hours of work over three months.
Accompanying the gown was silver Cartier High Jewelry, featuring a Cartier Tsagaan snow leopard necklace adorned with over 31 carats of diamonds. The necklace alone required over 1,000 hours to create. Matching earrings took an additional 300 hours. Berry commented that the jewelry's "clean, geometric lines" and contrast complemented the event's theme.
The 2025 MET GALA centered on the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The dress code was “Tailored for You.” The Costume Institute exhibition, curated by Andrew Bolton, explores Black style and dandyism from the 18th century to the present.
The event's leadership included co-chairs like Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour. LeBron James served as honorary chair. Simone Biles, Jonathan Owens, Doechii, Regina King, Spike Lee, and Usher were among members of the host committee.
Berry's previous MET GALA attendance was in 2017, where she made her debut in a sheer black Atelier Versace jumpsuit with gold appliqués. That year honored designer Rei Kawakubo.
Beyond the Met Gala, Berry's fashion choices have often garnered attention. Her 2002 Elie Saab gown worn when she won an Academy Award is now part of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures collection. She wore a strapless Christian Siriano gown at the 2025 Oscars.
Berry has spoken about wanting recognition for more than her physical appearance, noting in a September interview that being focused on for her looks feels like a "hollow win."
"It’s the consideration for these smallest details–understanding how we can bring elements of sharp tailoring into every aspect of the look–that makes the Met Gala such an exciting event to be a part of,” Berry stated about her 2025 appearance.
