Ahead of the Met Gala 2026, revisit the best-dressed men in the event’s history, from fashion legends like André Leon Tally, Dapper Dan and Alexander McQueen to superstars such as Jackson Wang, Bright Vachirawit, Johnny Suh, Stray Kids and Harry Styles.
The first Monday in May is just around the corner. That means anyone who’s anyone in fashion and entertainment will flock to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to attend the Met Gala.
Dubbed American fashion’s biggest night out, the annual charity event celebrates the opening of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition at New York’s landmark Metropolitan Museum of Art. The fundraiser reunites Hollywood A-listers, sportspeople, designers and VIP guests to support costume conservation efforts. Dressed to the nines, attendants adhere to a theme and dress code based on the exhibition’s subject.
Fashion Meets Art
This year, the Costume Institute’s forthcoming exhibit will spotlight the relationship between clothing and the body. Titled “Costume Art,” the display will explore the connection between art and clothing, as well as universal bodily experiences. Featuring nearly 400 objects from the museum collection, the exhibition will be organized into thematic body types that encompass classic body archetypes in art, such as “the naked body,” “the anatomical body” and “the mortal body.”
The corresponding Met Gala dress code, “Fashion is Art,” is a direct reference to the exhibition’s focus on clothing as art. The theme allows guests to explore different iterations of the clothed body throughout history, drawing parallels with art and expressing their personal approach to fashion.
Thanks to this year’s emphasis on art; fashion and pop culture enthusiasts can expect big moments on the steps of the Met. And though the likes of Beyoncé, Lisa and Teyana Taylor will likely elicit conversations with their style, men and menswear are expected to step into the spotlight with (rumored and confirmed) notable guests such as Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello and Heated Rivalry stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams.
Ahead of the big night, No Manners Magazine takes a trip down memory lane to revisit memorable menswear moments at the Met Gala. Keep scrolling to see the best-dressed men in Met Gala history, from fashion trailblazers like André Leon Tally and Alexander McQueen to superstars like Bad Bunny, A$AP Rocky and Jackson Wang.
André Leon Tally, 1999, “Rock Style”
Vogue editor and Black style legend André Leon Tally made quite a few big entrances to the Met Gala. Among his most iconic looks was a custom Gucci ensemble designed by Tom Ford. The tailored outfit, adorned with golden embroidery and statement jewelry, perfectly encapsulated the “Rock Style” theme that informed the 1999 Met Gala.
Alexander McQueen, 2006, “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion”
Honoring the “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion” theme, late designer Alexander McQueen made headlines with his arrival at the 2006 Met Gala. McQueen stepped out in New York alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, clad in a modernized iteration of the Scottish kilt, styled with a tailored jacket and tartan sash. It was McQueen’s first and last Met Gala attendance.
André 3000, 2008, “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”
As a torchbearer of Black fashion, Outkast’s André 3000 has showcased his style acumen at the Met Gala on various occasions. In 2008, the singer arrived at the “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”-themed red carpet, dressed in a white tuxedo jacket paired with a bowtie and a straw boating hat. We’re still thinking about it.
Zayn Malik, 2016, “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”
British singer Zayn Malik made his Met Gala debut on the 2016 red carpet. To channel the “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” theme, Malik wore a sleek Versace suit enhanced with metallic sleeves. He served fashion, he served drama and most importantly, he stole the show.
Chadwick Boseman, 2018, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”
Black Panther star Chadwick (Chad) Boseman made Met Gala history with his appearance at the 2018 fundraiser. The actor reimagined the theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” with a white get-up courtesy of Versace. Between the bold fit and baroque details, the actor easily left a mark as one of the best-dressed men in the event’s history.
Dapper Dan, 2019, “Camp: Notes on Fashion”
Legendary Harlem tailor Dapper Dan needs no introduction. The style pioneer has showcased his Dandy lookbook at every event worth talking about and the Met Gala is no exception. In 2019, the fashion figure made an appearance at the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” gala, dressed in a red frock coat with floral embroideries, layered on top of a bow shirt and black tailored pants. The highlight was undoubtedly the pair of dark glasses framing his face. In 2025, the world watched him rock the Met Gala red carpet again as part of the event’s host committee.
Harry Styles, 2019, “Camp: Notes on Fashion”.
Poster boy of modern-day menswear, Harry Styles, made history in 2019 when he co-chaired the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” Met Gala. The British singer put an androgynous twist to the dress code in head-to-toe Gucci — high heels and sheer top included. The look will go down in history as it spearheaded the naked dressing trend dominating fashion in the 2020s and set a precedent for men getting campy and fun on the red carpets.
Justin Bieber, 2021, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”
Canadian singer Justin Bieber returned to the Met Gala with a bang in 2021. In addition to shutting down the event with a super exclusive performance, the star stole the spotlight with his outfit choice. Always the man of the hour, Bieber opted for a black tailored look featuring a cropped jacket and wide-legged pants, a silhouette that has been widely popular in the 2020s.
Timothée Chalamet, 2021, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”
If we talk about men owning the Met Gala red carpet, we can’t leave out Timothée Chalamet. The actor has pushed the boundaries of style with buzzy appearances, and his attendance at the Met Gala was no different. In 2021, the Dune star put a sporty spin on red carpet dressing, clad in a Haider Ackermann look that combined a tuxedo jacket with sweatpants and Converse shoes.
Johnny Suh, 2022, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”
K-pop star Johnny Suh took the best of his style repertoire to the Met Gala red carpet in 2022. The Chicago native opted for a modern three-piece suit worn sans shirt, paired with heeled boots and a hearthrob hairstyle. Suh’s effortless but classy take on the Gilded Age dress code made him the most-talked-about celebrity of the night. And for good reason, Suh became the first K-pop boy band member to attend the event since the turn of the decade.
Evan Mock, 2022, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”
There’s not a time fashion darling Evan Mock won’t bring out the best of his style book to the red carpet, but his attendance at the 2022 Met Gala was extra special. The actor, model and entrepreneur spotlighted the up-and-coming brand Head of State with a corseted two-piece suit. Mock was totally on theme, channeling the Gilded Age dress code, but also adhering to his personal brand of cool.
Jackson Wang, 2023, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”
Music powerhouse Jackson Wang paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala. Channeling the designer’s signature style, Wang donned a black Louis Vuitton suit paired with a two-toned hairstyle. The singer nailed the look, adding Lagerfeld’s trademark accessories: leather gloves and dark sunglasses. The cherry on top? a Cartier Tank watch and matching high-end jewelry.
Pedro Pascal, 2023, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”
All eyes were on Chilean actor Pedro Pascal (and his legs) when he stepped on the 2023 Met Gala red carpet. Departing from the black-and-white looks that dominated the night, Pascal took a Valentino red outfit to American fashion’s biggest night. The look, taken straight from the Fall-Winter 2023 collection, had it all: color, attitude and the potential to reach internet virality. It isn’t any wonder Pascal’s arrival became one of the night’s buzziest moments.
Cai Xukun, 2023, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”
Prada ambassador Cai Xukun—rightfully introduced by the brand as a “celebrity super-influencer”—made a style statement at the 2023 Met Gala with a crystal-studded ensemble. The actor looked absolutely dashing, dressed in custom Prada (dress pants and a white shirt topped by a coat dripping in crystals). The actor complemented the look with a nod to his heritage: a foling fan featuring Chinese calligraphy.
A$AP Rocky, 2023, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty”
Although American rapper A$AP Rocky is best recognized for the quilted cape he sported to the 2021 Met Gala, his outfit for the 2023 event was just as (if not more) stylish. The star made a statement on the red carpet with basic wardrobe staples (think white shirt, black blazer and denim), paired with a red plaid skirt and belt stacking — a style hack that wasn’t nearly as popular as it is today.
Bad Bunny, 2023, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”
As a Met Gala regular over the past few years — he even co-chaired the 2024 event — Puerto Rican hitmaker Bad Bunny has had plenty of chances to flaunt his style dexterity. While he never misses the mark, in 2023, the “DtMF” singer sported one of his best looks to date — a white backless suit and matching eight-meter cape designed by Simon Porte Jacquemus.
Lewis Hamilton, 2024, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton is a certified fashionista, so his Met Gala looks are always highly anticipated. The racing driver didn’t disappoint with his 2024 attendance. Clad in a Burberry suit and velvet overcoat, Hamilton set the bar high for his next attendance as the event’s co-chair.
Bright Vachirawit, 2024, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
In 2024, actor and singer Bright Vachirawit became the first Thai entertainer invited to the Met Gala. The star, one of Burberry’s best-known brand ambassadors, wore a black tailored look accentuated with a gold mesh tank top. According to Burberry, Bright’s outfit was inspired by royal attire to channel the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme.
Colman Domingo, 2024, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
In 2025 actor Colman Domingo debuted as a Met Gala co-chair, but this wasn’t the first time he stepped on the iconic stairs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2024, the actor sported one of the night’s best looks, a white and black suit that paid homage to Black icons André Leon Tally and Chad Boseman.
Stray Kids, 2024, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
South Korean octet Stray Kids made history as the first-ever K-pop group to attend the Met Gala (collectively). Embodying the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme, the group turned the red carpet into a catwalk. Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N, who serve as Tommy Hilfiger ambassadors, sported coordinated suits in the brand’s signature colors: red, blue and white, perfectly exemplifying the marriage between personal style and brand representation.
Bad Bunny, 2025, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
In 2025, Bad Bunny returned to the steps of the Met to celebrate the first exhibition dedicated to Black style in more than 20 years. The Puerto Rican powerhouse honored his roots with a brown Prada suit and accessories that paid tribute to his homeland’s country folk and Jíbaro culture. Everything about it was iconic, from the raffia tie and rope belt to the Pava hat created by Puerto Rican hatmaker Neysha de León.
Shah Rukh Khan, 2025, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
Screen royalty Shah Rukh Khan cemented his place as one of the world’s best dressed men at the Met Gala 2025. His long overdue red carpet debut at the event featured a monochrome outfit by fellow Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Marrying elements of traditional clothing and modern tailoring, the look brought Indian craftsmanship to the fore with the sort of refinement and edge only Shah Rukh Khan could pull off.
S.COUPS, 2025, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
K-pop singer S.COUPS found the perfect way to incorporate his heritage into the the event’s theme in 2025. The SEVENTEEN singer, who made his Met Gala debut with the German clothing brand Boss, nodded to South Korea’s history, dressed in an ensemble inspired by the country’s national costume. Drawing elements from the Hanbok, the tailored look was a clever way to reimagine the “Tailored for You” dress code.
Diljit Dosanjh, 2025, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
No stranger to pushing the boundaries of music, fashion and entertainment, Punjabi musician Diljit Dosanjh entered the Met Gala hall of fame with his 2025 attendance. For the occasion, Dosanjh went all out in a Prabal Gurung design that featured an ivory sherwani with matching cape and a turban. Inspired by Sir Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala, the look came together thanks to the opulent jewelry, which included a Golecha necklace inspired by a Cartier piece from the prince’s personal collection.
Author’s note: This article was originally published on May 4, 2025.
