Charli XCX’s appearance at the 2025 Met Gala sparked a lively debate among fans online. One viewer wrote:
“Kinda underwhelming send her back,”
While another cheered:
“THE COLOSSAL SERVE???”
As she posed on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, her custom all-black look by Ann Demeulemeester merged sharp tailoring with gothic flourishes.
The Met Gala 2025 celebrated the Costume Institute’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition, which explores Black dandyism and the art of bespoke black fashion.
Fans shared both praise and playful criticism online
Some comments praised her appearance with lines like:
“She looks gorgeous”
"Omg mother,”
Others quipped:
“Like this if she looks a mess”
or simply “Pass,”
Highlighting the divide in reactions.
The mix reflects how Charli’s bold fashion choices often invite both cheers and jeers. Overall, the social media buzz highlighted the strong opinions that her look generated.
Her outfit was a custom creation by Ann Demeulemeester’s Stefano Gallici

Charli XCX selected Belgian label Ann Demeulemeester for its subversive take on tailoring and androgyny; working with designer Stefano Gallici on a Met Gala debut for the brand. The ensemble featured a sharply cut black blazer coat over a backless micro waistcoat, nodding to classic suiting.
Beneath, she wore fitted shorts that transitioned into a flowing feathered silk chiffon train, adding movement and drama. Gallici described the look as honoring the “Tailored for You” theme while staying true to Charli’s rocker persona.
The ensemble blended traditional suiting with witchy gothic details

A sheer black maxi skirt with a high slit revealed thigh-high leather boots, merging elegance with edge. Feather accents on the top and train infused a dark-romantic quality, invoking a sense of otherworldly allure.
Silver jewelry punctuated the monochrome palette, offering subtle contrast without breaking the black motif. This fusion of tailored lines and gothic flair reflected the gala’s theme and Charli’s personal style.
Charlie's hair and makeup highlighted the dramatic vision

Stylist Chris Horan and hairstylist Matt Benns crafted a messy updo, securing sculptural feathers as ear cuffs to extend the silhouette. Makeup artist Yasmin Istanbouli applied bronzed, minimal makeup using Valentino Beauty products, letting the outfit and headpiece remain the focal points.
The overall look balanced softness with the gothic theme, enhancing rather than overshadowing the ensemble. Together, hair and makeup completed a cohesive, darkly romantic statement.
The gala theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” shaped her choices

This year’s exhibition highlighted Black designers and wearers who have advanced the art of tailored black clothing. The “Tailored for You” dress code invited guests to marry bespoke tailoring with individual expression, which Charli accomplished through androgynous cuts and gothic ornamentation.
The Met Gala co-chairs indicated the evening’s cross-cultural appeal

The event was co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary chair. Their varied backgrounds in entertainment, sports, and media highlighted the gala’s role at the intersection of fashion and popular culture.
This leadership group reinforced the invitation for all attendees to interpret the theme through their creative lenses. The diverse chairs mirrored the exhibition’s celebration of Black artistry in tailoring.
Charli’s Met Gala walk came after her U.S. tour finale

Just days earlier, Charli XCX concluded her “Brat Summer 2.0” U.S. tour with four sold-out arena shows in New York City. The tight schedule showcased her ability to juggle demanding performance dates with major fashion engagements.
Fans attending her concerts saw a glimpse of her gothic flair on stage before she brought it to the Met steps. This crossover of music and fashion highlighted her multifaceted influence.
The feathered headpiece evoked a literal raven silhouette

Black feathers fanned out behind Charli’s head, creating bird-like wings that extended the gown’s dark motif. The structural quality of the headpiece lent a sculptural edge, transforming her silhouette into high-fashion drama.
This reference to gothic bird imagery ties back to her description of the look as:
“[Edgar Allan] Poe in a way, sumptuous and kind of rockstar,” Charlie summed it up when she spoke to Vogue.
The headpiece underscored the fearless creativity driving her red-carpet moments.