Even the most scrutinized figures in fashion are not immune to a minor mishap. At the 2025 Met Gala, a single, small detail on an otherwise impeccable ensemble became an unexpected focal point for observers.
The event’s longtime chair, Anna Wintour, arrived in a meticulously crafted silver gown and light coat from Louis Vuitton, her look a collaboration with co-chair Pharrell Williams and a tribute to the late designer Virgil Abloh. Every element, from the floral embroidery to the signature bob hairstyle, was precisely curated. Yet, a faint red mark on the skirt’s hem captured widespread attention, with online commentators humorously speculating about its origin and joking about the potential fate of any staff member held responsible.
Wintour, who has overseen the gala for decades, spoke beforehand about the significance of this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which celebrates Black dandyism and cultural influence. For the first time, all event co-chairs were Black men—Williams, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and LeBron James—a historic milestone she highlighted as part of an ongoing commitment to support the Black fashion community.
She described the planning as “particularly meaningful and emotional,” noting the heightened sense of purpose behind the exhibition. In the final hours before the event, she admitted to a familiar sense of panic, quipping that “the train has left the station.”
While assisting the co-chairs with their own sartorial choices, Wintour praised one look as “a work of art.” Yet, in a twist of fate, it was her own gown, a symbol of tribute and precision, that ended up sparking a wave of playful chatter for a reason no one anticipated. The incident served as a reminder that on fashion’s biggest night, even the most controlled narratives can develop an unscripted detail.
