Celebrating the history and transcendence of Black dandyism, this year’s Met Gala theme—Superfine: Tailoring Black Style—has certainly been one for the ages. Given that the Costume Institute’s exhibition stretches back 300 years, it makes sense that this year’s beauty looks were inspired by the past, with the 1940s enjoying a resurgence on the red carpet. A decade defined by neat pin curls and classic pompadours, the finer hair details sat alongside the exuberant ’20s kiss curls and finger waves that we also spotted floating into the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Leading the ’40s charge was Gabrielle Union-Wade, whose natural, lightly slicked-back tresses were masterminded by Donovan Blyden and decorated with a white floral hairpiece. Gigi Hadid’s blonde boudoir curls were a notable addition, the work of Dimitris Giannetos. Meanwhile, Jenna Ortega bounded up the steps with long, flowing waves with defined curtain bangs grazing her eyebrows, and Lana Del Rey sported layered pin curls, with honey-blonde accents twirled into a bob. Then there was Angela Bassett, whose teased-out, fluffy Afro was adorned with a sky-high hat.
Below, take a look at all the ’40s-inspired beauty moments from the 2025 Met Gala.
Lana Del Rey
Gabrielle Union-Wade
Jenna Ortega
Angela Bassett
Gigi Hadid
