Manhattan is on fire! Just hours before the 2025 Met Gala ignites the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the city is already throbbing with bold pre-carpet style. Stars are saluting this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with its “Tailored for You” dress code, turning every sidewalk into a teaser runway.
Early arrivals and party entrances have already pushed the style bar higher: Anne Hathaway delivered tailored Hollywood polish, Sabrina Carpenter swept by in baby-blue chiffon, Ariana DeBose mixed modern edge with classic finesse, and Rosalía rocked a flowing skirt teamed with a Placebo-nod tee.
The excitement keeps rising, with Latino powerhouses Cardi B, Shakira, Karol G, and more poised to steal the spotlight tonight.
Scroll on to see who’s already owning New York as we count down to the main event.
© The Hapa BlondeRosalía
Rosalía checked into her New York hotel before the Met Gala with her spunky signature style. The Spanish singer caught eyes in a white tee with the words “Protect me from what I want,” - a song title from the band Placebo - which she wore with a softly draped cream skirt.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupRihanna
Rihanna headed the star-studded guest list at Anna Wintour’s intimate pre-Met Gala dinner, showing off a freshly cinched waist in a sharp jacket-and-trousers set topped with a bold red blouse.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupSerena Williams
Tennis icon Serena Williams looked stunning at New York’s Moda Operandi pre-Met Gala, stepping out in a glamorous long white feathered gown.
© Jason Howard/Bauer-GriffinPharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams arrived at Anna Wintour’s pre-Met Gala soirée in an almost head-to-toe khaki ensemble, offset by a green shirt for a splash of color and accented with Louis Vuitton accessories.
© AeonAnne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway turned heads at the Versace × Moda Operandi cocktail, exuding pure glamour in a black-and-white Versace ensemble topped off with sleek cat-eye shades.
© The Hapa BlondeSabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter lit up the Versace × Moda Operandi cocktail in a figure-hugging baby-blue Versace gown with a sky-high slit, finishing the look with nude heels.
© The Hapa BlondeAriana DeBose
Ariana DeBose suited up for the Versace × Moda Operandi pre-Met Gala cocktail in a sharp blazer-dress, pairing the look with dainty silver heels and a gleaming metallic bag.
© AeonDonatella Versace
Donatella Versace commanded the Moda Operandi pre-Met Gala cocktail in a vivid hot-pink suit layered over a yellow shell-print blouse, finishing the punchy palette with fuchsia platform heels and coordinating shades
© AeonLaura Harrier
Laura Harrier brought sweet-meets-sexy flair to Moda Operandi’s pre-Met Gala cocktail at The Twenty Two Hotel, stepping out in a candy-pink babydoll dress and classic black pumps.
© TheStewartofNYNicky Hilton Rothschild
Nicky Hilton Rothschild stepped into the Johnnie Walker × Olivier Rousteing pre-Met Gala party in Chelsea wearing a velvet-zebra–patterned LBD, black pumps with gleaming gold heels, and a sleek ponytail that framed her sexy, pulled-back look.
© Craig BarrittLupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong’o stole the spotlight at the Johnnie Walker × Olivier Rousteing pre-Met Gala soirée in Chelsea, turning heads in a sleek long-sleeve gown of bold black-and-white stripes.
© The Hapa BlondeHunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer kept it cute and elegant at the Johnnie Walker × Olivier Rousteing pre-Met Gala party in Chelsea, opting for a sequined black-and-silver mini dress, a neat updo, and a minimalist clutch.
© Craig BarrittPriyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas brought classic cocktail glamour to the Johnnie Walker × Olivier Rousteing pre-Met Gala party in Chelsea, glimmering in a floor-length black dress and strappy heels.
