Hollywood’s biggest stars paid tribute to a groundbreaking icon at this year’s Met Gala. The 2025 event showcased numerous celebrities channeling Josephine Baker’s pioneering style and boundary-breaking fashion sense. Though the gala celebrated the Metropolitan Museum’s new exhibit on Black Dandyism, Baker’s influence dominated the red carpet.
Josephine Baker’s Iconic Style Takes Center Stage at Fashion’s Biggest Night
Josephine Baker, the legendary dancer, civil rights activist, and first Black woman to star in a major motion picture, received widespread homage at the 2025 Met Gala. Her experimental fashion approach and bold style choices proved timeless on fashion’s biggest night. The impact of her daring fashion statements clearly resonates with today’s biggest stars.
Just like the Black dandies featured in the Met’s exhibit, Baker fearlessly experimented with fashion throughout her career. Her versatile style included everything from glamorous gowns to sharp tuxedos. A historical postcard showing Baker in a tuxedo and top hat remains preserved at Yale University’s Beinecke Library.
Television Star Quinta Brunson Channels Baker’s Elegant Menswear
Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson told Vogue that Baker directly inspired her Met Gala outfit choice. Brunson arrived wearing a stunning suit that paid tribute to Baker’s boundary-crossing fashion legacy. Her ensemble captured Baker’s fearless approach to style.
Brunson also incorporated one of Baker’s signature hairstyles into her look. She sported a short cut with a single curl prominently displayed on her forehead. This distinctive Baker hairstyle appeared in multiple variations throughout the evening on other celebrities including Met Gala co-chair A$AP Rocky, pop star Dua Lipa, and tennis legend Venus Williams.
Sports and Music Icons Embrace the “Black Venus” Aesthetic
“Josephine Baker was known as the Black Venus,” Venus Williams explained during her red carpet interview. The tennis champion aimed to channel Baker’s legendary “elegance” through her Met Gala ensemble. Williams’ sophisticated look perfectly captured Baker’s timeless appeal.
Meanwhile, rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion took a different approach to honoring Baker. She styled her hair in the distinctive long cone-shaped ponytail that Baker famously wore while performing in Havana, Cuba. This unmistakable hairstyle immediately connected Megan’s appearance to Baker’s groundbreaking legacy.
Model Gigi Hadid Revives Vintage Baker Glamour
Supermodel Gigi Hadid arrived in a gold custom MiuMiu gown that paid clear tribute to Baker’s fashion history. Fashion experts quickly noted the striking resemblance to a Balmain dress that Baker wore during a 1951 photoshoot for the renowned fashion house. The golden ensemble dazzled photographers.
Hadid’s choice highlighted how contemporary designers continue drawing inspiration from Baker’s style portfolio. The parallel between these golden gowns, separated by over seventy years, demonstrates Baker’s enduring influence on high fashion. Her style sensibilities remain remarkably relevant in today’s fashion landscape.
Baker’s Fluid Fashion Identity Resonates with Modern Celebrities
Baker’s ability to move seamlessly between menswear and womenswear has made her a lasting queer style icon. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Baker had relationships with both men and women. Her fashion flexibility perfectly embodied her boundary-breaking approach to life.
The 2025 Met Gala proved that Baker’s influence remains powerfully relevant across the fashion landscape. From hairstyles to clothing choices, her creative spirit infused countless celebrity looks throughout the evening. The celebration of her legacy added a meaningful layer to fashion’s biggest night.
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