Actress and comedian Ayo Edebiri made a memorable statement at the 2025 Met Gala, celebrating her Nigerian and Bajan roots through a custom Ferragamo ensemble designed by Maximilian Davis.
The floor-length white dress featured intricate red coral beading cascading from the shoulders down the front in multiple strands, paying homage to traditional Edo attire from Nigeria. Complementing the dress, Edebiri wore a black leather trench coat and sheer mesh gloves, combining classic tailoring with a bold, personal twist that aligned with the event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
On the red carpet, Edebiri revealed that her look was inspired by the men in her family, particularly her father and grandfather, whom she described as some of the most fashionable figures in her life. She shared that her father’s style ranges from power-clashing office wear to traditional Edo clothing worn at high-profile events, including his iconic wedding outfit featuring leather trousers and tuxedo tails.
This personal connection infused her outfit with deeper meaning, blending fashion with family heritage and cultural storytelling.
Edebiri’s beauty look was equally elegant, featuring a sculpted slicked-back bun with a kiss curl fringe, soft neutral eyeshadow, and perfectly defined lips. Hairstylist Jacob Aaron noted that her hairstyle was also a nod to her roots, completing the ensemble’s cultural resonance.
This appearance marked Edebiri’s second Met Gala, following her debut last year in a floral crochet Loewe gown. This year, she elevated her presence by joining the prestigious host committee alongside other luminaries such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Usher, Simone Biles, and Regina King. Edebiri has spoken about how red carpet moments allow her to express another side of herself, describing the experience as a collaborative extension of her personal style and artistic identity.
Her 2025 Met Gala look was widely praised for its masterful tailoring and cultural significance, solidifying Edebiri’s status as a rising style icon who deftly weaves heritage and high fashion. The ensemble not only celebrated Nigerian craftsmanship but also highlighted the power of fashion as a medium for storytelling and honoring family legacy on one of the world’s most prominent stages.
