Halle Berry, the acclaimed actress, revealed that she came close to debuting a daring alternative gown at the 2025 Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday in May. Although she ultimately graced the famed blue carpet in a sheer striped LaQuan Smith dress, Berry shared through Instagram that a dramatically different look nearly made it to the event, captivating her fans and the fashion world alike.
The alternative gown, also by LaQuan Smith, included a satin black bustier, a sharp plunging neckline, pronounced lapels, a drop waist, and a lace-up back that swept all the way down to the base of her spine. Completing the ensemble was an extravagant white mermaid skirt, cloaked in delicate black feathers, exuding both elegance and audacity. Berry’s potential outfit could have set the tone for high drama, especially with her carefully selected accessories: a tailored blazer with structured shoulders, an eye-catching feather headpiece, a classic black top hat, and a vintage-inspired cigarette holder.
Berry explained her fashion choice by noting,
emphasizing both her excitement and indecision over which look to pick for the star-studded fundraiser.
At the actual event, Halle Berry dazzled in LaQuan Smith’s chosen design, a dress that combined a plunging neckline with sheer black sequin stripes revealing her confidence and style. Her ensemble included a cropped black blazer, a chic black veil fascinator, and a stunning set of diamond Cartier jewelry, featuring a bold necklace and matching earrings. For beauty, Berry styled her hair in a sleek bun, opted for smoky eye makeup, bronze cheeks, and a matte nude lip, complementing the night’s glamorous atmosphere.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” drew inspiration from Monica Miller’s book exploring Black Dandyism and the artistry of Black diaspora fashion. The event was co-chaired by figures such as Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Anna Wintour, and LeBron James, and featured designs by Virgil Abloh and Grace Wales Bonner among others.
After the main affair, Halle Berry continued to surprise fans by visiting Raising Cane’s in her striking gown, bringing Met Gala elegance to the unexpected setting of a late-night fast-food stop. Her bold fashion choices and willingness to share behind-the-scenes moments underscore her influence and highlight the enduring excitement surrounding each Met Gala appearance.
Halle Berry’s reveal sparks conversation about personal style and risk-taking at one of fashion’s most anticipated events, suggesting that future galas may see even more stars embracing multiple or unexpected looks on the red carpet. The impact of her decision continues to resonate, affirming her legacy as an icon who both honors and challenges Met Gala traditions.
