Friday 9th May 2025
Por inAfrika Reporter
British-Ghanaian fashion icon Ozwald Boateng OBE turned the 2025 Met Gala into a breathtaking celebration of heritage and innovation as he marked 40 years in fashion. Known for his masterful fusion of African identity and Savile Row tailoring, Boateng’s presence at this year’s Gala was nothing short of transformative. He dressed a dazzling lineup of cultural icons in custom looks that honored the past while embracing the future, all as part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest Costume Institute exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
Boateng’s red carpet showcase was a testament to his legacy. Jaden Smith wore a striking futuristic suit with oversized shoulders and wide-leg trousers, blending avant-garde fashion with ancestral symbolism. Tems redefined formalwear in a bold ball gown suit made from tribal jacquard, while Ncuti Gatwa brought vintage elegance in a gold silk jacket that radiated Harlem Renaissance glamour. Burna Boy made a regal entrance in a royal red tuxedo with a dramatic oxblood eel skin cape. Issa Rae exuded quiet power in a black three-piece suit detailed with the house’s tribal silk jacquard. Other standout looks included Ayra Starr in a tuxedo dress from Boateng’s 2022 “Black AI” collection, and Henry Golding in a gold silk three-piece suit woven with the Adinkra symbol for knowledge.
Boateng himself wore a commanding tribal jacquard suit that echoed his signature aesthetic of bold color, intricate pattern, and timeless structure. His wife, Hanna Hultberg, glowed in a tailored gown of vibrant hues, while their children, Oscar and Emilia, represented the next generation in custom designs that paid homage to their father’s bold legacy. Colin Kaepernick, Omar Sy, Hope Smith, and others also wore head-turning Boateng creations, each outfit a narrative crafted in silk, wool, and Kente cloth.
Reflecting on the night, Boateng described the experience as deeply personal. “This is my heart on the red carpet. Every stitch carries a story of heritage, rebellion, and joy. This Gala isn’t just about fashion—it’s about who we are and who we’ll become,” he said. His statement reflected the deeper meaning behind his presence at the Gala, tying together identity, resistance, and cultural celebration through design.
The Met’s exhibition itself, curated by Monica L. Miller, explores the legacy of Black dandyism and features several of Boateng’s archival pieces, including looks from his groundbreaking 2019 show at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. The exhibit opened with actor Coleman Domingo wearing a pink silk jacquard morning suit and matte black beret, setting a tone of pride and remembrance.
Boateng’s impact is further elevated through creative partnerships that bring added depth and sparkle to his work. Luxury jeweler Hirsh London collaborated on bold statement pieces that matched his vibrant aesthetic. Eline De Munck’s eyewear brand, Odette Lunettes, launched a full collection with Boateng, blending Savile Row precision with Antwerp cool. The result was a show-stopping fusion of craftsmanship and individuality that lit up the night.
Backing this creative explosion is Afreximbank, whose support underscores the growing importance of the African creative economy. The bank recently doubled its financial commitment to the global African creative sector to $2 billion. Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, highlighted Boateng’s 40-year celebration at the Met as a shining example of how African talent can be empowered to thrive globally. Through initiatives like the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), the bank continues to champion designers, artists, and visionaries across the continent, inspiring the next generation to dream even bigger.
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