Every year, the first Monday of May is etched into fashion calendars worldwide, thanks to the iconic Met Gala — a dazzling convergence of art, celebrity, and couture. Held at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this exclusive event defines fashion history and showcases thematic brilliance. For 2025, that tradition continues with the gala returning in full flair on May 5, but not without noteworthy absences from its elite guest list.

Donald and Melania Trump Removed from the Guest List

In a revelation that has stirred political and celebrity circles alike, former US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have reportedly been excluded from the Met Gala 2025 guest list. While this may not come as a surprise to fashion insiders, it marks a continuation of a long-standing decision by Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and the de facto gatekeeper of the event.

The incident traces back to a 2017 episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden, where Wintour was asked to name a guest she would never invite back to the gala. Her response: “Donald Trump.” The declaration was met with cheers and applause, underscoring the fashion world’s broad sentiments toward the former president.

Despite once being regular attendees—Trump even proposed to Melania at a Met Gala event—the couple has since been blacklisted. Trump’s polarising political persona and controversial public image are believed to be contributing factors to this decision.

More Celebrities Reportedly Banned

The Trump family is not alone in facing exclusion. According to The Independent, other notable celebrities have also found themselves on the Met Gala’s unofficial “banned” list.

• Ivanka Trump: Last seen attending the Met Gala in 2016, she has not returned since her father’s ban was publicly announced.

• Lili Reinhart: The Riverdale star stirred controversy when she publicly criticised Kim Kardashian for undergoing extreme dieting to wear Marilyn Monroe’s dress in a previous Met Gala. Reinhart herself admitted in an interview with W Magazine, “I don’t think I’ll be invited back.”

• Tim Gunn: The fashion commentator allegedly fell out of favour after recounting an embarrassing story about Wintour being carried down five flights of stairs by bodyguards, leading to an ongoing feud.

These exclusions highlight the Met Gala’s curated exclusivity, where not only fashion but public persona and alignment with event values play key roles.

Black Dandyism Takes Centre Stage at Met Gala 2025

The theme for Met Gala 2025 embraces a unique and culturally significant fashion movement: Black dandyism. Known for its elegant defiance of norms, the aesthetic fuses tailored sophistication with expressive individuality, often as a statement of Black cultural pride and historical recontextualisation.

This year, the gala aims to honour and elevate Black dandyism as more than a stylistic choice—it’s being positioned as a rich cultural narrative deserving of global attention.

Leading the charge is Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe, who sits on this year’s host committee. Monáe has long incorporated dandy fashion elements into her signature look, often using fashion as a tool for social commentary and identity expression.

“It’s always important to educate and reeducate to the world as much as we possibly can through art and through our greatness,” Monáe shared, encapsulating the spirit behind this year’s Met Gala theme.

Fashion as Political and Cultural Commentary

The inclusion of Black dandyism and the exclusion of divisive public figures demonstrate the increasingly political nature of the Met Gala. Under Anna Wintour’s stewardship, the event has grown to be more than just a fundraiser—it’s a cultural barometer, reflecting the changing ethos of the times.

From fashion choices to guest lists, everything at the Met Gala is meticulously crafted to align with contemporary discourse, whether that’s about inclusivity, representation, or challenging status quos.

Anna Wintour’s Iron Grip on the Guest List

It’s no secret that Anna Wintour wields immense influence over the Met Gala. While many celebrities yearn for an invitation, Wintour’s criteria often extend beyond fame. Behaviour, values, and how a person reflects the gala’s image matter significantly.

Her bold move in publicly denouncing Donald Trump, while rare for an event organiser of such stature, signals how fashion and ethics are increasingly intertwined. In the modern era, it’s not just about wearing the best gown—it’s also about being on the right side of history.

Cultural Evolution of the Met Gala

Once a relatively modest fundraiser, the Met Gala has evolved into a powerful platform. Each year’s theme is not only a celebration of artistic expression but also a mirror of current cultural conversations. From camp to Catholic imagination to now Black dandyism, the event highlights how fashion interacts with identity, power, and social movements.

Why Celebrity Exclusion Matters

Being left off the Met Gala guest list is more than missing a party—it’s a statement. In an age where celebrity status often confers social capital, exclusion from the Met Gala can dent reputations, spark media speculation, and fuel public debates. For figures like Trump, Reinhart, or Gunn, being banned reflects a broader industry consensus about values and acceptable behaviour.

Final Thoughts: Fashion with a Purpose

The Met Gala 2025 not only showcases glamour but also underscores the intersection of fashion, politics, and cultural heritage. As Black dandyism takes the spotlight, it offers a timely celebration of Black identity, pride, and resistance through fashion. Meanwhile, the carefully curated guest list reminds us that celebrity privilege isn’t absolute—values, respect, and representation matter.

The Current active IPO are Srigee DLM, Manoj Jewellers, Wagons Learning, Kenrik Industries.

The Closed IPOs are  Arunaya Organic, Ather Energy, Iware Supplychain Services.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.