Kendall Jenner Pays Homage to the Harlem Renaissance at the 2025 Met Gala

The model stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet in a sharply tailored two-piece by designer Torishéju Dumi, blending Harlem Renaissance glamour with West African tradition.  

May 6, 2025 - 15:31
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Kendall Jenner Pays Homage to the Harlem Renaissance at the 2025 Met Gala

Kendall Jenner, like always, made quite the statement at the 2025 Met Gala. She arrived in custom Torishéju, wearing a look that, at first glance, might appear simply sleek and understated. But, on closer inspection, there's much more at play here, enlivened by a thoughtful fusion of classic tailoring and rich cultural storytelling.

Designed by London-based designer Torishéju Dumi, the two-piece suit features a tailored jacket with sculptural draping (that wraps around the waist and ties at the back). It draws inspiration from an old Nigerian tradition in tailoring. This technique creates the illusion of layered tailoring while keeping it in a single garment. The look was completed with a fishtail skirt that offered a chic elegance to the rest of the ensemble.

The design pays homage to Harlem Renaissance icons like Gladys Bentley and the glamour of 1920s Black women, while also nodding to Black dandyism, particularly timely for the theme. “This look is deeply personal to me,” Dumi shared in a statement, “as it expresses the versatility of Black Dandyism and what it means to a Black British woman. It challenges preconceived notions of how one should dress based on gender, race, or background.”

Styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, the look stood out in a sea of extravagance for its clean lines, and cultural symbolism—cementing Jenner's place as one of the night's most compellingly dressed guests. The look offers a fresh spin on classic menswear, reimagined through the lens of Dumi’s distinct and multifaceted perspective, with a feminine edge. 

Jenner arrived at the carpet solo after her ex Bad Bunny arrived and also walked it solo. Jenner's sister, Kylie Jenner, was also in attendance and seemingly opted out of a date night with Timothée Chalamet, despite their joint appearances at recent awards shows and more.