Why Telfar Clemens Didn't Accept His Invitation to the 2025 Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala was a celebration of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an ambitious theme honoring the legacy of Black fashion, dandyism, and sartorial rebellion. With Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, and Pharrell Williams serving as co-chairs, and designers like LaQuan Smith and Grace Wales Bonner making high-profile appearances, it seemed like the night would serve as a rightful spotlight on the culture-shaping work of Black designers. But one notable absence left fashion lovers and cultural critics alike with raised eyebrows: Telfar Clemens.

The designer, known for his radically inclusive vision and the cult-favorite Telfar shopping bag, did not walk the steps of the Met this year—and he made it clear it wasn’t due to a scheduling conflict. On the brand’s Instagram, Clemens posted a short video in which he introduces himself plainly on camera before saying firmly, “I will not be attending the Met Gala.” The rest of the video captures street protests outside the event, where activists spoke out against what they saw as hypocrisy in the Gala’s messaging.

“There’s no Black liberation without Palestinian liberation,” one protester said. Another added, “They are co-opting Black gifts and our Black art.”

Clemens’ absence—and the choice to center protest in his response—served as a pointed critique of how some events will tokenize Black creatives while failing to support true systemic change. Though the theme may have promised a celebration of Black fashion, and many were very satisfied with the night's outcome, Clemens’ video suggests he feels otherwise. 

By refusing to participate, Clemens sparked a conversation about who gets to benefit from Black style—and at what cost.