Met Gala 2025: How a flower from Greek mythology became the star of fashion’s biggest night
No one expected a flower to steal the show at the 2025 Met Gala, but that’s exactly what happened. Forget the usual red carpet. This year, guests floated into the Metropolitan Museum of Art on a deep midnight-blue carpet scattered with dreamy white and yellow daffodils.Not a random floral choice, mind you—this was a poetic move.
The flower? The Narcissus—aka the daffodil. The artist behind the carpet, Cy Gavin, pulled inspiration from the ones growing near his studio in upstate New York. But it wasn’t just about spring vibes. Gavin tapped into the Greek mythology behind the flower. You know the one—Narcissus, the guy who was so obsessed with his own reflection, he fell in love with it and basically faded into nothing. Dark? Totally. But also... kinda perfect for fashion’s most self-aware night.
Gavin’s idea was brought to life by set designer Derek McLane and event planner Raúl Àvila, turning that myth into a literal runway moment. His painting, Untitled (Sky), where narcissus flowers looked like glowing stars, was also projected at the event, The Vogue reported. Suddenly, this wasn’t just a carpet—it was a whole vibe about self-reflection, identity, and how we see ourselves.
Let’s rewind a sec. In case you missed mythology class: Narcissus was the original heartbreaker. Gorgeous, aloof, and totally uninterested in love—until he saw himself in a pool of water and couldn’t look away. Classic “it’s not you, it’s me” energy, right? In some versions, he dies staring at himself, and in that very spot, a narcissus flower grows. Hence, the name—and the metaphor.
Fast forward to 2025, and this little daffodil isn’t just about vanity anymore. These days, it’s more about growth, rebirth, and self-awareness. So when the Met Gala leaned into that symbolism? It made sense. Because if there’s one night where fashion turns philosophical, it’s this one.
This year’s theme was deeper than your average couture gown. The exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was a powerful celebration of 300 years of Black fashion, identity, and the legacy of Black dandyism. It pulled major inspiration from none other than the late, legendary André Leon Talley, whose presence was definitely felt throughout the night. The co-chairs this year were Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and A$AP Rocky—each of them known not just for their talents but for their unique sense of personal style.
Fashion moments?
Oh, there were plenty. Zendaya turned heads in a modern take on the zoot suit by Pharrell for Louis Vuitton. Diana Ross gave us pure diva realness with a gown that trailed for 18 feet. Teyana Taylor’s Marc Jacobs look gave a nod to Harlem’s legacy, while Lewis Hamilton wore a design by Grace Wales Bonner that spoke volumes without shouting. Even Sabrina Carpenter and Ayo Edebiri used their looks to challenge gender norms—sharp tailoring, bold silhouettes, and all the edge.
And yes, it rained. And yes, LeBron James had to skip the night due to an injury. But did that dampen the drama? Not a chance. The fashion kept coming. The symbolism hit hard. And that daffodil-covered carpet? It wasn’t just a backdrop for selfies—it told a story.
So whether you’re into mythology, red carpet looks, or just scrolling to see who wore what—this year’s Met Gala gave us more than fashion. It gave us a reminder: how we present ourselves is never just surface-level. It’s rooted in history, identity, and yes, sometimes a centuries-old myth about a guy who looked too long in the mirror.
And that’s what made Narcissus the true star of the night.
