Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent left an indelible mark on the Met Gala red carpet. Beyond the conversations about their outfits, being on the esteemed guest list and attending such a prestigious event speaks to the globalization of Nigerian talent. The Met Gala, which began in 1948, is an American fashion and charity event where funds are raised for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

A record number of people of Nigerian descent were in attendance this year, all dressed impressively in designer outfits from the world’s best designers, such as Givenchy, Tommy Hilfiger, Robert Wun, Ozwald Boateng, and many others. Their outfits reflected the theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” highlighting the inherent stylishness and dandyism of Black people. For instance, Tems incorporated her cultural roots with an Ankara gown, Ayo Edebiri used beads that reflect her Edo heritage, while Damson Idris channelled the sharp elegance of early 20th-century African Americans.

Feast your eyes on the style that Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage brought to the Met Gala:

Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfiger

 

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  Burna Boy in Ozwald Boateng

 

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Tems in Ozwald Boateng

Cynthia Erivo in Givenchy

 

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Shaboozey in Robert Wun

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in Prabal Grugung

Ayo Edebiri in Ferragamo

 

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Ego Nwodim in Christopher John Rogers

 

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Chioma Nnadi in Martine Rose

 

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Kwame Onwuachi in Eleven Sixteen

 

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