It’s the Super Bowl of fashion, it’s the fashion Olympics, it’s the night newly rising stars solidify their place on the world stage—or fall into oblivion. The stakes are high, and the heels are higher. Who is falling, and who is flying this season? This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” , is a revelatory exploration of Black dandyism—a style movement that redefined elegance, sophistication, and self-expression against the backdrop of historical and societal challenges. Dandyism, often associated with European aristocracy, was reclaimed and revolutionized by Black men in the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming it into an act of resistance, autonomy, and cultural pride. The accompanying dress code, “Tailored for You,” invites attendees to embrace their personal style through tailored silhouettes, reimagining the world of menswear. From Kim Kardashian’s audacious spin on the theme to Sabrina Carpenter’s chic take on classic tailoring, the red carpet was awash with statements both bold and beautifully restrained. Teyana Taylor pushed the envelope with an avant-garde silhouette, while Lewis Hamilton delivered a masterclass in refined homage to Black sartorial heritage. Then came Diana Ross, dazzling in a self-designed creation that nodded to her iconic Mahogany era — a reminder that no one commands a room quite like Miss Ross. Throughout the night, celebrities paid tribute to Black fashion pioneers, weaving history and contemporary flair into looks that sparked conversation worldwide. As the evening wore on, it became crystal clear who nailed the brief — and who left us scratching our heads. Ahead, we break down the most buzzed-about looks of the night, from the showstopping triumphs to the ensembles that faltered under the spotlight. The Best The Boring List The Worst Dressed

The first Monday in May isn’t just another date on the fashion calendar — it’s the Met Gala, a night when celebrities, designers, and stylists converge on the Metropolitan Museum of Art for what’s arguably the most extravagant red carpet of the year. Unlike the Oscars or Cannes, the Met Gala thrives on spectacle, where the goal isn’t just to look polished, but to make a statement. It’s a night where fashion goes beyond beautiful gowns and sharp tailoring and dives into the realms of art, performance, and occasionally, pure chaos. This year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style , promises to celebrate the craft, influence, and cultural impact of Black fashion. But before we get swept up in the anticipation, it’s worth looking back at the unforgettable moments that have defined the Met Gala over the years — because this isn’t a red carpet that rewards playing it safe. Rihanna’s sweeping yellow Guo Pei cape in 2015, Solange’s latex Iris van Herpen gown and halo in 2018, Sarah Jessica Parker’s tartan McQueen moment in 2006, and Kim Kardashian’s dripping wet-look Thierry Mugler dress in 2019 didn’t just stick to the brief — they set new standards. From Princess Diana’s sleek Dior slip in 1996 to Lady Gaga’s theatrical Brandon Maxwell striptease in 2019, these looks weren’t just fashion — they were cultural milestones. And whether it’s Zendaya’s light-up Cinderella moment, Bad Bunny’s daring Margiela, or Blake Lively’s dramatic Versace gown, the Met Gala’s greatest hits are the ones that continue to shape how we think about style, spectacle, and risk on the red carpet.

In what can only be described as a meeting of British craftsmanship and motorsport heritage, Brixton-based footwear brand Duke + Dexter is joining forces with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team for a limited-edition capsule collection, timed to the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Best known for reimagining classic styles — including their cult penny loafers — for a modern audience, Duke + Dexter has steadily expanded into apparel with a distinctly vintage touch. Now, they’re stepping fully into the fast lane. The collaboration builds on the success of Duke Racing, the brand’s first foray into motorsport-inspired fashion, and marks a natural progression: a collection that fuses the technical precision of Formula One with the relaxed confidence of British streetwear. Launching on 30 April to coincide with the opening of the Miami Grand Prix, the drop features four hero pieces. Expect graphic tees and racing jackets stamped with Duke Racing iconography in Alpine’s unmistakable pink; vintage-style jerseys emblazoned with driver Pierre Gasly’s number 10; and, perhaps most notably, the first co-branded edition of the recently released "Plus Duke" sneakers. Designed with a nod to Duke + Dexter’s signature loafers, the sneakers include a removable lace guard and a screen-printed Alpine “A” logo — a detail clearly designed to resonate with motorsport obsessives and sneaker collectors alike. Speaking about the collaboration, Archie Hewlett, Founder of Duke + Dexter, said: “We’ve had ties to F1 and racing since the very early stages of the brand — an iconic world and lifestyle I've always loved. It was the theme of our first apparel collection: D+D Racing. So when BWT Alpine Formula One Team reached out about designing a capsule together, it felt like a no-brainer — especially with our connection to Michael B. Jordan, who's now an investor in the team.” It’s a smart play for both parties. While Alpine may have French roots, its operations in Enstone, Oxfordshire, point to a shared British sensibility — and a mutual appreciation for sharp engineering, whether in the form of race cars or hand-finished footwear. An Alpine team spokesperson called the project a "perfect synergy," pointing to the collection’s blend of “classic heritage through a modern lens.” It’s a phrase that neatly captures both brands’ ambitions: to honour legacy without getting stuck in the past. While Formula One’s Miami Grand Prix may be relatively new, it has quickly become one of the sport’s most high-profile events, with a celebrity-studded paddock and a distinctly fashion-forward crowd. For Duke + Dexter, it’s the perfect place to show off a collection that feels as at home at a race track as it does at a rooftop party later that night. The collaboration also nods to a broader shift in Formula One’s cultural cachet. Thanks to the rise of driver profiles and an increasingly global fanbase, F1 is no longer just a petrolhead’s pursuit — it's now firmly part of the fashion conversation.

Spring 2025 has arrived, and with it comes a parade of clothes that seem more interested in confusing you than impressing you. If previous seasons asked us to dress for the fantasy life we wanted — sipping espresso on an Italian terrace, leading a startup from our Soho loft — this season seems to ask: What if you didn’t have a plan at all? The trends are chaotic. Playful. Sometimes aggressively impractical. It’s as if designers got tired of pretending that everyone wants to look effortless and instead decided to lean into the chaos of real life: the mornings when nothing matches, the nights when your outfit makes sense only after two glasses of wine, the moments when you catch your reflection in a shop window and think, "Maybe it’s fashion?" Expect to see a lot of looks that feel like inside jokes — fishnet gym wear, sailor sweaters gone rogue, and handbags that stretch across your body like you’re smuggling baguettes. Tailoring has tightened up, but not enough to erase the sense of irony that runs through everything this season. Sporty is in, but only if you look like you might never actually go to the gym. Minimalism is still hanging on, but it’s less "quiet luxury" and more "mischievous whisper." Aquatic Chaos: The Mermaid Who Goes to the Gym This season, designers decided that mermaids no longer lounge on rocks, brushing their hair with a fork. No, the 2025 mermaid is busy, sporty, and probably has a ClassPass membership. Sequins shimmered alongside scuba zippers and sporty mesh. Think fishtail skirts paired with windbreakers, fishnet leggings worn unironically, and swimsuits doubling as officewear. If it sparkles, stretches, or looks like it could survive a riptide, it's in. But forget the old ethereal Ariel vibe — today’s sea siren has a protein shake in one hand and a waterproof tote in the other. Key pieces: fishnet joggers, scuba jackets, bodysuits styled as real outfits, anything that looks like it could be found washed up on a beach — in a chic way, obviously. Fisherman's Daughter: Coastal Prep Gets a Weird Makeover Coastal dressing isn't new, but Spring 2025 drags it down to the docks and gives it a few martinis. The classics — Breton stripes, chunky cable knits, pea coats — all make their expected appearances, but this time with a winking, slightly absurdist twist. Stripes are thicker, sweaters are slouchier, and there are actual fish-shaped bags floating around like it's completely normal. The vibe is less “yacht club” and more “I borrowed this from my slightly unhinged uncle who lives on a houseboat.” Comfort and fluidity are key — expect everything to be just oversized enough to suggest that you might be about to board a sailboat, even if your only plan is brunch. Mad for Plaid Plaid isn’t here to play nice anymore. It ditched its neat, preppy image and showed up this season looking loud, rebellious, and occasionally kind of unhinged. Designers messed with colorways, blew up proportions, and paired checks with unexpected textures and silhouettes. Forget about looking polished and buttoned-up. The new plaid is jagged, oversized, and a little bit punk — more “broke into the country club” than “member since birth.” Best worn clashing wildly with itself or something equally inappropriate. AMY LYNN - Cher Alexa Plaid-Pattern Puffball Woven Midi Dress - Buy here - £74.25 alice + olivia - Kidman cropped jacket - Buy here - £432.00 The High-Fashion Windbreaker In the most practical plot twist of the season, the humble windbreaker became the most glamorous item in your closet. Designers seized the waterproof jacket and decided it should be worn with sequin dresses, layered over tutus, and styled with a level of drama previously reserved for opera capes. This isn't about hiking. This is about showing up to dinner in a floor-length crochet gown — with a bright yellow zip-up thrown on top like you’re that confident. If your windbreaker isn’t clashing aggressively with your fancy outfit, are you even trying? Fringe Benefits: The Return of the Swingy Drama Queen Fringe was so omnipresent this season it practically replaced hems altogether. Designers couldn’t resist the urge to attach tassels, shreds, and strings to anything that stood still long enough: jackets, dresses, handbags, even shoes. But this wasn’t your basic Coachella fringing. Think heavy metallic strands, sophisticated flapper nods, and bursts of technicolor chaos. Fringe for 2025 isn’t for wallflowers — it's for anyone who wants to make a grand entrance and leave a glittering trail of confusion in their wake. Skirts Layered Over Everything Somewhere between Y2K nostalgia and sheer impatience with normal pants, the layered skirt-over-trouser look officially completed its comeback tour. It’s no longer just a cute trick for Gen-Z TikTokers; now it’s business casual. Tailored trousers with pleated skirts, long tunics layered over slouchy pants, hybrids that can't decide what they are — it’s all happening. The best versions played with proportion: razor-sharp skirts over soft wide-leg trousers, or see-through chiffon dresses revealing matching sheer trousers underneath. Basically, if it looks like you couldn’t decide which bottom half to commit to this morning, you're doing it right. Long and Low: The Rise of the East-West Bag The East-West bag is back, and it’s skinnier and longer than ever — like the fashion world’s version of a low-rise jean for your arm. This stretched-out silhouette dominated runways, reworking classic shapes into elongated, borderline impractical versions of themselves. Bags now dangle horizontally across the body, with structured straps that look almost architectural. If you’ve ever wanted a bag that’s about two inches too wide for every chair and elevator, this is your year. Style tip: The more it looks like a baguette you forgot to eat, the better. Work Hard, Dress Soft: Reality Dressing is In After years of aspirational dressing — outfits chosen for Instagram likes and not much else — fashion is swinging back toward reality. Not the boring version where you wear the same black pants for three years, but a new kind of chic practicality. Soft tailoring, relaxed silhouettes, and clothes that understand you might actually have to move around during the day. The new "real" dressing isn't about giving up on style; it's about being stylish and comfortable enough to go to work without fantasizing about ripping your shoes off on the tube. Expect plenty of smart trench coats, wearable tailoring, and low-key but devastatingly good jewellery. Minimalism with an Attitude: Quiet Luxury Grows a Personality Minimalism isn’t dead — it’s just tired of being boring. For 2025, pared-back fashion gets an upgrade with playful details, unexpected materials, and a few flashes of personality peeking through the neutral palette. Cargo pants come with couture-level tailoring. Windbreakers get sequin embellishments. Pastels sneak into otherwise serious wardrobes, offering a burst of energy without sacrificing sophistication. Beige still exists, but it’s flirting shamelessly with blue mints and soft lilacs. The vibe? Luxe, but not like you’re trying too hard to prove it. Move It or Lose It: Sporty Fashion Grows Up Fitness and fashion have been dating casually for a while now, but in 2025, it’s officially serious. Activewear is no longer reserved for actual workouts; it's built to blend seamlessly into daily life. Think elevated track pants, asymmetrical workout tops that could pass for designer blouses, and sleek capri pants (yes, capris — sorry). The new sporty style is less about running errands and more about running your life — polished, functional, and a little bit smug about how versatile it is. Bonus points if your leggings outfit looks just as good at the coffee shop as it does doing Pilates. Suited Up: Masculine Tailoring, No Apologies Tailoring for 2025 feels like a power move — strict, structured, and intentionally buttoned-up. Suits aren’t trying to be sexy by way of missing half their buttons or pretending shirts are optional. They're dressed, pressed, and slightly intimidating. Wide shoulders, sharp collars, ties (yes, ties) — it’s a uniform that doesn’t flirt, it commands. Whether it's trousers so long they puddle dramatically around your shoes or jackets that could moonlight as armour, this trend says: I have somewhere to be, and you’re in my way.

Royal Ascot has always been a little bit fashion, a little bit monarchy, and a lot of pageantry. It’s where people dress like they’re going to a Met Gala held at a garden centre curated by the Queen’s hat stylist. And in case your spring calendar didn’t already include five outfit changes and a last-minute hat rental, the 2025 Lookbook is here to gently remind you it’s time to get serious about occasion dressing. Yes, Daniel Fletcher—the Central Saint Martins graduate who’s dressed everyone from Robert Pattinson to Dua Lipa—is back for his second year as Royal Ascot’s Creative Director. And no, he’s not here to tell you to wear beige. This year’s Lookbook is bolder, cheekier, and more inclusive, with edits that span from vintage romance to high-street polish (plus a heavy dose of high-gloss international flair). Ascot’s Fashion Rebrand (Because Style Guides Are So 2022) Once upon a time, Royal Ascot had something called a Style Guide—essentially a polite memo telling you how not to embarrass yourself in the Royal Enclosure. But then came the Lookbook: an aspirational, editorial-style spread that’s more Net-a-Porter than Notting Hill charity shop. The dress code still exists (no midriffs, no spaghetti straps, God forbid a wedge), but the Lookbook is where the fun lives. And if you were wondering what fashion mood you should be channeling this summer, Fletcher’s four edits for 2025 have a few ideas. The Archive Edit: Vintage, but Make It Royal The Archive Edit leans into secondhand, borrowed, and (finally) sustainable dressing—but without sacrificing drama. It’s giving Great Gatsby in a recession. Think rental Chanel, inherited fascinators, and Oxfam finds styled like they came off a Paris runway. “This felt like a natural evolution of last year’s sustainability focus,” Fletcher said, which is British fashion-speak for “let’s not all panic-buy new outfits again.” Best of British: Strawberries, Tailoring, and a Touch of Chaos Fletcher first debuted this edit last year, and now it’s back with even more strawberries, daisies, and politely eccentric tailoring. Imagine an English picnic but the sandwiches are Gucci and your aunt’s handbag is from Self Portrait. British brands—both heritage and high-street—get a glow-up, proving that “Made in the UK” still slaps. The International Edit: Where Ascot Goes Global This one’s for the guest who flies in on a Thursday from Tokyo and attends Ascot on Friday. The International Edit celebrates designers from around the world and even makes room for traditional dress—like kilts, which apparently pair well with Moët. It’s cosmopolitan, elegant, and more than a little aspirational (read: budget for DHL shipping and last-minute tailoring). Prints & Patterns: Because Plain Is Not in This Season Florals? Yes. Polka dots? Obviously. Appliqué fruit motifs? Surprisingly, also yes. Fletcher taps into Spring/Summer 2025’s wildest print trends and spins them into high-octane race-day looks. If you’re not clashing three patterns and a hat shaped like a chrysanthemum, are you even trying? So, Who Is Daniel Fletcher? If you don’t know the name Daniel Fletcher, you probably haven’t been paying attention—or you’ve been too distracted by the outrageous hats at Royal Ascot to notice who’s quietly redefining occasionwear behind the scenes. Fletcher is a Central Saint Martins graduate (naturally—because where else do all the great British fashion disruptors come from?) who launched his namesake menswear label in 2015. He cut his teeth at Louis Vuitton and JW Anderson before landing at Fiorucci as Artistic Director, where he helped revive the brand’s playful, disco-era DNA with a new-gen energy. His work is known for being quietly political, often gender-fluid, and always cut with the kind of precision tailoring that makes you wish you hadn’t given up on ironed trousers. Today, Fletcher splits his creative energy between his own label and a role as Creative Director at MITHRIDATE , a London Fashion Week regular known for marrying British design codes with Chinese craftsmanship. In both roles, Fletcher has become a master of modern tailoring and expressive silhouettes—designing pieces that look just as good on Ncuti Gatwa or Dua Lipa as they do on your most stylish cousin at a country wedding. At Ascot, Fletcher’s magic lies in balancing tradition with risk. His vision of occasion dressing doesn’t beg for approval—it makes a statement. Whether he's collaborating with Oxfam or styling a £3,000 Gucci coat next to a vintage find, he’s proving that race-day fashion can be both elevated and democratic. And this, really, is his whole thing: reinventing British style by taking it apart and stitching it back together—with a little more relevance and a lot more fun.

Editor’s Picks: Denim That Moves with the Season The days between spring and summer often call for denim that feels as fresh as it does functional—lightweight enough to breathe in the sun, yet structured enough to withstand the unpredictable chill. In 2025, denim for women is more versatile than ever. Think: relaxed cuts, faded washes, and subtle details that add just the right amount of edge without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re running to a gallery opening or pairing them with a breezy blouse for weekend brunch, these are the jeans that will carry you effortlessly through the season, one perfectly faded pair at a time. AGOLDE For cool, laid-back denim with a modern twist AGOLDE has mastered the art of effortless, high-fashion denim. Their 90s Pinch Waist jeans feature a flattering high-rise, vintage-inspired fit, and a light wash perfect for the spring/summer transition. Expect a slightly cropped hem that looks great with sandals or sneakers, making them ideal for those warmer days when you still need a bit of structure. Agolde’s Balloon Barrel-Cut Jeans reimagine volume with a sculptural silhouette—high-waisted, cinched at the ankle, and perfectly oversized for that effortless, off-duty energy. Buy here - £320 Khaite Khaite has become fashion’s quiet powerhouse, and its denim is no exception. The brand’s jeans—like the cult-favourite Bonnie or Danielle styles—strike that elusive balance between structure and fluidity, offering sharp silhouettes with just enough ease. Crafted in rigid denim that sculpts without restricting, they nod to classic Americana while feeling unmistakably modern. Think of them as the kind of jeans you wear when you want to look like you’re not trying, but still turn heads at the gallery opening. Khaite’s Danielle Stretch High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans elevate everyday denim with a refined, sculpted fit—hugging the waist and hips before tapering into a sleek, elongated silhouette that feels both classic and quietly commanding. Buy here - £460 Re/Done For elevated, reworked vintage denim Re/Done’s Original Straight Jeans are an impeccable blend of old-school charm and contemporary tailoring. Crafted from premium denim, these jeans feature a relaxed straight leg and a mid-rise cut, offering a comfortable yet chic look. The soft fade and minimalistic detailing make them an easy choice for both sunny days and those unpredictable spring breezes. Re/Done’s The Standard Mid-Rise Straight Jeans channel vintage denim with a lived-in ease—cut from rigid cotton in a no-fuss straight leg that sits just right on the hips, they’re the kind of jeans that feel like you’ve had them forever (in the best way). Buy here - £305 FRAME For classic denim with a sophisticated edge Frame’s Le High Flare jeans give a nod to the 70s with their sleek silhouette and cropped flare, making them perfect for the warmer months. Their crisp blue wash and well-tailored fit offer a flattering shape that pairs beautifully with both high heels and casual flats, effortlessly transitioning from day to night. FRAME’s The Vertical Straight-Leg Denim Jeans are all about clean lines and lengthening proportions—cut from premium stretch denim, they sit high on the waist and fall in a crisp, straight silhouette that flatters with minimal effort. Buy here - £290 Levi’s For timeless, versatile denim Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Jeans are the epitome of classic American denim. With a relaxed, slightly tapered leg and a cropped ankle, they’re versatile enough to wear with everything from a tucked-in tee to a floaty blouse. The slightly distressed, faded finish adds a lived-in vibe perfect for spring and summer days spent outdoors. Levi’s Ribcage Wide-Leg Denim Jeans take high-rise to new heights—literally—cinching the waist and flowing into a dramatic wide-leg cut that nods to vintage '70s silhouettes while feeling entirely of the moment. Buy here - £110 Madewell For practical yet fashionable everyday denim Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Jeans are a wardrobe essential that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style. Featuring a high-rise waist and a relaxed straight leg, they come in a range of washes that transition easily from spring’s lighter temperatures to the full heat of summer. Pair with a simple tank top or button-down for an effortless, laid-back look. Madewell’s The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean combines a high-waisted fit with a relaxed wide-leg silhouette, offering a flattering yet laid-back look that’s perfect for casual spring and summer days. Buy here - £137 Nudie Nudie Jeans may be known for their rigid selvedge and raw denim purism, but their women’s line proves just as thoughtful—designed with fit, sustainability, and wearability in mind. From high-rise straight legs to relaxed tapered cuts, each pair is crafted from organic cotton and made to age beautifully with wear. The brand’s commitment to repair, reuse, and recycle means your jeans come with a future-proof guarantee—perfect for those who want timeless style with a conscience. Nudie’s Lofty Lo Wide Leg Jeans offer a relaxed, high-waisted fit with a wide-leg silhouette, crafted from organic cotton for a sustainable yet effortlessly cool look. Buy here - from £165 to £50 Mother Denim For relaxed, on-trend denim with a cool, Californian edge Mother’s The Hustler Ankle Fray Jeans combine vintage-inspired charm with contemporary flair. Featuring a high-rise waist, slim leg, and cropped, frayed hem, these jeans are ideal for those days when you want something comfortable yet fashionable. The light, faded wash adds a laid-back vibe perfect for outdoor gatherings or evening cocktails. MOTHER's The Rambler Zip Ankle Straight-Leg Jeans combine a high-rise fit with a straight-leg silhouette, finished with a zipper at the ankle for a modern, edgy touch. 4o mini Buy here - £290 Stella McCartney For luxury denim with a sustainable edge Stella McCartney’s Sustainable Wide-Leg Jeans are not just fashion-forward, but also eco-conscious. Crafted from organic cotton, these jeans boast a flattering high waist and relaxed wide-leg silhouette, offering a laid-back yet polished look. The light wash and roomy fit make them perfect for breezy spring days and effortless summer styling. Buy here - £506 J Brand For sleek, refined denim with a modern sensibility J Brand’s Maria High-Rise Skinny Jeans are a go-to for those who prefer a more sleek and tailored look. With a flattering high-rise fit and a comfortable stretch, they hug the body in all the right places. The medium wash is perfect for transitioning between seasons, making these jeans a versatile option for everything from casual outings to chic dinners. Buy here - £181 Citizens of Humanity For effortlessly chic denim with an emphasis on fit Citizens of Humanity’s Dylan Slouchy Fit Jeans feature a relaxed, loose fit and a soft, worn-in finish that feels as good as it looks. With a mid-rise and slightly tapered leg, these jeans are perfect for achieving a nonchalant yet stylish look. The slightly faded wash gives them that lived-in appeal, making them perfect for warmer days ahead. Citizens of Humanity's Baretta Relaxed Straight-Leg Jeans offer a vintage-inspired, high-rise fit with a relaxed straight leg, crafted from rigid 100% regenerative cotton for a timeless feel and structure. ​ Buy here - £340