The 2025 Met Gala, New York’s most glamorous fashion spectacle, saw Olympic champions Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Gabby Thomas command attention on the red carpet.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated the cultural influence of Black dandyism—marking the first time in over two decades that menswear took center stage.
Noah Lyles: A Bold Fashion Statement
The three-time world champion Noah Lyles has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, and his Met Gala look proved just that. Dressed in a sharp Thom Browne suit paired with shorts, Lyles defied traditional black-tie expectations, accessorizing with Ana Khouri’s diamond-encrusted pearls.
“I saw the shorts and was like, ‘Everybody’s going to be wearing pants. Can’t be like everybody else. Gotta be different,’” Noah Lyles told E! News.
We’ve got diamond-encrusted pearls that I don’t think a lot of people have out there. This is billionaire jewelry.”
Gabby Thomas: Elegance Meets Edge
Double Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas brought her signature grace to the Met Gala in a stunning Charlotte Tilbury x Ahluwalia design. Styled by Nell Kalonji, Thomas radiated sophistication with her makeup flawlessly executed by Charlotte Tilbury’s team.
Her look blended modern tailoring and timeless glamour, showing athletes rule both track and fashion.
Sha’Carri Richardson: Celebrating Black Feminine Power
As a Host Committee member, Sha’Carri Richardson had all eyes on her, and she delivered. The Olympic champion embodied “Black women power” in a breathtaking Valentino creation designed by Alessandro Michele.
Her cream-colored strapless dress featured Chantilly lace accents and a dramatic bow, layered over a lavender and wisteria-lace bodysuit. Her bold purple eyeshadow and lavender-inspired makeup paid homage to her late mother’s favorite color.
“I want to represent the feminine power of Black women and show that there is not just one particular way to be powerful and feminine at the same time,” Richardson told Women’s Wear Daily.
From her Ikeyia Powell and Khyra Jenae-styled hair to her Angie Aguirre-designed nails, every detail celebrated Black excellence.
The appearance of Lyles, Richardson, and Thomas at the Met Gala reflects a changing global perception of track athletes’ stardom. No longer confined to the track, these athletes are embracing their roles as fashion icons, cultural influencers, and trendsetters.
