Each year, the Met Gala serves as fashion’s biggest night out—an extravagant celebration where style, celebrity, and art collide. But while returning stars always turn heads, it’s often the newcomers who truly steal the spotlight. The 2025 Met Gala was no exception. From Bollywood royalty making history to fresh-faced talents owning the red carpet for the very first time, these debut appearances weren’t just memorable—they were moment-defining.
In this blog, we spotlight the most talked-about Met Gala debuts of 2025 and explore why these stars became the centre of global fashion chatter overnight.
1. Shah Rukh Khan: A Royal Debut at the Met
For years, fans have wondered when the King of Bollywood would grace the steps of the Met. This year, Shah Rukh Khan finally made his debut—and it was worth the wait. Dressed in an opulent ensemble inspired by Mughal royalty, designed by Sabyasachi, Shah Rukh paid homage to his heritage while embracing the theme, “Garden of Time,” with intricate gold embroidery and a dramatic cloak.
Social media erupted with praise as the global icon brought a sense of regal flair to the red carpet. Not only did he represent Indian fashion on the world stage, but his presence also marked a milestone in cultural inclusivity at the Met. Truly, this was a debut that redefined elegance.
2. Ayo Edebiri: Comedy Meets Couture
British-Ghanaian-American actress and comedian Ayo Edebiri made her Met Gala debut with a whimsical twist on classic couture. Wearing a sculptural Harris Reed creation, she brought both humour and high fashion to the event.
Her playful yet powerful presence was a refreshing change and won the hearts of fashion editors and fans alike. Ayo proved that you can be witty, fashionable, and utterly unforgettable—all at once.
3. Barry Keoghan: Irish Charm with a Gothic Edge
Irish actor Barry Keoghan, known for his unique roles and bold style choices, made his Met Gala debut dressed in a hauntingly beautiful Burberry look. Featuring rich velvet, sharp tailoring, and antique embellishments, his outfit mirrored a gothic love story.
Barry’s daring fashion sense and his ability to embrace the evening’s romantic, time-themed motif placed him firmly in the list of best-dressed men. He brought Irish elegance to an otherwise American-centric spotlight.
4. Sabrina Carpenter: Mini Dress, Major Impact
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter arrived in a custom Oscar de la Renta creation—short, sparkly, and simply show-stopping. Her youthful, playful take on glamour made her debut both eye-catching and unforgettable.
Paired with sky-high heels and soft waves, the look perfectly balanced modern pop star energy with old Hollywood charm. As one of the night’s youngest debutants, Sabrina proved she’s not just rising in the charts but also climbing the fashion ranks.
5. Tyla: A Sand-Sational Entrance
South African singer Tyla stunned the Met Gala crowd by embodying the theme through a literal material transformation. Her Balmain gown, made to resemble sculpted sand, looked as if it had been carved from a beach at golden hour.
With each step, grains of sand seemed to fall, creating a poetic trail behind her. Tyla’s look wasn’t just beautiful—it was conceptual. And in a sea of sequins and tulle, that originality truly made her debut memorable.
6. Jacob Elordi: Tall, Dark, and Timeless
Euphoria’s Jacob Elordi made his Met Gala debut in Bottega Veneta. Tall, polished, and understatedly elegant, Jacob leaned into minimalist sophistication with a sharp black suit, accented with a vintage brooch and slicked-back hair.
His effortless charm, coupled with a commanding presence, made photographers and fans swoon. It was a reminder that sometimes less is more—and when done right, minimalism can be just as iconic.
7. Greta Lee: Experimental, Edgy, and Elevated
Actress Greta Lee made waves with her structured Loewe gown—a futuristic take on the evening’s temporal theme. With architectural sleeves and a sculptural silhouette, Greta’s look was equal parts avant-garde and red carpet-ready.
Known for her bold fashion choices, Greta didn’t just follow the theme—she bent it. Her debut added a dose of cerebral chic to the gala, earning her top spots on several “best dressed” lists.
8. Damson Idris: From the Race Track to the Red Carpet
British heartthrob Damson Idris made quite the entrance at his first-ever Met Gala—and it’s safe to say he didn’t come quietly. Turning heads from the get-go, Damson rolled up in a custom white racing suit encrusted with over 20,000 Swarovski crystals. Yep, you read that right. The dazzling look, helmet and all, paid tribute to his upcoming Formula 1 film with Brad Pitt. Talk about a fast and fabulous debut!
But the real showstopper came when he peeled off the racing suit to reveal a rich rouge tuxedo underneath. Designed by Tommy Hilfiger, the outfit featured a red plaid three-piece suit with subtle baroque-style gold detailing—classic, bold, and totally on theme. It was modern elegance with a bit of cheeky drama.
As if that wasn’t enough, Damson also used the occasion to debut pieces from his own luxury jewellery line, DIDRIS. He sported a stunning emerald and gemstone brooch that added just the right amount of sparkle to his standout ensemble. From the glitz to the glamour to the smart branding move, Damson Idris owned his Met Gala debut like a seasoned pro.
9. Sydney Sweeney: Romantic Drama with a Vintage Vibe
Although Sydney Sweeney is no stranger to red carpets, this marked her first time at the Met Gala—and she did not disappoint. Wearing a voluminous Miu Miu gown in soft pinks and greys, she channelled vintage Hollywood romance with a modern twist.
The gown’s delicate lace and dramatic train evoked the glamour of a bygone era, while her sleek bob haircut brought it firmly into the now. It was a debut filled with drama and delicacy.
10. Jonathan Bailey: Bridgerton Royalty Arrives in Style
Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey brought Regency flair into the future with a custom Alexander McQueen outfit. Featuring elaborate embroidery and exaggerated sleeves, the ensemble felt straight out of a fantasy novel—perfect for the Met’s whimsical theme.
With a confident stance and a twinkle in his eye, Bailey proved that leading men can—and should—have as much fashion fun as anyone else.
Why Debuts Matter at the Met
Making your first appearance at the Met Gala is no small feat. It’s a cultural moment, a personal statement, and a rite of passage into the global fashion elite. The stars featured above didn’t just show up—they showed out.
From honouring their heritage to embracing conceptual couture, these celebrities used their debut to leave a lasting impression. In an era where fashion and identity are more intertwined than ever, their red carpet choices resonated with fans across the world.
Whether through elegance, experimentation, or empowerment, this year’s first-timers reminded us that the Met Gala isn’t just about clothes—it’s about storytelling, bravery, and the magic of a first impression.
So here’s to the debuts that dazzled. We can’t wait to see what these stars bring to the carpet next year.