On Monday in New York, the stars were out on the floral carpet for the 2025 Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Several athletes joined the parade of celebrities in bespoke fashions. The theme of the event is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” in line with the new exhibit at the Met’s Costume Institute. In line with the theme, the gala’s dress code is “Tailored for You.”
As one of the event’s co-chairs, British racer Lewis Hamilton showed up earlier than many and showed out, wearing a well-tailored cream suit with a matching hat. Monday’s event was missing one notable face, with LeBron James announcing he would not be able to attend due to a knee injury he sustained during the NBA playoffs. James was an honorary chair for the event; his wife Savannah still attended.
But plenty of other athletes had a chance to enter the world of high fashion. Simone Biles and her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, were spotted at the Carlyle Hotel before making their way to the museum. Biles wore a short blue dress with a striking collar, flower details and a long train, while Owens wore a white suit with embroidered details and fringed cuffs. Chicago Sky star Angel Reese, who made her Met Gala debut last year, leveled up this year. The 22-year-old forward wore a sleek, stunning black-and-white outfit, with everything from the collar details to the slicked-back hair keeping with the event’s theme.
The Met Gala has always been where fashion meets fantasy—but in 2025, it became where fashion meets fierce athletic royalty. This year, Lewis Hamilton, Simone Biles, and Angel Reese didn’t just show up—they owned the red carpet. Want to know how they did it and why everyone’s still talking about it? Let’s dive into all the fashion fire, the behind-the-scenes buzz, and the cultural waves these athletes created.
The Met Gala 2025 Theme — “Myth and Machine”
It was fashion’s biggest night, with a theme that asked stars to merge the mythical with the mechanical. Think gods, cyborgs, ancient legends reimagined through futuristic tech. Sounds wild? That’s because it was—and it gave athletes a whole new runway to play on.
Lewis Hamilton: The Fashion King Who’s Always In Pole Position
Lewis Hamilton’s Entrance Was a Moment
Decked out in a sculptural metallic ensemble crafted by Off-White, Lewis Hamilton looked like a cyber gladiator stepping out of a Greek myth. His outfit included chrome body armor paired with fluid silk trousers—futuristic, yet regal.
A Statement Beyond Style
Hamilton isn’t new to fashion. But this year, his look came with subtle political nods—his cape stitched with ancient symbols representing unity and transformation. Talk about turning heads and sparking conversations.
Simone Biles: Grace Meets Grit in High Fashion
From Balance Beams to Balmain
Simone Biles arrived in a gravity-defying gown by Balmain, shimmering in celestial silvers and adorned with hundreds of hand-placed crystals. The silhouette? Inspired by the wings of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory—a fitting homage for the most decorated gymnast of all time.
A Bold Tribute to Power and Femininity
Her look was more than sparkle—it was a visual love letter to strength and resilience. Biles embodied the theme by showing that elegance and toughness can exist side by side—and look good doing it.
Angel Reese: The Bayou Barbie Turns Futuristic Queen
Angel Reese Shuts It Down in Custom Chrome
If anyone had doubts about whether athletes could hold their own on fashion’s biggest night, Angel Reese ended that conversation. Wearing a jaw-dropping custom metallic corset dress by Iris van Herpen, she floated down the carpet like a futuristic empress.
The Look That Launched a Thousand Tweets
Angel’s red carpet moment immediately went viral. Why? The outfit had movement, edge, and that signature Angel Reese energy. Add a 12-foot train, diamond-encrusted nails, and you’ve got a fashion moment people will be talking about for years.
Why Athletes at the Met Gala Matters More Than You Think
Breaking Barriers and Redefining Icons
This year’s Met Gala wasn’t just about style—it was about inclusion. These athletes are more than medal winners; they’re cultural influencers. Their presence challenges the notion that high fashion is reserved for models and movie stars.
Let’s be honest: today’s athletes are lifestyle moguls, with fashion deals, brand empires, and millions of followers. Their attendance at events like the Met Gala proves that fashion is now as much about performance as it is about prestige.
Social Media Erupts: Fans Can’t Get Enough
Twitter Reacts with Fire Emojis and Fan Art
The hashtag #MetGala2025 was trending within minutes. Fan accounts lit up with edits, memes, and glowing reviews of Hamilton, Biles, and Reese. The athletes were the moment—and the internet knew it.
TikTok’s Breakdown of Every Iconic Detail
From cape twirls to slow-mo gown reveals, TikTokers dissected every second of these red carpet slays. Their outfits became part of a larger cultural conversation, bridging the gap between sports, youth culture, and haute couture.
Designers Speak Out: “Athletes Are the New Muses”
Designers who dressed these icons shared that working with athletes presented a unique challenge and inspiration. They’re not just modeling—they’re moving, performing, inhabiting the garments like no one else can.
How This Year Changed the Game for Future Met Galas
This wasn’t a one-off moment. The 2025 Met Gala set a new bar—and athletes raised it. Expect future events to lean more into cross-industry icons who not only walk the carpet but redefine what it means to be a fashion leader.
Other Athletes Who Brought the Heat
While Hamilton, Biles, and Reese led the charge, others like Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mahomes also turned heads. Each athlete brought their own interpretation of the theme, proving that style knows no sporting limit.
Fashion Meets Function: The Rise of Athleisure in Couture
With athletes pushing the boundaries, we’re seeing sport-infused couture becoming a norm. Think structured bodysuits, breathable silks, and tech-integrated fabrics hitting the runway in unexpected ways.
Behind the Scenes: The Prep, the Glam, the Pressure
Ever wonder what it takes to get Met Gala-ready? These athletes shared behind-the-scenes footage of fittings, hair tests, and late-night rehearsals. Turns out, prepping for fashion’s biggest night is just another performance—and they crushed it.
The Cultural Impact: More Than Just Pretty Pictures
Let’s zoom out. When athletes dominate fashion’s biggest stage, it sends a clear message: excellence is multi-dimensional. Their presence inspires younger generations to dream big—on and off the field.
Brands Take Note: Endorsement Deals Incoming
Expect major fashion houses and luxury brands to knock louder on athletes’ doors after this Met Gala. From ad campaigns to capsule collections, these stars have shown they’re worth every investment.
The Psychology of Power Dressing in Sports
Fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling powerful. These athletes understand the psychology of presence, dominance, and self-expression. Their fashion choices are strategic—and deeply personal.
Final Thoughts: When Legends Walk, the World Watches
The 2025 Met Gala gave us many moments—but the true showstoppers were the athletes who walked not just with grace, but with legacy. They proved once and for all: style has no boundaries when you walk in purpose.
Conclusion: Athletes Took the Red Carpet and Ran With It
Fashion may be about fabric and fit, but the 2025 Met Gala reminded us it’s also about force, fearlessness, and flair. Lewis Hamilton brought vision. Simone Biles brought elegance. Angel Reese brought the fire. Together, they showed that in today’s world, athleticism isn’t just about strength—it’s about style, spirit, and showing up as your full, authentic self.
