Kamala Harris makes unexpected Met Gala appearance

Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her first-ever appearance at the Met Gala in New York City, joining husband Doug Emhoff for the star-studded event on Monday night.

While the couple skipped the red carpet, Harris appeared in a custom-designed Off-White gown.

A spokesperson confirmed that Harris attended at the invitation of Vogue editor-in-chief and Met Gala co-chair Anna Wintour. The appearance comes just ahead of a Democratic National Committee (DNC) fundraiser and marks one of Harris’ few major public appearances since the 2024 presidential election.

Her Met Gala look drew from the Costume Institute’s ongoing exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which celebrates the vibrant legacy of Black dandyism and its ties to identity and resistance. The exhibit, curated by scholar Monica L. Miller and based on her book Slaves to Fashion, explores how Black style has served as a form of empowerment across generations.

The black-and-white silk dress featured an asymmetrical cape sleeve and a flowing scarf—an ensemble that Off-White described as aiming to evoke “a sense of timelessness.”

“To me the true core of dandyism is rooted in confidence and strength,” Off-White creative director IB Kamara said in a statement. “There is no person who exemplifies these characteristics more than Kamala D. Harris, someone who has overcome adversity and continues to be a beacon for so many.”

The exhibition’s themes also arrive at a precarious moment for cultural institutions. President Donald Trump has renewed efforts to defund key arts organizations and has publicly criticized the Smithsonian for showcasing topics related to race and gender.