The Met Gala is always more than just a red carpet event. It’s a moment frozen in time — stitched together by culture, history, and jaw-dropping fashion. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated identity and craft. Gowns shimmered. Tuxedos turned heads. But what caught everyone’s eye, quite literally, were the sunglasses.
It wasn’t just the couture or the crystals that made the headlines. It was the eyewear, small but powerful pieces, that quietly stole the spotlight. Some made bold statements. Others whispered sophistication. But every single pair added something extra, a touch of mystery, a burst of rebellion or a nod to the future.
Let’s take a closer look (pun intended) at the celebrities who made eyewear history at the 2025 Met Gala, and the frames they wore that had us all doing a double-take.
A King In Titanium
India’s beloved superstar Shah Rukh Khan walked the Met Gala red carpet for the first time ever, and it was a moment to remember. Wrapped in a sculpted black sherwani by Gaurav Gupta, he looked like royalty from another world.
But it was his Akoni Eris Two AKS 508A sunglasses that truly stole the spotlight…sharp, modern and full of power. The bold front was perfectly balanced by a sleek temple design, making them both architectural and wearable. With an octagonal lens shape, floating silhouette and titanium frame crafted in Japan, the sunglasses fused art with strength.
Rihanna’s Maternity Glow With Shades Of Sass
Rihanna doesn’t just attend events, she redefines them. This year, she surprised the world with her third pregnancy and did it in signature RiRi style. Dressed in electric blue Alaïa, she wore a sleek pair of Ray-Ban RB4395 Kiliane sunglasses.
They were sleek, soft, yet full of edge — just like her. The butterfly shape and thick acetate frame gave structure to her look while the angular details kept it playful. Grace met grit, and once again, Rihanna reminded us why she’s always ahead of the game.
A Bold Play On Tradition
Bad Bunny turned heads at the Met Gala, serving a twisted gentleman vibe in a mocha brown Maison Margiela suit, oversized leather duffle, and sculpted hair that nodded to surrealist brio. But the finishing touch? His Cartier ‘Clash de Cartier’ sunglasses, unapologetically sharp with an edge of rebellion.
The dark, rectangular lenses framed his stare with precision, while the sculptural metal detailing echoed the jewellery line’s duality. Crafted with Cartier’s signature finesse, these shades didn’t just accessorise, they declared.
A Designer In Disguise
As one of the event’s co-chairs, Pharrell Williams kept things clean. Minimal. Tailored. He paired his sharply cut ensemble with custom Louis Vuitton sunglasses — simple rectangular frames in matte black with micro-engraved LV monograms.
The lenses were subtly tinted, just enough to hide emotion but still allow connection. That’s Pharrell: quiet on the surface, complex underneath. A look that doesn’t shout but still lingers, offering privacy without hiding expression, much like the man himself.
A$AP Rocky’s Hip-Hop Couture
A$AP Rocky has never been one to play it safe. This year, he launched a surprise collaboration with Ray-Ban right on the red carpet. His pick? The Ray-Ban Mega Wayfarer RB0840S, but not just any version. This special edition came dipped in 18k gold, dotted with diamonds and rare gemstones.
It was bling, but with a purpose. The oversized frame and chunky temples gave off classic Wayfarer energy, but the custom touches pushed it into new territory. Hip-hop met high fashion, and it worked.
Aviators, Always
Some things never go out of style. Evan Ross walked in wearing a relaxed monochrome look topped off with Ray-Ban RB3025 silver aviators. Cool, clean, and eternal, they gave his relaxed outfit a grounded finish.
With slim metal arms and teardrop-shaped lenses, the RB3025 added just the right amount of polish to his soft, laid-back vibe. The mirrored blue lenses added a hint of 2025 pizzaz to this 1930s military-inspired icon. Proof that sometimes, less really is more.
Rockstar Edge, Runway Ready
After a six-year break from the Met Gala, Miley Cyrus returned with a look that screamed edge, power and unapologetic confidence. Staying true to her rebellious spirit, she wore a custom Alaïa creation by Pieter Mulier, a sharp black crocodile leather crop top paired with a voluminous black ruffled taffeta skirt. But it was her eyewear that added the final dose of drama.
Cyrus chose the Alaïa Logo Lettering Rectangular Sunglasses, a bold accessory that matched her fierce persona and the entire outfit.
These sunglasses feature an angular, rectangular frame that leans heavily into current design. The bold acetate structure contrasts beautifully with the delicate logo lettering, creating a look that’s both refined and daring. The jet-black lenses provided just the right amount of mystery, turning Miley ironically into a modern-day rock goddess. She wasn’t just back. She was making sure you saw her.
Jeff Goldblum’s Cool That Never Ages
Jeff Goldblum’s fashion sense is like good jazz: unexpected, smooth and full of personality. This year, he chose a pair of Jacques Marie Mage Dealan sunglasses.
Inspired by Bob Dylan, the Dealan frame has a slight cat-eye curve and sculptural lines. Handmade in Japan and limited in number, it was the perfect fit for someone who doesn’t just wear fashion but lives in it.
Tech On The Red Carpet
Not all sunglasses just sit on your face. Model Amelia Gray gave the red carpet a futuristic twist by donning the new Ray-Ban Meta Skyler RW4010 601/9A Smart Glasses. She wasn’t just posing, she was recording.
These glasses blur the line between fashion and technology. Lightweight, polarised and built with hidden cameras and speakers, the Meta Skyler model delivers real-time sharing with a touch of style. The olive green lenses added a cool, almost military touch.
Quiet Frames, Loud Impact
Singer Sam Smith’s theatrical Christian Cowan outfit came with a dramatic twist, an oversized bow, flared pants and subtle yet powerful black-rimmed eyeglasses that added just the right amount of intellectual edge.
Glossy, bold and square, the glasses added just enough structure to all that movement. Quiet, sure. But powerful, too. Sometimes, it’s the calmest pieces that shout the loudest.
This year, sunglasses weren’t just there to protect from the flashbulbs. They were symbols. Reflections of the people behind them. Each frame, whether it came with diamonds or tech, carried a little piece of the person wearing it.
Some looked to the past, like aviators and chunky acetate frames. Others pointed to the future, smart glasses, luxury streetwear and subtle branding. Together, they showed us where fashion is going: into spaces that are bolder, deeper and more personal.
Because sunglasses aren’t just about blocking light anymore. They’re about seeing and being seen. They’re about protection, expression and confidence.
So, next time you put on a pair of sunglasses, remember: it’s not just about blocking the sun. It’s about stepping into your own spotlight.
Daniela D’Souza
Associate Editor – Print & Digital, FourPlus Media
