Each May, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transform into fashion’s most anticipated runway. Celebrating the Costume Institute’s exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, this year’s Gala invites guests to explore tailoring’s sartorial legacy through a personal lens.
Long perceived as one of fashion’s more rigid disciplines, tailoring is typically defined by a dedication to tradition. But scratch the surface, and its history is anything but stiff. From the peacock flair of 19th-century dandies such as Beau Brummell to the flamboyant suits worn by freed slaves as a form of self-expression and reclamation, tailoring has long been used as a means of subversion.
And few streets have played a more pivotal role in tailoring’s legacy than Bond Street. Once the preserve of Georgian high society and the trend-defining elite, the street has been synonymous with refined dressing for centuries. It’s said that Brummell himself frequented the area, reportedly spending the equivalent of over £120,000 a year on his wardrobe. Today, Bond Street remains a nucleus of elevated retail, with tailoring ateliers and flagship boutiques offering everything from traditional British suiting to cutting-edge, made-to-measure design.
The best tailoring honours tradition without being confined by it. Storied maisons like Giorgio Armani and Canali continue to champion Italian precision, while McQueen reimagines structure through sculptural, modern silhouettes.
You don’t need a Met Gala invite to experience tailoring at its best. Just head to Bond Street, where exceptional cuts, a meticulous attention to detail and quality artistry is the everyday. From oversized blazers to classic slim-fit cigarette trousers, here’s our guide to perfecting tailoring.
Play with proportions
Good tailoring is all about how the clothes sit on the body – this doesn’t mean limiting yourself to slim fits and straight cuts. When executed with precision, exaggerated proportions and oversized silhouettes can be incredibly flattering, enhancing the figure while exuding a sense of casual cool. It’s no coincidence that we keep seeing these shapes reappearing on the runways. Brands like Loewe are leaning into exaggerated volume, manipulating the male silhouette to create something deliberately off-kilter yet undeniably refined. The SS25 blazer with elbow-sculpted sleeves is a fresh take on menswear that’s playful without compromising on poise. Pair it with the house’s sharply pleated trousers to master that balance between artful and effortless.
Over at McQueen, creative director Seán McGirr carries forward the brand’s legacy of subversive tailoring. This season’s crisp cotton shirt, complete with an exaggerated pointed collar, channels the dramatic flair of the house’s past while offering a modern, wearable statement. Best worn buttoned to the top, under a razor-sharp blazer.
Add a pop of colour
If you’re looking to add a touch of personality without straying too far from tradition, colour offers the perfect middle ground. Burberry’s powder blue two-piece gives a softened take, great for summer weddings or garden soirees.
At the Met, tailoring’s more flamboyant spirit enjoys the spotlight as it celebrates the dandy. And no contemporary designer channels that romance quite like Alessandro Michele. Now at Valentino, he brings his signature maximalism to the house’s codes. This single-breasted jacket in shantung silk is complete with an all-over Plusdepois print. Worn with the matching shirt, it’s a guaranteed showstopper. For a quieter take, pair it with this slim-fit shirt from Hugo Boss.
Keep it classic
For those seeking a traditionally timeless ensemble, Bond Street continues to be the destination for tailoring of the highest calibre. Italian ateliers like Canali and Giorgio Armani bring generations of refinement to each cut, offering impeccable, expertly tailored occasion wear. Canali’s wool tuxedo is made for life’s special occasions, with its flattering slim fit and silk peak lapels designed to leave a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Giorgio Armani offers both double- and single-breasted options in fluid wool blends.
While the Met Gala’s fittings take place behind closed doors, Bond Street’s made-to-measure offerings are openly available to those who appreciate a personal touch. Head to No.1 Savile Row where one of the oldest bespoke tailors in the world, Gieves & Hawkes, continues its storied legacy. Alternatively, Dolce & Gabbana's recently launched made-to-measure service delivers personalised sartorial elegance, cut and finished to your unique tastes.