Behind the Scenes of Instagram’s Met Gala 2025 Class Photo With Nicki Minaj, Charli XCX, Shaboozey, Rosé, and More
Before taking to the iconic steps leading up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Monday night for the 2025 Met Gala, nine VIPs made their way through the dimly lit halls of the Mark Hotel to check off one last crucial bit of preparation: Posing for Instagram’s annual class photo.The portrait commemorates the celebrity guests invited to sit at Instagram’s table at the fête, and necessitates transforming one of the Mark’s luxe suites into an elaborate set tucked away behind stage curtains. This year’s celebrity guests posed for photographer Quil Lemons individually, then flagged their favorite shots, which were then edited together for a group photo nobody would dream of untagging.Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri was first on set for the evening’s shoot, where he posed with his wife, Monica, and reflected on the platform’s nine-year partnership with the Met Gala. “We’re a place for creatives to express themselves and tell their stories, and fashion is one of the most important verticals for us. And so we’re excited to support the night, be part of it, but also just seeing what everybody brings,” he told Vanity Fair.As for who Mosseri was most looking forward to seeing on the Met Gala red carpet? Co-chair Lewis Hamilton. “I’ve seen him rock some pretty amazing tuxes and a skirt in previous years. So my guess is he’s going to bring it,” he said.Eva Chen, VP of Fashion Partnerships at Meta, made a grand entrance into the suite, sparkling in a pale pink custom Wiederhoeft gown made of 370,000 glistening glass beads from Mumbai, which also featured matching beaded opera gloves with custom touch-screen fingertips.Having been “dazzled” by designer Jackson Wiederhoeft’s talent, Chen turned to the popular bridal designer to make her custom corset creation. “When thinking about the theme of the Met Gala and your particular dandism, I thought no one would be able to channel that more than Jackson and their flair for corsets. It’s my first time wearing a corset,” she admitted. “My goal is to not faint, but I feel extremely comfortable, actually. We’re going to sit.”As Chen exited the set, she ran into Jeff Goldblum and his wife, Emilie, as they entered the room. “Now that’s what I call a train,” the Wicked star said of Chen’s billowing silk train.The actor easily exuded the Met Gala 2025 theme, Tailored for You, in his midnight blue Wales Bonner suit that he paired with a blue suede loafer version of Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite Hangisi crystal–embellished Manolo Blahniks, and a Mongolian cashmere coat with a cream shearling collar.But, of course, the Wizard of Oz had one more thing up his sleeve—a blinged-out Jacob & Co. diamond watch.“Feast your eyes upon that,” he said, noting that the glittering accessory was an ode to the late André Leon Talley, who wore a similar Jacob design.When asked who the Jurassic Park actor was excited to see this year, he recalled the 2024 Met Gala with his Wicked costars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. “I was here last year for the first time, and they were here. We had a moment of connection, and then they performed…I was crying big tears. You know, just ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’—but they did a great thing—both of them.”And while many stars celebrated their return to the Met steps, Shaboozey was excited to make his Met Gala debut.“I’m so ready to get to the carpet,” the Grammy-nominated singer said in between shoots, while showing off his custom Robert Wun look. The black, wood-grain patterned suit was adorned with nearly 3,000 Swarovski turquoise beads, making for a bold pop of color. The county star went on to explain that he was inspired by the history of West Africa and his home state of Virginia for the unique design, which he topped off with a saucer-style hat and matching turquoise grill.
