By Tanya Steele
Across the world, the 2025 Met Gala recently embraced the theme ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, celebrating the rich legacy of Black dandyism, and a slew of celebrities flocked to the event, dressed to the nines.
Here in Tecoma, the Veteran Vamp took time to dish on the iconic event, with several looks making her favourites list this year.
The gala’s dress code, ‘Tailored For You’, invited attendees to interpret the theme through personalised fashion choices, emphasising individuality and the significance of menswear in Black culture.
This year marked a historic moment as it was the first Met Gala to focus primarily on Black designers, underscoring the enduring influence of Black dandyism in shaping contemporary fashion narratives.
Tecoma icon Michelle Trebilco aka the Veteran Vamp – A Thriftalicious Fashionista, loved a number of looks from designer and filmmaker Tom Ford.
“My favourite was Wendi Murdoch – it was a whole look for me,” she said.
The entrepreneur and socialite stepped out in an amazing creamy white tailored skirt suit ,which featured embossing on the jacket and skirt.
“She had an amazing headpiece and amazing boots – so for me, because I’m very strong on accessories these days, it was a whole look,” said Michelle.
Actress Demi Moore came in second for the Vamp, and Demi’s dress resembled a necktie.
“It was so brilliantly done,” said Michelle.
Coming in third by the fashionista for the ladies was actress Zoe Saldana in a sleek button up skirt suit.
“It was black and white,” said Michelle.
The Vamp thought it was quite interesting how she was drawn to many of Tom Ford’s creations this year.
“I do like his style. I’ve seen his style before, but I like the fact that it’s so diverse,” she said.
Ford also designed Janelle Monet’s outfit on the evening, which was a divine pinstripe tailored suit.
“It had amazing shapes and patterns – she was a walking piece of pop art,” said Michelle.
The Vamp also appreciated Rihanna and Alicia Keys’ outfits on the evening.
“Rihanna was pretty out there as well – that was more like a trouser suit, and Alicia Keys had a check trouser suit with puffy sleeves,” she said.
“I also need to mention the white suit worn by Zendaya. – very classic – she was gorgeous.”
For the more masculine looks, the Vet Vamp loved the look worn by racing car driver Lewis Hamilton, who wore a white suit by Grace Wales Bonner and a beret by Stephen Jones Millinery added a final touch.
“He was just gorgeous – once again, that’s a complete look,” said Michelle.
On accessories, Michelle said she thinks it just elevates an outfit.
“I like the fact that people go to trouble to make headdresses or wear head pieces and certain jewellery,” she said.
Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa was also a hot favourite with his slim-fitted purple suit.
“I think he looked divine, it was well-fitting,” said Michelle.
The Vamp also thought White Lotus star Walton Goggins looked impressive.
The actor wore a long black and white jacket and skirt.
“That was designed by Tom Brown again,” said Michelle.
When asked about her opinion on the theme, Vamp doesn’t mince her words
“It was a bit restricting,” she said.
The fashionista said it was quite annoying to see celebrities who didn’t bother to make an effort to meet the dress code this year.
“If you can’t come up with something, I mean, you’ve got a stylist to do this for you,” she said.
“I think it’s an insult.”
The vamp was also a little scandalised by actress Halle Berry’s look, which revealed perhaps a little too much and took away from the amazing dress she wore.
“It takes away from the dress, because it’s a nice dress. It’s nicely fitted. It’s got a lovely hem,” said Michelle.
The fashionista said it wasn’t necessarily even about the sheer panels on the gown, as she would go for that look herself, just the way it came out.
Pantless suits, such as those worn by Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber and body suits were also a no from the Vamp this year, and she said that even though Jenna Ortega’s look was outstanding and quite literally ‘made to measure’, it didn’t fit the brief.
So, what would our local icon wear to fit the theme herself?
“I’ve got a Christmas suit,” said Michelle.
“It’s more on the sort of quirky side,” she said,
Residents can catch Michelle’s looks daily as she walks her catwalk in the hills or see it on social media, and the fashionista said she still very much enjoys fashion and encourages anyone to give it a go.
People may have caught sight of her voting in style on election day, wearing a beautiful green outfit with a long cape.
“I enjoy what I do – I think fashion is fun,” she said.
