Amongst the pre-Met mayhem in New York City’s The Mark Hotel, V shadows Jordan Roth while he gets fully fitted for the night of eleganza. As a seven-time Tony Award-winning producer and couture aficionado, Roth wears many hats, but last night’s hat was thrice any other—a hat, on a hat… on a hat!

Suiting into the Met’s 2025 theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Roth’s custom LaQuan Smith look explores the dandism that lies between androgyny— Smith’s signature draped beading, sweeping black flares, a diamond Boucheron bow tie, and (extremely) elevated Noritaka Tatehana platforms.

“Makeup artist Sil Bruinsma and I have been perfecting this lip and eye for years!“

“Working with the legendary Patti Wilson along with my dear Michael Philouze, was a literal ball!“

“I could repurpose my pants as a floor-length dress.“

“LaQuan’s signature draped beads were the first reason I fell in love with his work. He made me one in silver a few seasons ago, and we went all black for this look.“

“It’s giving altitude.“

“Here’s the secret to being 7 1/2 feet tall! Noritaka Tatehana created this gravity-defying magic for me. And guess what, surprisingly comfortable and easy to navigate!“

“A diamond bow tie by Boucheron was the last finishing touch that pulled it all together.”

 “My husband Richie put my wedding ring back on. I do…again!“

“These nails by Elle Gerstein are literally on theme, “Tailored for You.” She painted a tailor’s suit pattern across my nails and all the letter/number markings are our initials JR RJ and 5/5/25 (the date of the Met Gala!), which matches the initials on my signet ring and bag by Philipp Kern. The Boucheron crystal and diamond bird was a total marvel!“

“A hat on a hat on a hat are three of the many reasons I love the brilliant Stephen Jones.”

“My husband, Richie, had a fashion emergency, which the brilliant Estelle Chatorrier took care of in 10 seconds.“

“Richie lobbied against giant heels. He lost, but the step stool was the consolation prize.“

“I barely fit in the hall!“

“Two steps and we’re even! I always love the Mark Hotel floors, but especially tonight!“

“On your Mark…Get set…Met!“

“But first, puddle jumping! Alban Roger and Tom Kivell always have my back, front, legs, and arms!“

“Getting there takes as much forethought as the look! I couldn’t sit so as not to wrinkle the pants, and we couldn’t get a taller van because it has to fit under the low trestle in Central Park, so with the hat off and a little hunching, I fit in the emergency pop-up roof.“

“We made it! Happy Met!“

From the rich direction of James Vernon, find a cinematic version of Roth’s look here.

Styling: Patti Wilson & Michael Philouze

Custom look: LaQuan Smith

Jewelry: Boucheron

Hat: Stephen Jones

Shoes: Noritaka Tatehana

Bag: Philipp Kern