For the 2025 Met Gala, Cynthia Erivo embraced elegance with a touch of historical grandeur, channeling a regal aesthetic that felt both tailored and timeless. Interpreting the evening’s theme, “Tailored for You,” through the lens of royalty and Rococo-era dandyism, Erivo stunned in a custom Sarah Burton for Givenchy ensemble—paired flawlessly with a sophisticated Clinique beauty look.
Known for her bold red carpet statements, the Wicked star took her look in a more refined direction this year. “It’s very queenly, very stately, very dandy,” Erivo shared with Harper’s Bazaar, summing up the vision behind her ensemble.
The inspiration behind her Met Gala makeup was as thoughtful as her outfit. Makeup artist Joanna Simkin revealed that the look took cues from both the structured tailoring of Burton’s Givenchy design and historical references, particularly Joseph Bologne—a Black violinist from the Rococo era. “We leaned into Victorian corsetry, high collars, and that dandy style,” said Simkin. “The makeup reflected that same aesthetic—think white-powdered skin, flushed cheeks, and a bitten lip, but all through a modern, tonal Cynthia filter.”
The skin prep was key. Erivo’s radiant base was built using Clinique’s new Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum, layered with Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator. For a flawless, matte finish, Simkin used Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup, followed by the True Highlight Weightless Illuminator in Sunlit Copper to sculpt Erivo’s cheekbones.
One standout beauty twist? Her signature Black Honey lip color was applied uniquely—concentrated only in the center of her lips to create a soft, heart-like effect, while the edges were muted out. Erivo’s eyes featured fluttery brown false lashes, giving a soft and romantic frame to her gaze.
Fashion-wise, the star wore a stunning Swarovski-studded Givenchy jacket and corset, which referenced Sarah Burton’s debut runway collection, paired with a voluminous black tulle skirt. To echo her Rococo inspiration, Simkin drew a tiny heart-shaped beauty mark—or “mole”—on Erivo’s cheekbone using Clinique’s liquid liner, a dainty final flourish to a carefully curated look.
Before stepping onto the iconic Met Gala steps, Erivo added a last radiant touch: Clinique Moisture Surge Body Hydrator Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid applied to her legs. “It feels like an airbrush over the skin,” she said. “It’s the one thing that works really well with my skin.”
Cynthia Erivo’s 2025 Met Gala appearance was a masterclass in fashion history reimagined—delicate, deliberate, and unapologetically majestic.
