The people asked for more—and I heard you loud and clear. So, here’s your exclusive peek inside A Phenomenal Affair, the star-studded after-party hosted by Janelle Monáe, following the 2025 Met Gala. Held at Artspace at PUBLIC in New York City, it was where the glam got glammier, the fashion got bolder, and the night refused to end.
As the clock struck midnight, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Guests mingled, their outfits a dazzling display of creativity and style, each ensemble telling its own story. The air was thick with the scent of high fashion and the sound of laughter, as the elite of the entertainment and fashion industries celebrated in style.
Janelle x Thom Browne Act III
So, plot twist—there was a third Thom Browne look for Janelle Monáe on Met Gala night. Just when we thought the fashion theatrics had reached their finale (after she peeled off a trompe l’oeil striped suit to reveal an actual suit, she hit the after-party with one last mic-drop moment. This time, she really stripped things back, rocking a corset mini dress, a sharply tailored jacket, and—because subtlety is overrated—anchor-shaped nipple pasties. Yes, you are seeing and reading that right. Anchors. On. The. Nips.
Naturally, she kept the red carpet’s pièce de résistance: that fabulous hat and a literal clock-monocle by Cameron Hughes—because what’s a party without punctual surrealism? Sure, it’s a “clutch your pearls” kind of moment, but also… it’s her party. And if Janelle Monáe wants to wear nautical pasties like she’s captaining the HMS Couture, then by all means, anchor away. Her bold choices not only showcased her unique style but also set the tone for the evening, encouraging others to embrace their individuality.
Did Janelle’s invite say “chest out”?
Because Caleb McLaughlin certainly followed the hostess, rocking a pearl-embellished Dior Men top by Kim Jones from the Fall 2024 collection. I’m starting to wonder if there’s no air conditioning at Artspace. The heat was palpable, not just from the crowd but from the sizzling fashion moments unfolding around every corner.
Jokes aside, I’m still all in on this Caleb-and-Dior love affair. It’s the fashion union we didn’t know we needed, but I’m here for every pearl, every stitch, and every chest-baring moment as this is giving Dior deity. His confidence radiated as he mingled with fellow guests, embodying the spirit of the night—bold, daring, and unapologetically stylish.
Coco came to slay
It’s been a whole twelve years since Coco Rocha last graced the Met Gala red carpet (yes, twelve—can you believe it?), and her absence has definitely been felt. Coco thrives on a theme like no one else, and her appearance at the after-party was like a fashion refresh. She wore a laser-cut leather Christian Siriano mermaid gown which had everything—editorial? Check. Dramatic? Check. Theme-aware? Double-check, especially with the jacket and cane adding just the right touch of tailored flair.
Her pin curls echoed the intricate details of the gown, and I can’t help but sigh, hoping she gets an invite next year. Because when Coco commits, she really goes all in. Her presence was a reminder of the artistry that fashion can embody, and her look was a masterclass in how to make a statement while staying true to oneself.
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