It’s Met Gala season—the night where stars shine, designers push boundaries, and fashion goes bold. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, one unforgettable appearance sets the internet ablaze. It’s not just about the outfit; it’s about the culture, the roots, and the artistry woven into every detail—a perfect blend of streetwear cool and gala glam. The Jumpman also made a statement, not just through fashion, but through spirit. Because let’s be honest—Jumpman doesn’t do ordinary. It doesn’t just make fashion statements…it makes headlines, even when someone isn’t wearing them.

The 2025 Met Gala was a masterclass in personal style and cultural homage. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, the event embraced the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with a dress code aptly titled “Tailored for You.” This year’s tribute ran deep, celebrating the rich legacy of Black dandyism and the artistry of tailoring as both self-expression and cultural identity, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion. Celebs didn’t just dress to impress—they dressed to represent. And one American singer-actress had the internet spiraling, and not just for her bold-custom look.

“The rose made it to the Gala.” That was Michael Jordan Brand’s shoutout under Teyana Taylor’s Met Gala post—and honestly, could there be a more perfect caption? With just one line, they connected the dots between her identity, her artistry, and her moment on fashion’s biggest stage. If you know, you know. Taylor’s “Harlem Rose” nickname isn’t just lyrical—it’s personal. It is also something that the basketball world has been keeping an eye on.

Taylor didn’t just attend the 2025 Met Gala—she owned it. One of the first to grace the carpet, she arrived in a jaw-dropping custom look co-designed with her longtime friend and Oscar-winning costume designer, Ruth E. Carter.

The ensemble? A gray-and-red three-piece pinstripe suit, layered over a striking red vest and accessorized with cascading silver chains. Her towering platform Marc Jacobs shoes added a bold exclamation mark to the look. “I’m already not a big dress girl,” Taylor told Vogue. “I’m in suits even without it being a suit theme.” And yes—she tailored the entire outfit herself, proving once again that her fashion sense is as fearless as it is intentional. The crown jewel of her look was a dramatic padded red cape, with “Harlem Rose” hand-stitched across the train—a powerful nod to her roots and her 2018 track Rose in Harlem. The cape was detailed with bold red florals on one side, delicate silver flower pins on the other, and a silhouette that swept the carpet with commanding grace.

Teyana completed the outfit with red leather gloves, a statement cane, a red durag, and a fedora with a feather perfectly tucked in. Carter, known for her Oscar-winning work on Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, was right by her side, carefully fanning out the cape. “As we embarked on our journey in this country, we were stripped of everything,” Carter told Vogue. “A lot of times the only thing you had was to show it on your body.”

And let’s talk about those shoes—because they made history. Designed by Marc Jacobs, the multi-tone red-and-black platform heels featured thick straps, a chunky heel, and delicate rose appliqués that nodded to her Harlem anthem. According to fashion insiders, they may just be the highest platform heels ever worn at the Met Gala. As if that wasn’t enough glam, her accessories came courtesy of David Yurman: layered pavé chain necklaces in 18K white gold, a sterling silver Madison Chain, Archival Renaissance brooches, and a Ruby Angelika Enhancer set in silver and diamonds. Every inch of her look told a story—one of power, legacy, and unapologetic self-expression.

However, her look also reminded basketball fans and sneakerheads of something they have been waiting for.

Reimagining the classic: Teyana Taylor’s bold twist on the Air Jordan

Taylor’s next big collaboration with Jordan Brand is about to turn heads in Spring 2026 with the Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 3 “A Rose From Harlem”. If you thought her previous designs were bold, wait until you see this one. The colorway, blending Fir, Fire Red, Victory Green, Cement Grey, and Metallic Gold, is a perfect mix of classic Jordan style and Teyana’s signature creative twist. The black tumbled leather upper is paired with the iconic elephant print on the toe and heel, and a splash of red Nike Air branding on the heel gives it just the right amount of pop. Given that the Air Jordan 3 was the first MJ signature to feature cement print (or “elephant” print), the pairing is more than fitting. Oh, and don’t forget the green eyelets, which add a fresh, subtle nod to the sneaker’s floral theme.

But what really makes this collaboration stand out? The removable rose vines. Yep, you read that right—plastic thorns that wrap around the midfoot, and you can actually take them off or put them back on depending on your mood. It’s all part of Teyana’s storytelling, tying into her “A Rose From Harlem” theme. The rose symbolizes growth and overcoming struggles, much like a rose that pushes through concrete. The vibrant red lining on the inside adds another touch of that floral vibe, keeping the design in tune with her roots in Harlem.

The rest of the sneaker’s details, like the clean white midsole and gum rubber outsole, balance out all the boldness on top, making sure it stays true to that classic Jordan vibe. Whether you’re a die-hard sneakerhead, a fan of Teyana’s artistry, or just love a standout design, this Air Jordan 3 is one you’ll want to keep an eye on. Set to drop in Spring 2026, this sneaker is shaping up to be a must-have for anyone who appreciates storytelling through style.