Naomi Campbell Banned from 2025 Met Gala

Okay, fashion fam… buckle up.
Naomi Campbell — yes, the Naomi — is not going to the 2025 Met Gala.
And no, it's not just because she's tired of the drama.
There's a juicy backstory involving Anna Wintour, shade thrown in Harlem, and some serious Met Gala tea.
So if you've been wondering why one of the world's most iconic supermodels is suddenly off the guest list, here's everything you need to know — and more.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Really Happened
- 2. Naomi's Side of It
- 3. Wintour Plays Gatekeeper
- 4. Industry Buzz Right Now
- 5. Naomi's Met Gala Legacy
- 6. 2025 Met Gala Vibes
- 7. What Happens Next
- Sources & References
- Images Sources & Attributions
1. What Really Happened

This whole mess didn't come out of nowhere.
It's been brewing since last September during New York Fashion Week.
Naomi was being honored at Harlem's Fashion Row, and Anna Wintour — Vogue's editor-in-chief and queen bee of the Met Gala — was supposed to present her award.
But here's where it gets spicy: Anna made a shady little dig about Naomi's famous lateness while introducing her.
Then, Naomi arrived late (like late late)… after Anna had already dipped.
Ouch.
Instead of Wintour, Naomi accepted her award from Samira Nasr (EIC of Harper's Bazaar) and threw in a little jab of her own, saying something like she preferred "this lady" anyway.
That comment?
Yeah, people noticed.
From then on, things have been chilly — like iced-out chilly — between them.
No red carpet smiles, no fashion week hugs.
Just silence.
Fans who've followed both women for years were shocked.
They've had decades of Vogue covers and glamorous nights together.
But that one moment seems to have changed everything.
This isn't just fashion beef — it's fashion history.
Naomi being banned from the Met is like Beyoncé being told she can't perform at the Grammys.
It's that big.
2. Naomi's Side of It

Naomi's not exactly coming out swinging.
In a recent YouTube video, she casually said she's done with the Met.
She called it "too much anxiety" and mentioned feeling "too old" for it.
Sounds sweet and simple… but some folks think that's just Naomi getting ahead of the headlines.
You know, like "you can't fire me — I quit."
She didn't mention Anna.
Didn't address the Harlem situation.
Just said she wanted to move on and let the new generation shine.
Some people bought it.
Others?
Not so much.
Fashion insiders started whispering that she was actually banned — not just stepping back by choice.
And now with the full guest list for 2025 revealed, her name's nowhere to be seen.
Coincidence?
Or confirmation?
We've seen Naomi take on brands, journalists, even airport security.
So if this really is a ban, don't expect her to stay quiet forever.
3. Wintour Plays Gatekeeper

Let's be real: Anna Wintour is the Met Gala.
She decides the theme, the co-hosts, the seating chart — even who's allowed to walk up those iconic steps.
And if she doesn't want you there, you're not getting in.
No matter how legendary you are.
That's the level of power we're talking about.
Sources close to Vogue say Anna took Naomi's comment at the Harlem event personally.
She reportedly "felt disrespected" and "won't tolerate shade" from anyone — even a supermodel she helped make into a household name.
We've seen this pattern before.
Anna has iced out celebs for less.
But Naomi?
That's a bold move.
It's not just about personal drama, either.
It's about setting a tone.
If Anna lets someone publicly criticize her and still shows them grace at the Met Gala… she loses control.
She's not just curating outfits — she's curating power dynamics.
And Naomi crossed that line.
4. Industry Buzz Right Now

Naomi missing from the 2025 Met list has been the talk of every fashion office, group chat, and beauty counter in NYC.
Designers, stylists, even photographers are whispering about it.
No official statement from Vogue or Naomi's team… but the absence is loud.
Some say it's a tragedy.
Others say it's fashion evolution — old icons fading so newer faces can shine.
But most agree: Naomi is Met Gala royalty.
Her not being there is like missing a piece of the chandelier.
Here's what a few anonymous insiders had to say:
"It's giving personal vendetta energy."
"Naomi made fashion what it is.
She deserves more respect."
"Wintour never forgets.
Never."
At this point, the fashion world is split: Team Naomi vs.
Team Anna.
And things might get messier before they settle down.
5. Naomi's Met Gala Legacy

Let's not forget who we're talking about.
Naomi Campbell has been a staple of the Met Gala since the '90s.
Her looks?
Iconic.
Her walk up those steps?
Legendary.
And her influence?
Unmatched.
She's been on 66 Vogue covers under Anna Wintour's reign.
That's not just impressive — that's record-breaking territory.
She was also the first Black woman to grace the cover of US Vogue in 1989.
That's not just fashion — that's history.
Naomi's Met Gala HistoryYear | Look | Designer | Theme |
---|---|---|---|
1995 | Feathered gown | Versace | Haute Couture |
2008 | Silver gown | Dolce & Gabbana | Superheroes |
2019 | Pink feather cape | Valentino | Camp |
2023 | Silver sari-inspired dress | Chanel | Karl Lagerfeld |
Even when themes changed, Naomi always brought elegance.
She didn't just wear fashion — she became it.
6. 2025 Met Gala Vibes

Let's talk about the 2025 Met Gala itself.
The theme?
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style — an homage to Black fashion excellence.
This theme feels tailor-made (pun intended) for someone like Naomi.
Which makes her absence even louder.
Here are the official co-chairs:
Colman Domingo
Lewis Hamilton
A$AP Rocky
Pharrell Williams
LeBron James
That's a powerful group, and yes — it's super male-heavy.
Naomi would've added serious balance, not to mention legacy.
Theme Breakdown TableAspect | Description |
---|---|
Theme | Superfine: Tailoring Black Style |
Location | Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC |
Date | May 6, 2025 |
Vibe | Elevated, sharp, cultural |
Co-chairs | 5 male icons from various industries |
She is Black style.
She's repped Black designers for decades.
She's mentored newer generations in fashion.
Her absence stings harder because the theme fits her like couture.
7. What Happens Next

So now what?
Is this feud forever?
Will Naomi make a statement?
Will Anna ever forgive?
We don't know yet.
But fashion loves a comeback.
And Naomi's had many.
She's not just a model.
She's a force.
A brand.
A legacy.
Some fans are calling for reconciliation — a public hug, a Vogue cover, something that heals this rift.
Others say Naomi should just keep slaying on her own terms and forget about the Met.
What's clear?
The fashion world is watching.
And the story isn't over.
Sources & References
Vogue.com
YouTube: Naomi Campbell Official
Harper's Bazaar
The Cut
Fashionista
Page Six
Elle
Industry insiders via anonymous quotes
Images Sources & Attributions
All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.