By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
On Sept. 13 the fourth annual Baltimore MET Gala (BMG) transformed The HALL at Live! Casino and Hotel into a dazzling celebration of art, fashion, culture and cuisine. With this year’s theme, “TIMELESS — The Evolution of Style: Past. Present. Future,” the evening proved to be nothing short of phenomenal from the moment guests stepped onto the blue carpet to the final applause.
A blue carpet entrance
The night began with a flood of elegance as artists, fashionistas, business leaders, elected officials and Baltimore’s cultural tastemakers arrived. Attendees dressed to embody every era imaginable — from African royalty to the roaring 1920s, 1970s-inspired glam, Bridgerton regalia, gilded age opulence, and even futuristic interpretations.
“It felt like walking through a living museum of style,” said Danielle Morrison,“Everywhere you turned, the past, present and future came alive in the room.”
Culinary and artistic excellence
Aside from the fashion, guests indulged in A Taste of the MET, a culinary experience curated with the Greater Baltimore Urban League. The spread included everything from soulful fusion cuisine to artisanal desserts, with each plate as memorable as the last.
“The food alone was worth the ticket,” shared Marcus Reed, a first-time attendee. “It was like traveling through flavors.”
Equally captivating were the art installations of the Statement 2025 Art Exhibition, curated by Ernest Shaw, Ainsley Burrows and Laurielle Noel. Immersive displays surrounded guests, setting the tone for a night where creativity and community converged seamlessly.
“This wasn’t just art on walls,” noted Sophia Grant, a local artist. “It was a full sensory experience that made you stop, reflect and celebrate Baltimore’s brilliance.”
Fashion as a timeless journey
The highlight of the evening was the Moments in Time fashion show, curated by Lana Rae and Earle Bannister. Collections featured included Andrew Nowell Menswear; Angelias Couture; BeMade; Madison Walker; Sa’loote Culture Designs; Shop. TheRunway and Studio D’Maxsi + The A Concept by Afua Sam. The show transcended the traditional runway.
“It wasn’t just a fashion show — it was a journey,” said Alicia Thompson, a fashion blogger. “You could feel the heartbeat of the region’s creative community in every look.”
From vintage silhouettes to futuristic avant-garde designs, the fashion presentation moved fluidly through eras.
“It was spectacular,” added James Carter, a longtime supporter of the arts. “Every designer put their best foot forward — they told stories through fabric that connected generations.”
Awards and honors
The night also recognized the leaders shaping Baltimore’s cultural renaissance through the ICON + IMPACT Awards. Honorees included Derrick Adams (Artist ICON), Saon Brice (Culinary ICON), Khalilah Beavers (Fashion ICON), Brandon M. Phillips (IMPACT Award) and Audra Madison (IMPACT Award), with the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center receiving the Community Impact Award.
“The Baltimore MET Gala continues to demonstrate the unbelievable talent in the Baltimore region,” said producer LaRian Finney. “I love recognizing our greatness via awards to Chef Saon Brice, Khalilah Beavers, Derrick Adams, Brandon Phillips and Audra Madison.”
For many, the night felt bigger than fashion itself.
“You could feel the love for Baltimore in every moment,” said Kimberly Ross, “This was more than a gala — it was a cultural celebration that reminded us of our greatness.”
More than a gala — A cultural movement
Since its inception in 2022, the Baltimore MET Gala has grown into a cultural movement that not only celebrates luxury and artistry but also invests back into the community. Supporting organizations like the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, the event continues to elevate Baltimore’s profile on a national stage while amplifying the voices of the city’s next generation of leaders.
On the night of Sept. 13, one thing was clear: Baltimore’s creative spirit is not only alive but thriving. The 2025 Baltimore MET Gala was a breathtaking reminder that style — like the city itself — is truly timeless.