At the 2025 Met Gala, hair took center stage with sculpted waves, slicked-down curls, and dramatic swoops complementing the evening’s sharply tailored looks. Many of the standout styles paid tribute to Jazz Age icon Josephine Baker, whose signature kiss curls have long symbolized elegance and resistance.
Quinta Brunson referenced Baker directly, wearing a pinstripe dress and blazer paired with a dramatic forehead swoop. Speaking on the red carpet, she said her look was heavily inspired by the legendary American-born French performer and World War II resistance fighter.
Singer Coco Jones was one of the first stars to embrace the trend, arriving in an ivory suit by Indian designer Manish Malhotra with a single, glossy kiss curl pressed to her forehead. Actress Sydney Sweeney paired her sleek Miu Miu gown with a slicked-back bun and a looped fringe detail.
Comedian Cole Escola also joined in, wearing a high-shine wave that added flair to their colorful ensemble. Pop star Dua Lipa matched her flapper-inspired Chanel outfit with four sculpted swoops flowing from her bun to her temples. Teyana Taylor, co-hosting Vogue’s livestream, wore a dramatic feathered hat with soft curls peeking through, paired with a custom Ruth E. Carter suit and cape.
Male attendees also embraced the theme. Bad Bunny’s hairstyle featured a subtle swoop under his wicker hat, while actor Henry Golding wore a perfectly styled coif with a single loose strand falling forward with intention.
The kiss curl and wave styles seen at the Gala have a rich history. They echoed looks from past fashion moments, including Givenchy’s spring 2017 show, where hairstylist Guido Palau created similar sculptural effects on models like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.
Some red carpet styles blended kiss curls with Marcel waves, a vintage technique created in the 19th century by French hairdresser François Marcel Grateau. This method, which uses hot tongs to form smooth, undulating waves, has recently regained popularity with celebrities such as Rihanna, Halle Berry, and Zendaya.
As noted by The New York Times in a 2023 report, these soft yet structured styles help balance the strong tailoring seen on runways and red carpets, adding a refined edge that speaks to both tradition and innovation.
