The 2025 Met Gala was a night of unapologetic Black excellence, but few moments gleamed quite like the grand debut of American music icon Lauryn Hill.
Making her first-ever appearance at fashion’s most prestigious night, Lauryn Hill came dressed not just to impress but to imprint—turning to none other than Ghana’s Jude Dontoh to bring her vision to life. And he delivered.
As co-founder of the acclaimed fashion house Tribe of God, Dontoh created a masterpiece, presenting a look that turned heads and celebrated cultural power and elegance.
Lauryn Hill’s look—a butter-yellow tuxedo gown with a sweeping, sculptural train—embodied bold Afro-spiritual symbolism and royalty.
The ensemble featured ornate embroidery that whispered divine authority. Its richness was enhanced by a burgundy tie, gold jewelry, and a show-stealing sash of authority.
An umbrella held over Hill’s head as she ascended the Met steps wasn’t just for show; it was a powerful nod to Ghanaian royalty, where kings and revered leaders are shielded with the Benkyinie umbrella to signify elevated status and command respect.
As if the look wasn’t striking enough, the cerulean blue Hermès Kelly bag offered a deliberate color clash—mirroring Hill’s dominant legacy in a male-centered rap fraternity alongside her graceful femininity.
Jude Dontoh’s attention to detail—from the textured lapels to the symbolic patterning stitched into the inner lining—cemented his status as a fashion storyteller of the highest order.
This wasn’t just a red carpet moment. It was a goosebump-inducing statement. It was culture, it was art, and above all, it was glory.
The outfit earned Lauryn Hill accolades as one of the top three best dressed, alongside Rihanna and Madonna.
The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Tailored for You,” celebrated Black fashion and designers—and Ghanaian creative Jude Dontoh surely proved his worth.
Beyond fashion, Dontoh’s brand—co-founded with George Malm and Emmanuel Sam-Amoah—has collaborated with international artists like Sean Paul and major brands such as Sony and Spotify, showcasing his versatility and global appeal.