The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated the artistry of Black designers and the history of tailoring within the Black community. Among the standout looks was a custom Hanifa design created for Savannah James, styled with elegance and precision for one of fashion’s most visible stages.
My Role:
As Lead Designer at Hanifa, I managed and executed key aspects of Savannah James’ look from concept through completion. This included:
As Lead Designer at Hanifa, I managed and executed key aspects of Savannah James’ look from concept through completion. This included:
Overseeing multiple fittings to ensure a flawless, custom-tailored fit.
Patterning and sewing the skirt and hoop skirt, taking the garment from structure to final finish.
Assisting in the completion of the tailored jacket, ensuring it matched the standard of couture craftsmanship expected at the Met Gala.
Textile designing the distressed edge details, adding depth and a unique finish that tied directly into the gala’s theme.
Impact:
The look was a defining moment for Hanifa, placing the brand and team on the Met Gala stage and celebrating Black fashion at the highest level. For me, it was both a professional milestone and a testament to the skills I’ve honed in couture construction, textile innovation, and high-pressure project management.
The look was a defining moment for Hanifa, placing the brand and team on the Met Gala stage and celebrating Black fashion at the highest level. For me, it was both a professional milestone and a testament to the skills I’ve honed in couture construction, textile innovation, and high-pressure project management.
This project solidified my ability to deliver at the industry’s highest caliber, balancing creativity with technical excellence on one of the most prestigious platforms in the world.
