Naomi Campbell reveals why she won't be attending 2025 Met Gala

British supermodel Naomi Campbell has shockingly revealed she won't be attending the 2025 Met Gala, kicking off this evening in New York City.

The theme for the annual fashion extravaganza, which takes place on the first Monday in May, is 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' 

In line with the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute exhibit, the event explores Black dandyism from the 18th century to its revival during the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on fashion today.

The 54-year-old model took to Instagram just hours before A-list stars began descending upon the 'blue carpet' on the Met Museum steps. In her post, Campbell explained that although she was invited to this year's Met Gala, she was unable to attend due to reasons she did not disclose.

She also took the opportunity to congratulate Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who's been in charge of the star-studded Met Gala for the last three decades.

'Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight's extraordinary celebration,' Campbell began her post.

'I have to say, what perfect timing for the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' theme. It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power.'

She continued: 'I was so honored to be invited to tonight's big event, but regretfully cannot make it. Even though I'm not there in person, I'm with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley.'

The mother of two went on to pay tribute to the late fashion icon, who died in January 2022 from a heart attack at age 73. Talley made history in the fashion world as the first Black creative director at Vogue from 1987 to 1995, before becoming Vogue editor-at-large from 1998 to 2013.

'His commanding presence, vision and belief that fashion is art helped shape what the Met Gala is presenting tonight,' Campbell said. 'I can't wait to see how everyone mixes African and European style traditions on those famous steps tonight! The creativity will be amazing.'

The model signed off, 'With all my love and admiration, Naomi Campbell,' and captioned the post: 'Happy Met Monday'

In addition to her message, Campbell shared several throwback images of herself attending the A-list event over the years – including one snap from the 2006 Met Gala, where she posed on the red carpet with Talley.

Her decision to skip the biggest night in fashion comes just one week after Campbell declared in a video that she feels 'too old' to attend the Met Gala.

She made the shocking confession en route to the 2024 Met Gala, where she commanded attention in a Burberry turquoise gown. In a recent episode of her Being Naomi series on YouTube, Campbell said: 'This is my last Met. It is my last. I can't... I'm too old. It's too much for me, the anxiety.

'I don't know what number this is, I think it could be either 20 or 21, can you imagine.'

Last year, the model also sparked rumors of an alleged rift between herself and the Vogue editor-in-chief.

In September 2024, 75-year-old fashion editor presented Campbell with the Icon of the Year award at the 17th Annual Harlem's Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards. 

However, she told the audience she had to leave because Campbell was running late and she had other places to be. Straight-talking and 'punctual' Wintour then took a swipe at Campbell's timekeeping, claiming she is 'often late'.

Wintour told the audience: 'I am a very punctual person, and I have the honor of presenting tonight to someone who is often late. So Samira Nasr has agreed to step in for me because unfortunately I have to leave after everything I would like to say about the extraordinary Naomi Campbell.'

After Wintour left the event, Harper's Bazaar's editor Samira Nasr presented Campbell with the award as Wintour's replacement.

The sly dig prompted Campbell to hit back as she said: 'Yes, "Naomi's always late."'

'But I believe in my high power and I want to thank my higher power for having me be here. It's so important that I'm here today, and I'm honored to be here in Harlem.'

She added: 'I just want to say this. Everything's going to work out the way it's meant to work out.

'It wasn't my choice to have the other lady but I'd much rather have this, so thank you.'