SHOCKING MET GALA MOMENTS: Whoopi Goldberg’s Jaw-Dropping Ensemble and the Hidden Messages Behind Fashion’s Biggest Night

The 2023 Met Gala was not just a celebration of fashion, it was an unforgettable event that raised the bar on creativity, style, and emotion. Fashion’s biggest annual night lit up the red carpet with spectacular designs and electrifying energy. But, beyond the dazzling couture and glittering accessories, the night took a much deeper turn with unexpected revelations and shocking moments. From Whoopi Goldberg’s jaw-dropping outfit to the groundbreaking contributions of the WNBA stars, the event was an emotional rollercoaster that captivated the world.

One standout moment was Whoopi Goldberg’s incredible appearance on the red carpet. Known for her eccentric style and unfiltered personality, Whoopi stunned everyone with her breathtaking outfit—a coat embroidered with a staggering 350,000 matte sequins. This meticulous creation took over 7,700 hours to complete, a true testament to the magic of high fashion. But it wasn’t just the sequins that caught the eye; it was the overwhelming energy of the evening that made Whoopi’s ensemble a statement.

Whoopi Goldberg Goes 'Superfine' in Thom Browne for Met Gala 2025
She took to the stage to thank the people who made her look possible, including designer Thom Browne, who tailored her outfit perfectly. But it wasn’t just about her. Whoopi used her moment in the spotlight to honor her late friend, André Leon Talley, a fashion icon who had passed away. With an emotional tribute to André, Whoopi and the entire fashion world acknowledged his incredible influence. The night wasn’t just a celebration of fashion, it was a tribute to a man who revolutionized the fashion industry.

But there was more than just glamour on the red carpet. The theme of the Met Gala this year was rooted in the powerful history of Black Dandyism, explored in the book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Black Diaspora Fashion. This gave rise to deep conversations about the intersection of style, race, and resistance. For Sunny Hostin, the Met Gala represented more than just a fashionable night—it was a powerful act of defiance, a celebration of the resilience and excellence of Black culture.

Sunny couldn’t hide her excitement, exclaiming, “Look good was a form of resistance.” And indeed, it was. Every detail of the evening, from the embroidery to the designs, paid homage to the history and struggle of the Black community, acknowledging their impact on global fashion trends. The significance of this theme couldn’t be overstated, especially as so many stars made bold fashion statements that paid tribute to the resilience and excellence of Black culture.

Among the most talked-about looks were Zendaya’s stunning Louis Vuitton gown, paired with her “Euphoria” co-star Hunter Schafer, who herself has become a fashion icon in her own right. Zendaya’s red carpet moment was nothing short of iconic, with her elegant yet daring fashion choices showcasing her unique style. Her look left the world gasping, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world.

But perhaps one of the most impactful moments of the evening came from the WNBA stars. Representing strength, empowerment, and elegance, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, both decked out in designs by Black designer Sergio Hudson, stole the spotlight. Their outfits were a testament to the undeniable influence of Black designers and athletes, turning heads and making statements.

Sara Haines, who was equally in awe, couldn’t stop gushing about the way Hudson transformed these women from sports heroes to high-fashion icons. “Sergio Hudson took these women, who we usually see in jerseys, and brought them to the epitome of fashion,” Haines said. The WNBA stars were not just wearing clothes—they were making history, proving that sports and fashion can coexist to elevate cultural and social narratives.

As the night continued, the stunning displays of fashion kept on coming. Jodie Turner-Smith’s look, styled by Burberry, was as powerful as it was breathtaking. “Blackness is excellence,” she declared on the red carpet, making a profound statement about race and the beauty of Black culture. Turner-Smith’s words resonated deeply with the theme of the night and brought a sense of unity and purpose to the event.

Whoopi Goldberg talks about the significance of the 2025 Met Gala dress  code - YouTube

But what truly made the night unforgettable was not just the glitz and glamour—it was the messages hidden within the designs. Fashion at the Met Gala has always been about more than just wearing beautiful clothes. It’s about making a statement, whether political, social, or cultural. This year’s theme, inspired by the legacy of Black Dandyism, was a call to action, reminding us that fashion has always been a form of resistance.

And, of course, there were the fun, quirky moments—like Whoopi’s playful reaction to people mistaking her sequined outfit for fur. “People were coming up and petting me because they thought it was fur,” she laughed. But it was more than just a funny incident—it was a moment that embodied the spirit of the evening: fun, bold, and full of surprises.

The night also marked the return of legendary stars like Diana Ross, who hadn’t been to the Met Gala in over two decades. Her 18-foot train, stitched with the names of all her children and grandchildren, was a touching tribute to her family. Ross’ look was a testament to her timeless glamour and her powerful presence in the world of entertainment and fashion.

But the Met Gala wasn’t just about the women. The men also showed up in force, with actors like LaKeith Stanfield and designers like Sergio Hudson pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion. Stanfield’s Ferragamo look was a standout, as was the custom creation for Hudson’s friend, John Emma, and the WNBA champions, all of whom worked with Hudson to create personalized, show-stopping outfits.

There’s no doubt that the 2023 Met Gala was one of the most spectacular events in recent years. From the heartfelt tributes to André Leon Talley to the stunning fashion moments and powerful messages, the night was an unforgettable celebration of culture, creativity, and resistance. For those who didn’t attend, it was the ultimate fashion fantasy, a chance to live vicariously through the iconic looks and jaw-dropping moments.

But beyond the glamour and beauty, the 2023 Met Gala was a reminder that fashion is far more than just clothes. It’s about telling stories, breaking boundaries, and celebrating history. If you didn’t catch the installation at the Met Museum, it’s definitely worth a visit—because what you’ll see there is nothing short of magnificent.

The 2023 Met Gala was a night that left us questioning, celebrating, and, most of all, inspired. Fashion, as it turns out, really is an act of resistance. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic for yourself.