Simone Biles just redefined what it means to be a "Titan" on the red carpet. Honestly, it wasn't just about the clothes. It was about presence.
The 2025 Met Gala felt different from the second the theme was announced. "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This wasn't some abstract concept about camp or technology. It was deep. It was about Black dandyism, resistance, and the history of sartorial identity. When Biles arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, she wasn't just another guest. She was a co-host on the host committee.
She walked those famous steps with her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens. They looked incredible together. But let’s be real—everyone was looking at those shoes. Biles had teased her "interesting" detail to People magazine days earlier at the Kentucky Derby. She wasn't kidding about the height. She wore heels that were roughly five to six inches tall. On her 4'8" frame, that’s a massive lift.
The Custom Harbison Studio Moment
Biles went with Harbison Studio for the big night. Specifically, she wore the custom "Seraphim" dress. It was a bright, electric blue mini dress with a satin finish. If you looked closely, the dress featured glittering black ornamentation that caught the flashes of a thousand cameras.
The color choice was a vibe. Cobalt blue? It popped against the red carpet like nothing else. But the real drama was in the back. The look featured a custom version of the brand’s "Galaxy Cathedral Train." It trailed behind her, giving that royal energy she’s earned through years of dominating gymnastics.
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- Designer: Harbison Studio (Charles Harbison)
- The Look: "Seraphim" bustled minidress with a "Galaxy Cathedral Train"
- The Shoes: Towering 5-6 inch heels
- The Vibe: High-fashion dandyism meets athletic power
A lot of people on social media were split. Some felt the dress was too short or that the "bubble" silhouette was a bit much for her petite frame. On subreddits like r/whatthefrockk, fans debated if the chest area looked a bit stiff. But that’s the Met Gala for you. If everyone loves it, you probably didn't try hard enough.
Cohesive Style with Jonathan Owens
Jonathan Owens didn't just stand there as an accessory. He held his own. He wore an all-white suit that screamed "Black Dandy." He even added a white fur cape and a black cane. It was a direct nod to the theme inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion.
They didn't wear the same designer, but they were definitely "cohesive." Owens wore a massive 119-carat aquamarine pendant by Margot McKinney. That blue stone perfectly matched Simone’s dress. It was a subtle, expensive way to say "we're together" without wearing matching tracksuits.
Why 2025 Was Different From Her 2021 Debut
Remember 2021? Biles wore that massive AREA x Athleta ensemble. It weighed 88 pounds. 88 pounds! That’s basically the weight of a small human. She told Vogue back then that it felt heavy but empowering.
This time, she went for something sleeker. Moving from an 80-pound Swarovski crystal-covered gown to a mini dress was a power move. It showed growth. In 2021, she was the Olympic hero fresh off the Tokyo "twisties" conversation. In 2025, she was a veteran, a wife, and a fashion leader.
She’s 28 now. She’s leaning into her "Titan" status. At the TIME100 Gala just weeks before the Met, she spoke about being "in awe" of her honors. You could see that confidence on the Met steps. She wasn't buried under layers of fabric this time. She was the center of it.
The Reality of Being a Petite Fashion Icon
Dressing an elite athlete isn't easy. Biles has muscular, broad shoulders and a very short torso. Most couture is designed for 5'11" models who weigh 110 pounds. When you put high fashion on a world-class gymnast, the proportions have to be perfect.
Some critics thought the Harbison look added too much bulk to her frame. Others loved the contrast between her athletic build and the soft satin fabric. The conversation around her body and how fashion fits it is actually an important part of the Met Gala’s mission. It’s about challenging what "style" looks like.
Biles handles the criticism well. She basically told People that her only job was to "show up, have a good time, wear a beautiful fit, and walk the carpet."
Actionable Insights for Following Biles' Style
If you're inspired by Simone's 2025 appearance, here is how to track her ongoing fashion journey:
- Watch the Designers: Keep an eye on Charles Harbison. His work with Biles shows he knows how to handle color and structure for non-traditional silhouettes.
- The Shoe Strategy: If you're petite, Simone's 6-inch heel choice proves that "interesting" footwear is often the key to pulling off a heavy train or a long gown.
- The "Cohesive" Couple Look: Take a page from Biles and Owens. You don't need to match colors exactly. Use accessories—like a lapel pin or a pendant—to tie two different looks together.
- Follow the Theme: The 2025 theme "Superfine" is a deep dive into history. Reading Slaves to Fashion by Monica L. Miller will give you way more context on why Biles and Owens chose the "dandy" aesthetic.
Simone Biles proved at the 2025 Met Gala that she can carry the weight of a 100-year fashion history just as easily as she carries the expectations of a nation. Whether people liked the bubble dress or not, she owned the room. That's what being a GOAT is all about.