At the 2025 Met Gala, elegance wasn’t only seen in the dazzling silhouettes gliding down the red carpet—it was sewn into every detail by the often-unsung artisans behind the scenes. Among them, Lionel Nichols, a self-taught tailor from Flatbush, Brooklyn, quietly stood out as the creative force behind some of the night’s most talked-about fashion moments.
From crafting Diana Ross’s ethereal 18-foot train to tailoring Jeremy O’Harris’s bold statement ensemble, Nichols’s work represented more than just exquisite design—it embodied the powerful intersection of Black craftsmanship, identity, and storytelling.
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Nichols’s journey began far from the glamour of the Met Gala. A self-taught designer, he honed his skills in his bedroom in Flatbush, Brooklyn, fueled by determination and a deep love for the art of garment construction. The road to the Met wasn’t linear—nor was it easy—but for Nichols, it was both a personal and cultural triumph.
His breakout moment came through a collaboration with Balmain, where he contributed to creating garments worn by global celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra, Rosalia, and Jeremy O’Harris. However, it was his collaboration with Diana Ross that cemented his place as one of the gala’s standout artisans.
When the opportunity to work on the legendary Ross’s look arose, Nichols approached the challenge with meticulous care. “I created the pattern to define the shape and length, then moved on to the muslin so we could physically visualize the look on a mannequin,” Nichols explained to The Grio. “That let us see how the train would fall in real time.”
The result was a sweeping, 18-foot train that became one of the evening’s most iconic features. Once Nichols completed the foundational structure, a team of artisans added hand-beading, delicate embroidery—including the names of Ross’s children and grandchildren—and an elaborate arrangement of feathers, making the ensemble not only a visual marvel but a personal tribute.
Nichols’s involvement extended beyond Ross’s gown. For a second consecutive year, he worked closely with Balmain to tailor Jeremy O’Harris’s look—an homage to the historical tradition of Black dandyism.
“When it came to Jeremy O’Harris’ look, it was all about precision and movement. I made sure the fit was flawless,” Nichols told The Grio. He adjusted the trousers to “kiss the shoes perfectly” and installed internal wiring in the tie to maintain its shape and flow during the red carpet walk. “These refinements help us make sure the overall look stays sharp and functional down the carpet, allowing the garment to move with intention and hold its structure from every angle.”
The attention to detail helped bring O’Harris’s sartorial vision to life—a visual narrative steeped in heritage and self-expression.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was more than a dress code; it was a declaration. It highlighted the long-overlooked lineage of Black dandyism, a cultural and political form of self-expression dating back to the 18th century. As explained in a 2023 article by The Cut, Black dandyism often served as a way to reclaim power through clothing, subverting stereotypes while expressing individuality.
For Nichols, the theme resonated deeply. “The theme felt like a celebration of self-expression and storytelling—like saying, ‘This is who I am,’ through every stitch,” he reflected. “It wasn’t just fashion, it was a movement. A protest in its own way.”
Nichols added, “Being part of something that centered Black creativity and style so intentionally made it feel like we were all being seen and represented.”
Beyond his Met Gala accomplishments, Nichols is the founder and creative director of Mario & Lee, an L.A.-based fashion house known for blending high fashion with grassroots community influence. The brand’s ethos is rooted in accessibility, empowerment, and cultural storytelling—values that clearly guide Nichols’s work.
During the Met Gala, Nichols experienced a full-circle moment that underscored the power of representation. “A young Black girl came up to me and said my look inspired her dream of becoming a fashion designer,” he recalled. “That interaction meant everything. It reminded me how powerful it is just to show up as yourself—you never know who’s watching or what spark you might light.”
For Nichols, the significance of contributing to an event so steeped in cultural and aesthetic influence goes beyond personal achievement. “As a self-taught kid from Flatbush, Brooklyn, being able to contribute at this level is a real testament to hard work and dedication,” he said. “It shows that even if your path looks different, it’s still possible.”
He continued, “Being part of a Met Gala that was so rooted in Black history and culture made it even more meaningful. It showed young Black boys and girls—people who look like me—that we belong here too.”
For those hoping to elevate their own style, Nichols offers one simple yet profound piece of advice: “It starts with intentionality—know the story you want your clothes to tell.” While tailoring everything may not be feasible, he emphasizes the importance of two essentials: a well-fitted suit jacket and properly hemmed pants. “It’s a small detail, but it changes everything.”
While major fashion houses and celebrity stylists often dominate the spotlight at events like the Met Gala, Lionel Nichols’s journey reminds us of the powerful stories sewn quietly into each garment. His work stands as a tribute to Black ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring elegance of details.
Nichols’s vision, rooted in purpose and precision, adds an essential thread to the broader tapestry of fashion—a field still in need of voices like his.
