The Met Gala isn’t just a fashion event—it’s the fashion event. Every year, the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum turn into the most exclusive runway in the world, where fashion houses showcase their artistry, designers aim to immortalize their legacy, and stylists go all in for a single night that can define careers. And in such a competitive space—where exclusivity reigns—repeating a look is, quite simply, a cardinal sin.

That’s why, when Zendaya—undisputed queen of the Met Gala—and actress Anna Sawai, this year’s breakout star thanks to her lead role in Shōgun, showed up wearing nearly identical white suits, the fashion world held its breath.

This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated tailoring as a form of cultural expression within Black fashion. A tribute to 18th- and 19th-century dandyism, reimagined with modernity, identity, and pride. The occasion demanded precision, creativity, and—above all—originality.

Zendaya, a seasoned Met Gala veteran and contemporary fashion muse, stunned in a Louis Vuitton ensemble designed by Pharrell Williams. A tailored white tuxedo, silk shirt, structured vest, and flared trousers, all topped with a wide-brimmed hat that radiated power and sophistication. A clear nod to the zoot suits of the ’70s and ’80s, echoing Diana Ross and Bianca Jagger.

Just minutes later, Anna Sawai made her grand entrance in a three-piece white suit by Dior. It featured a softer silhouette but was no less striking—complete with a tie, wide-leg trousers, and the same intent: to reinterpret the power of tailoring from a feminine and elegant perspective, inspired by the iconic Yoko Ono.

Headlines exploded almost instantly: Who wore it first? Who wore it better? Was it a styling slip-up—or sabotage? At a gala where invitations, sketches, and fittings are planned months in advance, how could such a strong similarity happen?

Law Roach, Zendaya’s close friend and longtime stylist—who attended this time as a guest, not as the mastermind behind her look—was diplomatic about it:

“Each person interpreted the theme in their own way. There’s no rivalry, it was an interesting coincidence, and both of them looked spectacular,” he told E! News.

Dior also confirmed that the inspiration and creative process behind Sawai’s look were entirely independent, envisioned as the actress’s debut statement in the world of high fashion.

In the real world, repeating an outfit can be a compliment. At the Met Gala, it’s almost a scandal. But this time, the narrative was different. While the resemblance between the white suits was undeniable, the intention behind each look made all the difference.

Zendaya paid tribute to Black dandyism through extravagance and precision. Anna Sawai, through subtlety and refinement. And both, in their own stylistic language, perfectly captured the night’s spirit: celebrating elegance, history, and the power of dress.

Because if one thing became clear, it’s this: when it comes to style, there’s room on the red carpet for more than one star.

Photo Credits from left to right: IG @annaasawai, Getty Images, IG @10magazineaustralia