GQ’s 2025 Met Gala After-Party Was the Place to Spot Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, and Lupita Nyong’o

Inside GQ’s Star-Studded Met Gala After-Party Hosted by Will Welch and André 3000

Despite the downpour over Manhattan, the energy inside Café Zaffri—located in the newly opened, members-only hotel The Twenty Two—was anything but dreary. GQ Editor-in-Chief Will Welch and musician André 3000 welcomed a dazzling mix of actors, designers, models, artists, and cultural figures for one of the Met Gala’s most talked-about after-parties.

Since joining GQ in 2007 and taking the helm as editor-in-chief in 2018, Welch has steadily reshaped the publication into a cultural tastemaker across style, sports, and music. The evening’s guest list and atmosphere reflected that evolution. The event wasn’t just a party—it was a statement of influence.

Co-hosts Grace Wales Bonner, Law Roach, and Anok Yai joined Welch and André 3000 in setting the tone for the night. Wales Bonner, a designer celebrated for her intellectual approach to menswear and winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2019, changed from her structured tuxedo into a softer, embroidered ensemble. Roach, known for his work with Zendaya, arrived with a fresh look—a blond hairstyle replacing his signature long locks. Zendaya, in turn, arrived in a dramatic red feathered gown, joining model Imaan Hammam, who wore a striking combination of emeralds and pearls.

Yai, a breakout star since a viral photo at Howard University’s homecoming in 2017, arrived in a custom Thom Browne gown, channeling vintage Hollywood. Known for her previous Met Gala standouts—including a Swarovski-covered bodysuit—she once again drew high praise for one of the evening’s best looks.

Among other notable guests, Hailey Bieber exchanged her earlier Met Gala look for a gold velvet corset, seen in conversation with singer Justine Skye, who wore leopard print. Lupita Nyong’o remained in her powder-blue Chanel suit, a subtle nod to the Prada gown she wore during her Oscar win 11 years prior. Author Zadie Smith, in a palm-print cape, was spotted deep in discussion with actor Daniel Kaluuya, dressed in understated black leather.

The evening spotlighted Black excellence across fashion, food, music, and art. DJs Rich Medina and Acyde kept the dance floor full, while a pop-up photo studio by Tyrell Hampton provided high-fashion portraits. Guests were also treated to food by chefs Camari Mick and Charlie Mitchell, formerly of Brooklyn’s Michelin-starred Clover Hill and now of Saga, a lauded fine dining restaurant in the Financial District. The menu, including lobster rolls and sliders, was a welcome indulgence for many guests who’d skipped dinner.

As the celebration stretched into the early hours, the takeaway was clear: GQ’s after-party wasn’t just a glamorous end to the night—it was a curated celebration of culture, creativity, and community.