Savannah James grabbed attention at the 2025 Met Gala, making a stunning solo entrance on May 5, just hours after NBA star LeBron James revealed he would skip the event due to a playoff injury. The 38-year-old entrepreneur and style icon captivated the red carpet in a beautiful Hanifa dress, demonstrating that she is a significant fashion influencer on her own.
Savannah’s Moment at the Met Gala
LeBron, the honorary chair for the 2025 Met Gala, was scheduled to team up with co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour for the event, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and featuring a “Tailored for You” dress code. The exhibit is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 publication, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. However, a knee injury kept the Lakers star out, allowing Savannah to shine on her own.
Savannah impressed in a burgundy Hanifa dress, showcasing a pinstripe jacket with visible boning and a striking mermaid-shaped skirt. Her appearance flawlessly captured the essence of the evening, merging sophisticated style with striking boldness, establishing her as a highlight of the Met Gala.
Savannah James standing in for LeBron James (honorary Met Gala chair) as he is absent because of injury.
LeBron’s Last-Minute Withdrawal
LeBron’s missing presence was surprising, particularly following his October declaration as an honorary chair. The Los Angeles Lakers’ early playoff departure against the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee occurred on April 30, led him to miss the event. He expressed his disappointment on X, stating, “Regrettably due to the knee injury I incurred at the season’s end I won’t be able to go to the Met Gala in NY this evening… “I dislike missing a significant event!”
Even with the playoff defeat, LeBron created history this season by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, 20, becoming the first father-son pair in NBA history to compete together for the Lakers. Looking back on the achievement, LeBron informed reporters, “Competing alongside Bronny was definitely the top priority.” It’s not anywhere near. “He’s an exceptional child with a promising future, and I play a significant role in that.”
LeBron, who has Bryce Maximus, 17, and Zhuri Nova, 10, with Savannah, is still uncertain about retirement. “I’ll gather with my family, my wife, and my support group to discuss how much longer I wish to play,” he stated after the season.