When Colman Domingo stepped out of The Carlyle Hotel in a sweeping, jewel-toned cape custom-designed by Valentino, it was clear he was just getting started. The co-chair made an early entrance on the red carpet, kicking off the evening on a high note. The cape’s shoulders were crowned with golden sequin embellishments, reminiscent of both choir robes and the blue capes that the late, great André Leon Talley once wore to the event. On the carpet, Domingo told E! News that he wanted to honor the Black church, noting that the look emphasized “the way we fashion ourselves with spirituality in every single way.”
Once on the steps, Domingo shed his cape to reveal a perfectly cut three-piece custom Valentino zoot suit, also designed by creative director Alessandro Michele. The intricately embroidered checked suit jacket was accented with an oversized polka dot flower on the lapel. Instead of a tie, he opted instead for a matching polka dot silk foulard—a signature flourish seen both on Michele’s runways and in Domingo’s consistently standout red carpet style. He completed the look with an Omega Speedmaster and a striking collection of Boucheron jewels, including a spiked ear cuff and a dazzling pinky ring.
Domingo arrived hand-in-hand with his partner, Raúl Domingo, who shined in a monochromatic purple sequin suit. The couple, who first met in a Walmart parking lot back in 2005, have been inseparable ever since. This marked Raúl’s Met Gala debut alongside his husband—turning a historic outing into the ultimate date night.
