Actress and fashion star Sarah Jessica Parker did not walk the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala this year. Instead, she stayed in New York City and focused on her work. The 60-year-old star of And Just Like That… shared the news during an interview on May 2, just days before the famous fashion event.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Cultured Magazine Cult 100 event, Parker told Entertainment Tonight that she could not attend the Met Gala because of her busy schedule. “I have to work,” she said. Still, she expressed excitement about seeing others attend. “There’s going to be so much to see,” she added. “I look forward to seeing how everyone interprets the theme and the homework they did for the assignment.”
What Was the Theme of the 2025 Met Gala?
This year’s Met Gala focused on the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” It highlighted Black fashion and its influence throughout history. The theme comes from Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, which explores Black dandyism and tailoring from the 1700s to today.
The exhibit, organized by The Costume Institute, showed how Black culture and fashion have shaped the modern world. Guests at the gala were invited to dress in ways that honored this legacy. Designers, artists, and stylists from around the globe came together to celebrate this powerful and stylish tradition.
What Did Sarah Jessica Parker Do Instead?
Although Parker skipped the red carpet, she was still very active that evening. She posted Instagram Stories featuring highlights from the New York Knicks’ nail-biting 108–105 win over the Boston Celtics. This simple act showed her deep love for New York City — both its sports teams and its style.
Parker’s post came as no surprise to longtime fans. She has always supported NYC events and often cheers on local sports teams. Sharing the Knicks’ win on the same night as the Met Gala reflected her connection to the city’s culture, both high fashion and everyday life.
A Look Back at Parker’s Met Gala History
Sarah Jessica Parker is one of the Met Gala’s most famous regulars. She first attended in 1995, wearing a thrifted black velvet dress. Since then, she has made 12 total appearances and earned praise for her bold and artistic looks.
In 2024, she stunned guests by wearing a custom Richard Quinn corset gown. The sculpted dress honored the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” She attended that year’s event with close friend and TV host Andy Cohen.
Speaking to Vogue during the 2024 gala, Parker said she always feels a duty to showcase the designers’ work. “It’s not just about your comfort,” she said. “It’s about honoring the vision of the designer, the milliner, the stylists. You’re presenting their art.”
Her 2014 appearance was also special. That year, she served as one of the gala’s co-chairs. With each look, Parker brought elegance, creativity, and meaning — turning fashion into storytelling.
Fashion Meets Responsibility
Sarah Jessica Parker’s choice to skip the Met Gala this year was not a sign of fading interest. Instead, it showed her dedication to her professional work. Many fans praised her honesty and her effort to stay involved through social media.
Even without walking the carpet, she found a way to show her support for the city, the event, and the designers. Her career in fashion and film keeps growing, and her past Met Gala outfits remain iconic in the world of celebrity style.
The Met Gala Without Parker
While many stars made headlines this year, some fans felt her absence. Sarah Jessica Parker has often brought drama, beauty, and cultural meaning to the event. Her looks are known for mixing fashion with storytelling. From big headpieces to custom gowns, her style has left a strong mark on the gala.
Though 2025 was a year without her at the event, her influence remained. Designers and fans alike continue to talk about her past outfits, which often end up on “best dressed” lists for years after the gala.
What’s Next for Sarah Jessica Parker?
Parker continues to act in HBO’s And Just Like That…, the Sex and the City sequel. She also works behind the scenes in theater and fashion. Her brand, SJP Collection, remains popular among shoe lovers.
As someone who balances acting, fashion, and family life, Parker shows how a modern celebrity can stay relevant while making smart choices. Missing the Met Gala was not a retreat — it was a sign of discipline and respect for her work.
