Sabrina Carpenter’s Bold Met Gala Moment and Meteoric Rise to Pop Stardom

While many know her for the chart-topping single “Espresso,” 25-year-old pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter stole headlines at the 2025 Met Gala — and not for her music. Instead, she made waves for a daring fashion choice that instantly ignited a social media frenzy.

Carpenter turned heads on the red carpet by wearing an eye-catching ensemble that boldly omitted pants. The outfit, which blurred the line between haute couture and performance art, quickly became one of the most talked-about looks of the evening.

She wore a deep burgundy structured blazer adorned with polished silver buttons, which extended into a dramatic train that trailed behind her. Underneath, she sported a matching corset and a high-cut bodysuit, putting a bold twist on traditional tailoring. The daring ensemble, which defied typical red carpet conventions, was offset by her towering platform heels and voluminous platinum waves that softened the look with a vintage Hollywood charm.

According to her interview with Vogue on the red carpet, the custom outfit was crafted by Louis Vuitton under the creative direction of Pharrell Williams. Carpenter shared that collaborating with Pharrell had been a long-time dream — one that became a reality at this year’s Met Gala.

The “no-pants” decision was, in fact, Pharrell’s playful suggestion. “You’re quite short, so no pants for you,” he joked during fittings, to which Carpenter responded with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. She completed the look with her signature platform heels, admitting that while they made walking precarious, they added to the powerful silhouette she envisioned.

As photos and clips from the event circulated online, reactions flooded social media. Some users were amused, others critical. Comments ranged from dismissive — “Kindergarten children’s clothing” — to confused — “Why do people think wearing next to nothing is sexy?” A few applauded her boldness, while others lamented what they saw as an overdone fashion gimmick.

Some critiques focused not on the outfit itself but on its styling. Several commenters suggested that an updo hairstyle would have balanced the high neckline of the blazer more elegantly, while others felt the proportions made her appear neckless.

Still, there were many fans who loved the look. One enthusiastic netizen declared it the “best Met Gala outfit of the night,” while another praised her for being “unapologetically herself” and “on theme and unforgettable.” Regardless of the split opinions, one thing was clear — Carpenter succeeded in making a bold fashion statement, in true Met Gala tradition.

But this wasn’t an isolated moment of audacity. It was part of a larger narrative Carpenter has been weaving — one that embraces sensuality, theatricality, and self-expression both on and off the stage.

In an October 2024 interview with Time, Carpenter candidly discussed the persistent criticism female artists face when they lean into their sexuality. She admitted she hasn’t escaped the backlash: “No, I definitely get that as well,” she said.

She opened up about the mental toll of being singled out. “It’s hard when I feel like I’m the only one getting criticized for things other people are doing freely,” she reflected. A piece of advice helped her reframe that pressure: “I’m the one seeing all the negative stuff. My friends don’t even see it.”

Carpenter expressed deep appreciation for the trailblazing women who came before her — from Madonna and Britney Spears to Rihanna and Beyoncé — but noted that public judgment hasn't vanished. “You’ll still get the occasional mother with a strong opinion,” she added. “To that I say: don’t come to the show — and that’s OK.”

Her empowering stance translated directly into her 2024–2025 tour wardrobe. With corsets, garters, lace, and rhinestone bodysuits, her stagewear emphasized femininity on her own terms. “If what makes me feel powerful is a corset or a fuzzy robe, then that’s what it’s going to be,” she said.

During her Paris performance in March 2025, while singing her provocative hit “Juno,” Carpenter caused a stir by leaning into highly suggestive choreography. At the song’s most playful line — “Have you ever tried this one?” — she dipped between two dancers forming an arch with their arms, smiling cheekily as she hit the lyric.

The move divided audiences. While fans at the venue erupted with excitement, many online found the performance inappropriate for younger viewers. Some claimed the scene was “disturbing,” while others questioned her influence as a role model.

Yet many pushed back on the criticism, pointing out that her shows are rated for age and that responsibility ultimately lies with the parents. “If kids are there, that’s on the parents, not her,” one defender commented.

Beyond the viral moments and fashion risks, Carpenter’s talent and dedication to her craft are undeniable. Her 2024–2025 Short N' Sweet Tour has been a global triumph, selling out arenas in Europe and North America. From Berlin to Amsterdam, London to New York, Carpenter’s live performances have been praised for their energy, detail, and emotional depth.

Her momentum has extended to awards season. At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, she won both Pop Artist of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for “Espresso,” triumphing over industry titans like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Delivering a heartfelt acceptance speech via video, she thanked her fans for giving her “the ability to be the artist I’ve always wanted to be.”

Just weeks earlier, Carpenter celebrated two major wins at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso” and Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n' Sweet. Her nominations spanned the biggest categories, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year — a clear sign that her evolution from Disney star to fully-fledged pop powerhouse was complete.

Carpenter’s journey has been a long time in the making. Raised in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, she was inspired by her older sisters and began performing at a young age. After landing a role on Law & Order and later starring as Maya Hart on Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World, she signed a music deal at age 12 and balanced acting and recording with maturity beyond her years.

“She always had a clear sense of who she was,” said her vocal coach Eric Vetro. “Even at 12, she had a work ethic and vision that’s rare.”

Now, with Grammy wins, record-breaking tours, and cultural moments that continue to stir conversation, Sabrina Carpenter stands as one of pop music’s most compelling forces — fearless, focused, and just getting started.