Every year, the Met Gala draws the best and brightest celebrities worldwide. The gala is an annual fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It is always held on the first Monday in May. Guests are expected to heed a specific theme; the resulting outfits are often elaborate and dazzling.
This year was no exception. The theme for 2025 was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with the dress code “Tailored for You.” As always, the paparazzi lined up early, hoping to catch the invitees as they entered. The guest list is always a secret, so they never know who will step out of the limousine.
One couple really turned heads this year: Colin Kaepernick and his girlfriend, Nessa Diab.
Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab Wowed the Paparazzi
Former San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback turned political activist, Kaepernick, and his girlfriend Diab, blew minds when they arrived on the red carpet.
A post on X from Vibe Magazine shows the couple decked out in coordinating outfits.
“The couples are killing it tonight! Take a look at Nessa and Colin Kaepernick! #MetGala2025,” posted Vibe Magazine, along with a photo credited to Getty Images.
According to Vogue magazine, Kaepernick and Diab relied on Moncler, a luxury outerwear company known for its down jackets, to help bring the vision of Ghanian-British fashion designer Edward Enninful to life.
“[Enninful is] one of the most visionary and influential people within the creative industry, and the opportunity to work with him–going through the looks, the designs, how we actually wanted to bring this to life; his attention to detail–we’re very honored to be a part of [this],” said Kapernick to Vogue.
Kaepernick wore a custom three-piece burgundy suit with a matching cape. The suit featured a Kente print promoting “stability, honor, and pride.” He also donned an antique art deco diamond brooch and several rings featuring diamonds and precious gems.
Diab’s outfit paid homage to “Moncler’s outerwear legacy.” They were known for outfitting mountain climbers in the 1950s. She wore a cape made from their signature nylon laque. The cape was atop a black silk dress, “titled An Ode to Mama which honors maternal strength, legacy, and artistry, which is passed down through generations.” She told the media that she felt it was appropriate since the couple had their first child in 2022.
Why Did Kaepernick’s Career Get Cut Short?
Kaepernick struggled during his short six-season NFL career. As a second-round pick in 2011, he worked his way into a starting role.
While he was known as a dual-threat who thrived in a read-option scheme, he struggled with accuracy and his presence in the pocket. He led the 49ers to a Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens, but they fell behind and ultimately lost the game.
He was never selected for a Pro Bowl or given All-Pro honors. Additionally, Kaepernick suffered from multiple injuries that kept him off the field.
Kaepernick and the 49ers parted ways after a few difficult seasons. He received multiple fines from the NFL and received negative attention for taking a knee during the National Anthem.
Many of Kaepernick’s supporters felt that the league “blackballed” him because of his political activism rather than because of his on-field performance. Despite working out with several teams and the NFL, he was never signed by a team.