Sierra Leonean-born Ibrahim Kamara made his mark at the 2025 Met Gala when Former Vice President Kamala Harris wore a custom Off-White design by Kamara himself.
The event, known for its impressive fashion and influential guests, saw Harris in a stunning black-and-white gown, marking an important moment for both the designer and Harris.
Kamara, who became Off-White’s creative director in 2024 after Virgil Abloh’s passing, has been celebrated for his bold approach to fashion.
His work often explores themes of gender, Black identity, and self-expression, challenging traditional norms in the industry. His design for Harris elegant and striking, yet strong fit perfectly with the Met Gala’s theme of celebrating Black style and culture.
Born in Sierra Leone in 1990, Kamara’s early life was shaped by hardship. His family fled the civil war in Sierra Leone and found safety in The Gambia before eventually settling in London. It was there that Kamara’s passion for fashion began to grow. Though he initially studied sciences in hopes of becoming a doctor, he switched to fashion after enrolling in an art & design course and later studied fashion and communication at Central Saint Martins.
Kamara’s career took off after he worked as an assistant stylist before becoming the editor-in-chief of Dazed magazine in 2021. His ability to connect different cultures and highlight voices often left out of the mainstream earned him wide recognition. As Off-White’s creative director, Kamara continues to expand his influence, pushing the limits of fashion while staying true to his roots and vision.
Kamala Harris’s choice to wear Kamara’s design at the Met Gala was more than just a fashion moment it was a recognition of the growing presence of African creativity in the global fashion scene. Harris, a leader as the first female, first African American, and first Asian American U.S. Vice President, has long used her position to support diversity and inclusion, and her Met Gala appearance was no different.
Kamara’s journey from Sierra Leone to London and eventually to the top of the fashion world shows the importance of global representation in fashion. His work with Off-White has placed him in a key role, shaping the future of fashion, and his collaboration with Harris serves as a reminder of the impact of representation on the world stage.