For The Queen: Sha'Carri Richardson 'pays tribute' to legendary Flo-Jo with tailored outfit at Met Gala 2025

Sha'Carri Richardson and the legendary Flo-Jo

For The Queen: Sha'Carri Richardson 'pays tribute' to legendary Flo-Jo with tailored outfit at Met Gala 2025

Funmilayo Fameso 18:03 - 06.05.2025

Sha'Carri Richardson recreated one of the famous looks of the legendary Flo-Jo at the Met Gala 2025.

As one of the celebrities that stole the red carpet spotlight at the 2025 Met Gala, Sha'Carri Richardson dressed to perfection with tribute to her idol - the late Florence Griffith-Joyner (Flo-Jo).

The Olympic silver medallist's look was all spring colors, flowers, and candy nails, showing she was having fun in her Valentino outfit.

Richardson made her entrance in one of the most fun looks of the night - a strapless butter-yellow chiffon dress with knotted bands at the center, courtesy of Valentino by Alessandro Michele. The piece was layered over a lavender lace bodice in a floral pattern, also from the designer.

Sha'Carri Richardson's look for the 2025 Met Gala

A large bow on the back of the yellow dress formed its long tail, and the Olympic medallist made sure to add to the drama with plenty of accessories, all by Alex Moss.

Sha'Carri Richardson's long mermaid-like hair adorned with diminutive yellow and white bows all over.

The track runner's style can be likened to Flo Jo's running outfit at the 1988 US Olympic trials, where she wore a custom-designed lace tracksuit by Adidas. She famously ran in a white bodysuit covered in lace, which she later wore in Seoul. Her style helped her stand out as a pop culture icon, and her influence continues to inspire athletes today. 

Flo-Jo at the 1988 US Olympic trialls

Flo-Jo was known for her bold and stylish tracksuits, including one-legged suits, hooded bodysuits, and bright colors. At the 1988 trials, She secured her place at the Seoul 1988 Olympics, winning three gold medals in world record times of 10.49s and 21.35s, which still stands today.

Her attributes and uniqueness are what Richardson idolises, and she's known to mostly tailor her style with the same bold fashion statements on and off track, of which the 2025 Met Gala was no exception.

As a member of the host committee for the prestigious fashion event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Richardson was among the star-studded sports and entertainment celebrities who were present in their style statements, including Rihanna, several WNBA stars, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, and F1 legend Lewis Hamilton.

Speaking on what inspired her look and how she interpreted the theme (Tailored For You), the runner said she modified it to her current maximalist lifestyle, showing her unique self.

"This outfit continues to show the era of life I'm in, my soft, black, rich girl era...

Sha'Carri Richardson at the 2025 Met Gala. Photo Credit - Theo Wargo // Getty Images

"When I heard the theme (Tailored For You), all I honestly felt was expressing yourself. Showing exactly my unique self, showing exactly who I am through fashion, just like I do on the track. So when I heard the theme, I was just like I'm going to show up and flow like I normally do," said the reigning world 100m champion.

Richardson ensured her signature nails stood out. Pointy, colorful, and adorned with what looked like mini flowers, they resembled sugary candy rosettes.

The American sprint queen has been at the forefront of the sport since 2023 when she blazed to the world 100m title in Budapest in a Championship Record of 10.65s, and won 100m silver and 4x100m gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

No doubt Richardson has stamped her name in the mainstream American entertainment industry, and when she decides to kick off her 2025 season, she'll be doing what she does best - run fast on the track like her idol.

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