André 3000 wears piano to 2025 Met Gala to mark surprise release of ‘7 Piano Sketches’ EP

André 3000 made a memorable return to the Met Gala red carpet for the first time in 17 years by wearing a baby grand piano on his back. The bold outfit aligned with the 2025 Met Gala theme, “Tailored for You,” celebrating the museum’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition.

The musician collaborated with celebrity stylist Law Roach and Burberry creative director Daniel Lee on the custom Burberry x Benji Bixby jumpsuit. His outfit was a nod to his 2014 OutKast reunion look, blending artistic flair with avant-garde tailoring. André also wore a red cap and carried a black bag, adding to his distinctive interpretation of dandyism.

Photo: AFP

Speaking to GQ, he said, “My understanding of dandyism is your own personal outburst in fashion, or your own exclamation point on fashion. You don’t really have to try for it if it’s something that you are doing.”

More than just a fashion statement, the piano symbolised a surprise music release.

On the same day, 5 May, André 3000 dropped a new EP titled 7 Piano Sketches, a follow-up to his instrumental album New Blue Sun. The EP features seven improvisational solo piano tracks, each introduced with voice notes by André, continuing his experimental journey into non-rap compositions.

The Met Gala marked a significant moment in André 3000’s evolving artistic narrative — from OutKast frontman to avant-garde instrumentalist. His return was not just a re-entry into high fashion, but also a strategic move to introduce a new creative chapter.