Men's Lifestyle May 5, 2026 0 Comments

Tyriq Withers Just Shocked the Met Gala Crowd—Here’s What Went Down Behind the Velvet Rope!

Ever wonder what it takes to step out of the shadows and own the spotlight at one of the most star-studded events on the planet? Well, Tyriq Withers, the usually low-key actor from “Him,” just dropped jaws at the Met Gala, flashing a custom glittering sheer Louis Vuitton shirt and an epic floor-length trench that screamed confidence. Now, here’s a guy who usually prefers keeping it on the down-low, but he nailed his debut on this legendary red carpet with a blend of poise, purpose, and pure personality that few can rival. It’s not just about the clothes — it’s about embodying your moment when the world’s watching. Curious how Pharrell’s vision, some serious gym prep, and a touch of Harlem humidity came together to create magic? Stick around, this one’s worth every second. LEARN MORE

5 min read

The Met Gala was a night for the stars, and Tyriq Withers shone as bright as can be. Clad in a custom glittering sheer shirt and floor-dusting trench coat from Louis Vuitton, the Him actor had the red carpet captivated—something that he typically avoids.

“I’m more low key. Anything that keeps me in the shadows, I’m like, ‘Yes, that’s me,’” Withers told me when I caught up with him the following day. “But it’s only right to really do your first Met Gala with stars or water droplets or crystals—it’s all a metaphor for it being a star-making year. And working with Louis Vuitton, it was important to really incorporate Pharrell [William]’s vision into what was going on.” And Withers did his first Gala right, that’s for sure.

With a little help from the maison (and David Yurman’s accessories), the actor stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight. He was just as blown away seeing his fit for the first time as everybody else was. “When I got the sketches, I was immediately blown away. Getting to see it in person and try it on, just further invigorated that,” Withers said. “I don’t wear a lot of trenches, but when you get to wear a Louis Vuitton custom trench from head to toe—and I get to use my height to an advantage—putting that on was just the last piece to the puzzle. And that sheer shirt—I was in the gym for a little bit to make sure I was ready for last night.”

But being ready for the Met Gala is more than just physique or fashion. It’s being ready to take on the world’s watchful eyes with poise, purpose, and personality. And Withers had all three of those things in the bag.

Styled individual posing in an elegant outfit with a long coat.

Mekhi Turner

“I met Beyonce last night. That takes the cake for me.”

A Memorable Met Moment

I met Beyonce last night. That takes the cake for me. That was a cool moment. Blue [Ivy] introduced herself and was familiar with some of my press for a film that I did, specifically the Quenlin Blackwell video. And then she introduced me to her mom. I think that takes the cake any night.

A LoVe Spell

I got to go to Louis Vuitton this past January. It was an experience of a lifetime, feeling the hip-hop influence that Pharrell has really brought. I wanted to step into the Met Gala and really use New York as a tentpole. When I think of New York, I think of Harlem, I think of the Lennox Lounge, I think of all the Black excellence and the stars that came through that area. It felt like the stars on the jacket and the shirt were water droplets—the Harlem humidity, a metaphor for the water from the river of love. And you can’t spell love without “LV.” That’s the beautiful part of working with the team at Louis Vuitton; it all makes sense and comes together. It’s kismet.

Close-up view of a hand holding a decorative handbag and wearing a watch.

Mekhi Turner

“When I think of New York, I think of Harlem, I think of the Lennox Lounge, I think of all the Black excellence and the stars that came through that area.”

What’s in the Details

You know, I’ve always wanted to accessorize. I think it’s important to really put the finishing pieces on the look. When me and the David Yurman team chose to work together, we made sure that the details were really sharp. There’s beautiful designs: the Armory, the Deco, the rings, the Infinity earrings. I’ve never worn earrings on the carpet—I haven’t worn earrings since middle school—but my ears have always been pierced. I think it’s important to feel confident, crisp, and clean, and the jewelry adds to the entire look. So I normally don’t wear accessories, but I do think they’re important in making the look come together.

So are you bringing earrings back?

You have to keep the people wanting more. No, I’m kidding. I think I want to wear them more often. I only wear them when I have really short hair, but these Yurman earrings probably won’t be leaving my earlobes anytime soon.

Mekhi Turner

“These Yurman earrings probably won’t be leaving my earlobes anytime soon.”

A Very Rational Ick

One of my icks is when somebody is being rude, but they’re like, “Oh, I’m just being honest.” And that pisses me off, because you’re operating like humans are robots. When people meet logic with emotion, that doesn’t happen. It’s not possible because we’re emotional beings, so when someone is like “XYZXYZ, I’m just being honest. What do you expect from me?” Well, to me, you have no regard for human feelings. I can’t stand that.

If Not an Actor, Then…

I actually started college to be a neurosurgeon. I was on the pre-med route, and I was a biochem major. I was obsessed with chemistry and calculus. So I think I would be a neurosurgeon—or honestly, a personality hire. I’d be a hype man in the office like, “Happy Tuesday! Happy Cinco de Mayo!” You know why I wanted to be a neurosurgeon? I was a big Grey’s Anatomy fan. McDreamy was a neurosurgeon. And then I realized he’s just an actor.

A person wearing a black, sparkling coat stands against a backdrop of curtains.

Mekhi Turner

“You know why I wanted to be a neurosurgeon? I was a big Grey’s Anatomy fan. McDreamy was a neurosurgeon. And then I realized he’s just an actor.”

A Neurosurgeon, Hype Man, and a Soccer Star?

Soccer was my first love. I played soccer up until I was 17 or 18. I played varsity soccer when I was in seventh grade—that’s high-level soccer. My schedule was like: finish school, go to my varsity soccer practice, and then go into practice with my club soccer team. In the States, it’s all about club soccer. High school soccer was just a bonus.

My favorite international soccer team is Brazil. One of my first YouTube memories is googling Ronaldinho highlights. I was just watching his documentary, and I was kind of tearing up watching it, because like, he was my everything. One of my first research projects in elementary school was Ronaldinho.

What’s Next

I’ll be in prep for a film that I’m doing. It’s not announced yet, but I will say that it’s in the world of tennis. And honestly, I have a lot of things cooking that take time to finalize and announce and whatnot. But other than that, I’m just reading a lot of great material and taking care of the mind, taking care of the body. I’m going to one World Cup game on my birthday, July 15, so that will be fun to heal the inner child and see all the great soccer. I’m also thinking about some solo travel. I’ve never done that, but I think that’s very important to tackle. Whenever I’m asked where I’m going to go, it’s always Italy. Italy sounds like magic to me.

Styling by Jason Bolden
Grooming by Tasha Brown
Photography by Mekhi Turner
Clothing and shoes by Louis Vuitton
Jewelry by David Yurman