Most athletes hang up their sneakers and fade into low-key retirement, but not Dwyane Wade. Since the day he walked off the court, the Heat legend has been on a different kind of mission: dominating the style scene. And if there’s one place he loves flexing that fashion game, it’s the Met Gala. But don’t think the invites just magically appear. As Wade once said with a grin, “You just don’t get to go to the Met because you want to go to the Met.” That’s the kind of respect the event commands, and it’s also a nod to how seriously he takes the opportunity.

So naturally, since his NBA exit in 2019, Wade hasn’t looked back. He’s been serving bold, head-turning looks on every red carpet he steps on. Gone is the jersey, replaced with designer threads and statement pieces. But here’s the thing—Wade’s style journey started rocky. His style evolution has been real, and the Met Gala has played a major role in that journey.

Early ventures

Let’s rewind to his first Met Gala run, back when he was still hooping. Even a basketball Hall-of-Famer can feel their nerves. “I had anxiety, let me say that,” Wade admitted. “How do I pose? I don’t know how to be that kind of sexy.” That self-doubt eventually faded as the fashion confidence kicked in. “I got more and more comfortable rocking those designer labels over the years,” he told GQ—and it shows.

Now fast forward to the looks. One year, he suited up in Versace and iced out in Buccellati jewelry. But 2019? That’s when he stole the show. Wade matched his wife in a custom hooded silk harness by Dundas under a sleek black tux from Adrien Sauvage. King behavior, period.

Dwyane Wade’s red carpet playbook keeps evolving

While Dwyane Wade has had his fair share of Met Gala wins, 2022 was where the buzz really peaked. Wade showed up shirtless in a crisp white Versace suit that turned more heads than a game-winning three. Alongside Gabrielle Union, the power couple lit up the Gilded Glamour Gala with effortless style—and yes, their prep moments made it to social media, showing just how much went into owning that iconic red carpet entrance.

Naturally, Wade dialed up the heat with his open-jacket look, letting the abs do the talking. On the other hand, Union went full glam in a silver Atelier Versace gown with a bold neckline, feathered train, and a standout red flower detail. Their looks weren’t just fashion statements—they were a masterclass in coordination.

Then came 2023, and they didn’t miss a beat. For the “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” theme, the duo rocked matching black and red vibes. Union turned heads again in a fiery red gown with a leather trench coat and bold Tiffany & Co. accessories. Her sleek braids tied the whole look together like a pro.

Meanwhile, Wade went full luxe in an all-black fit—long blazer, leather shirt, gloves, and sharp trousers. He topped it off with shiny Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including a brooch and stacked bracelets. Simply put, the man’s fashion game has leveled up year after year—and the Met Gala keeps proving it.

D-Wade’s fifth Met Gala look sealed his ‘King of the Carpet’ status

So by now, it’s pretty clear—Dwyane Wade doesn’t just show up to the Met Gala, he shows out. And for the 2024 edition of fashion’s biggest night, he and Gabrielle Union brought the heat once again. On May 6, the power couple made their grand entrance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, keeping up their flawless streak. This year’s theme? “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” And trust us, Wade didn’t hit snooze on the assignment.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union looked like she just stepped out of a magical underwater dream. She dazzled in a high-neck Michael Kors dress, with soft ombré shades of lilac, green, and teal, giving major mermaid energy. Her silver star hairpiece and those bold drop earrings made the entire look pop—starfish vibes? We’re not saying no.

But Wade? He matched the mood without stealing the spotlight. Dressed in a soft lilac Versace suit, he kept it cool and classy with a white tee, black shoes, and two necklaces neatly pinned to the lapel. On Instagram, he simply wrote, “The reawakening,” while crediting Cartier for the accessories. Subtle flex, but effective.

Considering this was their fifth Met Gala together, the coordination speaks for itself. Every year, they raise the bar—and honestly, at this point, calling Wade the King of the Met Gala doesn’t feel like a stretch.

But not Dwyane Wade. Since the day he walked off the court, the Heat legend has been on a different kind of mission: dominating the style scene. And if there’s one place he loves flexing that fashion game, it’s the Met Gala. But don’t think the invites just magically appear. As Wade once said with a grin, “You just don’t get to go to the Met because you want to go to the Met.” That’s the kind of respect the event commands, and it’s also a nod to how seriously he takes the opportunity.

It is important to note, Met Gala tickets start at $75,000 per seat (up from $50,000 in 2023) or $350,000 for a table of ten, and brands often buy tables to place celebrities in Vogue-approved. There is an invite-only guest list, but most celebrities at the even go through the monetary route.

So naturally, since his NBA exit in 2019, Wade hasn’t looked back. He’s been delivering avant-garde statements on every red carpet he steps on. Gone is the jersey, replaced with designer threads and statement pieces. But here’s the thing—it wasn’t always this smooth. His style evolution has been real, and the Met Gala has played a major role in that journey.

Early ventures

Let’s rewind to his first Met Gala run, back when he was still hooping. And yeah, the nerves were there. “I had anxiety, let me say that,” Wade admitted. “How do I pose? I don’t know how to be that kind of sexy.” Wade shed his nerves as the fashion confidence kicked in. “I got more and more comfortable rocking those designer labels over the years,” he told GQ—and it shows.

Now fast forward to the looks. One year, he suited up in Versace and iced out in Buccellati jewelry. But 2019? That’s when he stole the show. Wade matched his wife in a custom hooded silk harness by Dundas under a sleek black tux from Adrien Sauvage. Pure red-carpet royalty.

Dwyane Wade’s red carpet playbook keeps evolving

While Dwyane Wade has had his fair share of Met Gala wins, 2022 was where the buzz really peaked. Wade showed up shirtless in a crisp white Versace suit that turned more heads than a game-winning three. Alongside Gabrielle Union, the power couple lit up the Gilded Glamour Gala with effortless style—and yes, their prep moments made it to social media, showing just how much went into owning that iconic red carpet entrance.

Naturally, Wade dialed up the heat with his open-jacket look, letting the abs do the talking. On the other hand, Union went full glam in a silver Atelier Versace gown with a bold neckline, feathered train, and a standout red flower detail. Their looks weren’t just fashion statements—they were a masterclass in coordination.

Then came 2023, and they didn’t miss a beat. For the “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” theme, the duo rocked matching black and red vibes. Union turned heads again in a fiery red gown with a leather trench coat and bold Tiffany & Co. accessories. Her sleek braids tied the whole look together like a pro.

Meanwhile, Wade went full luxe in an all-black fit—long blazer, leather shirt, gloves, and sharp trousers. He topped it off with shiny Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including a brooch and stacked bracelets. Simply put, the man’s fashion game has leveled up year after year—and the Met Gala keeps proving it.

D-Wade’s fifth Met Gala look sealed his ‘King of the Carpet’ status

So by now, it’s pretty clear—Dwyane Wade doesn’t just show up to the Met Gala, he shows out. And for the 2024 edition of fashion’s biggest night, he and Gabrielle Union brought the heat once again. On May 6, the power couple made their grand entrance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, keeping up their flawless streak. This year’s theme? “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” And trust us, Wade didn’t hit snooze on the assignment.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union looked like she just stepped out of a magical underwater dream. She dazzled in a high-neck Michael Kors dress, with soft ombré shades of lilac, green, and teal, giving major mermaid energy. Her silver star hairpiece and those bold drop earrings made the entire look pop—starfish vibes? We’re not saying no.

But Wade? He matched the mood without stealing the spotlight. Dressed in a soft lilac Versace suit, he kept it cool and classy with a white tee, black shoes, and two necklaces neatly pinned to the lapel. On Instagram, he simply wrote, “The reawakening,” while crediting Cartier for the accessories. Subtle flex, but effective.

Considering this was their fifth Met Gala together, the coordination speaks for itself. Every year, they raise the bar—and honestly, at this point, calling Wade the King of the Met Gala doesn’t feel like a stretch.