There’s something incredibly surreal about standing in the same room with the world’s most influential people, all gathered in one place, dressed to the nines, looking like fashion’s finest and dressed to kill. That was the vibe at the 2025 TIME 100 Gala, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. It was an incredible moment where icons from politics, sports, fashion, music, activism, and film came together not just to celebrate each other, but to shine a collective light on what power and purpose look like in human form.
From the moment the red carpets rolled out, the energy was unmistakably electric. Cameras flashing. Gowns flowing. Conversations layered with admiration and legacy. The red carpet of TIME 100 Gala was alive and agog with fashion and I’m here with the tea.
Let’s start with Blake Lively, because the moment she stepped out of her car, jaws dropped. She was glowing in this stunning blush-pink Zuhair Murad gown that looked like it had been stitched from stardust. The corset bodice hugged her perfectly, and the train flowed behind her like she was the final boss of elegance. But what really pulled the look together was the turquoise jewelry, it added just the right amount of color and edge.
And of course, Ryan Reynolds was there too at the Time 100 Gala, looking sharp in a classic tux, smiling at her like she was the only person in the room, like he always does. Honestly, I don’t blame him. Blake gave prom queen meets Empress of the Universe.
Then there was Demi Moore. Oh, Demi. She walked in and the entire room shifted. She wore a custom ivory gown that Zac Posen made in collaboration with Kim Jones for Gap Studio, and it was the kind of look that didn’t scream for attention, it simply whispered, “I’ve been doing this longer than most, and I’m still the moment.” There was something ethereal about the Grecian silhouette, the way the fabric skimmed her frame, and how she styled it with a white tailored blazer and diamond jewelry. It wasn’t just fashion, it was poise, it was presence at TIME 100 Gala, and it was proof that age is nothing but a number when you’ve got that kind of star power.
Simone Biles. Oh my God. I loved what Simone Biles was wearing. She didn’t just attend the TIME 100 Gala, she flipped onto that red carpet metaphorically, of course. She wore this incredible sculptural minidress by Oscar de la Renta, decked out in these metallic geometric embellishments that looked like tiny pieces of armor. It was playful and powerful all at once. I also couldn’t take my eyes off her shoes, silver heels that matched the sparkle of her dress. Standing next to her was her husband, Jonathan Owens, looking proud and polished, but Simone stole the spotlight. She’s not just the GOAT of gymnastics, she’s quickly becoming a fashion girlie too, and I am here for it.
Now, if you know me, you know I have a soft spot for Serena Williams. She could wear a bedsheet and still walk like a queen. But what she wore that night? Nothing short of epic. It was this bold, black Stella McCartney dress that had just enough skin showing through sleek cutouts and sheer sleeves to make you double-take, but not so much that it ever felt too revealing. She paired it with diamonds, because, why not, and her sleek ponytail gave the whole look a sharp, clean finish. Serena doesn’t need to do much to stand out. She’s a presence all on her own, but that look sealed the deal; powerful, sensual, and totally unbothered.
Kristen Bell surprised me in the best way possible. Instead of going the usual gown route, she pulled up in a strapless crimson jumpsuit by Carolina Herrera, and it worked. The fit was pristine, the color was fire-engine hot, and it made me think: yes, we need more jumpsuits on the red carpet. It was giving ‘Bosslady-meets-Hollywood’, and she slayed it. There’s something refreshing about someone who’s not afraid to ditch the tulle and lace and still make a statement.
Scarlett Johansson, on the other hand, kept it minimalist to Time 100 gala, and somehow that made it even more dramatic. She wore a sleek black halter gown, simple in design but rich in detail. The fabric hugged her in all the right places, and she let the dress speak for itself. No over-accessorizing. Just clean lines, a smoldering smoky eye, and that signature ScarJo confidence that tells you she doesn’t need to compete with anyone. She is the competition.
And then came David Muir, who brought the tux game to a whole new level. A navy-blue tailored suit that felt fresh, polished, and commanding. As one of TIME’s icon honorees, he moved through the room like he belonged there, and boy, he did. When he spoke later in the evening, reflecting on his journey and the mentors who had lifted him up, there wasn’t a single person in the room who wasn’t moved. It was honest, raw, and reminded everyone why storytelling still matters in a world where noise is louder than truth.
The Time 100 gala wasn’t just about glitz and glamour, it was emotional. Moving. Grounded in the stories that make these people influential beyond their accolades. Throughout the night, there were speeches about resilience, love, legacy, and the often-hidden challenges behind public success. When Blake Lively spoke during Time 100 Gala about the importance of storytelling, especially women telling their own stories, I felt it in my core. It wasn’t a performance.
It was a woman with reach using her platform to shine a light on others. Demi Moore talked about presence. About living in the now. And the way she said it, you could tell she’s someone who has wrestled with the past and come out the other side wiser, calmer, and more grounded. Her words felt like a warm hand on your back, guiding you back to your center.
Snoop Dogg, who hosted the Time 100 gala evening, was everything. Cool, funny, charming, he brought humor but also deep respect for the honorees. And then, of course, he performed.
The room lit up when he took the mic. For a moment, the gala felt less like a black-tie event and more like a family reunion, where everyone put down their walls and just vibed together.
Ed Sheeran followed with a performance that was softer, more emotional, a perfect contrast. His voice carried through the room like a lullaby, and there were moments when you could hear a pin drop.
His presence reminded everyone that influence doesn’t always roar, sometimes, it gently whispers and still changes lives.
The night was a balance of everything. Of power and play. Of legacy and laughter. Of couture and community. The TIME 100 Gala was a night that reminded everyone what it means to be not just famous but impactful too.
And yes, the fashion was breathtaking. The hair, the makeup, the tailoring, all of it felt like art. But more than that, the evening reminded me that behind every look was a story. Behind every honoree at the TIME 100 Gala was a mountain climbed, a truth spoken, a fight won.
