Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Hailey Bieber made headlines with her solo appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, choosing to walk the red carpet without husband Justin Bieber a move that body language expert Judi James described as “a strong statement.”
Returning to fashion’s biggest night after nearly four years, the Rhode founder stepped out on May 5 in a minimalist black mini blazer, catching attention for both her style and the absence of her pop star husband. Speculation around their marriage has intensified in recent months, particularly amid fan concerns about Justin’s alleged struggles with substance use.
“Doing the Met without Justin looks like a strong statement and Hailey’s styling and her body language looked equally strong,” James told DailyMail.
While the Met Gala is known for extravagant and daring outfits, Hailey’s look stood out for its restraint. “This is a very simple-statement look in a sea of overstated fashion,” said James. “Her ‘just a jacket’ sticks to the theme of the gala but without the clause of ‘Dandy’ that might have given it an emotional lift.”
The body language expert noted that Hailey’s ensemble and demeanor appeared intentionally somber. “Hailey’s dark jacket looked simple and somber, as did her body language,” she explained. “She tossed her hair but not a preening ritual and she glanced over her shoulder but with a serious-looking facial expression that lacked any signs of excitement or emotion.”
James went on to say that Hailey’s styling reinforced her independent presence. “Her makeup and her styling looked understated, and she seemed to be giving off the message that her beauty didn’t need any garnish to have impact,” she said. “But also, the impression that she didn’t seem to want to be seen relishing the very public appearance without her famous husband at her side.”
Despite her strong exterior, James observed a flicker of vulnerability when Hailey was prompted to move. “The model performed a rather child-like skip of her feet,” which suggested “some feelings of vulnerability,” she said.
As rumors swirl around the Bieber marriage, Hailey’s poised yet understated solo moment at the Met Gala has only added to the intrigue, leaving fans and experts alike dissecting every detail of her symbolic appearance.
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