The 2025 Met Gala, Meme Marketing, and Why Your Brand Needs to Calm Down

May 7

The Met Gala. The Super Bowl of fashion. The Olympics of head-turning outfits. The one day a year when Anna Wintour grants the internet permission to go absolutely feral over themed carpet chaos (and see her without her iconic, signature sunglasses.) In 2025, the Met Gala theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” had the expected mix of high glamour, high tailoring, high confusion, and of course, high meme potential.

Within minutes of celebs hitting the carpet, timelines were flooded with side-by-sides, hot takes, and memes faster than you can say “CAMP, but make it confusing.” And right on cue, brands everywhere, yes, even the local HVAC company with five followers, decided it was time to get in on the action… whether or not it really made any sense at all.

Let’s talk about it.

The Temptation of Trendjacking

It makes sense. Cultural events like the Met Gala are internet candy. They generate massive engagement and dominate online conversation for 24–48 glorious, glittery hours. For marketers and social media managers, that kind of visibility is gold. So naturally, brands want in.

But here’s the thing: just because something is trending doesn’t mean your brand needs to comment on it.

While some companies absolutely nail the moment, think clever fashion brand call-outs, beauty brands reacting to glam looks, or even a fast coffee chain comparing a dramatic train to an overly-complicated latte order, others... do not. We’ve all seen them: the forced, try-hard memes that make you physically recoil. “Our software update is basically Zendaya’s precision-tailored white suit.” No. No, it is not.

If You’re Gonna Do It, Do It Well

When done right, hopping on a trend can humanize your brand, boost visibility, and make you feel in the know without trying too hard. Memes about events like the Met Gala are great for:

Showing personality

Connecting with younger audiences

Joining larger conversations

Encouraging comments and shares

But the key word here? Relevance. If your post makes sense for your brand voice, your audience, and the topic, it can work. If it takes a 12-slide deck and an emergency Slack call to connect your cloud storage software to Gigi Hadid’s gold dress… let it go.

Don’t Be the Brand That Tries Too Hard

There is a fine line between being trendy and being tragic. If your brand voice isn’t naturally playful and culturally fluent, a forced meme post can do more harm than good. It makes you look out of touch, and it’s honestly kind of embarrassing.

Remember: being silent is better than being cringe.

Sometimes, not jumping on a trend shows more self-awareness (and brand maturity) than trying to wedge yourself into a conversation you don’t belong in. Authenticity matters more than being first. And your audience can spot a clumsy trend-jack from a mile away.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Posting That Meme

Before your brand hits “post” on that Met Gala meme (or any trend-driven content, really), ask yourself:

Does this align with our brand voice and values?

Is there a clear, natural connection between the trend and what we do?

Will our audience get it or will it confuse them?

Are we adding value or just making noise?

If you’re unsure, it’s probably a sign to skip it. Trends come and go, but your credibility sticks around a lot longer.

Brands That Get It (and Why They Work)

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Some brands have mastered the art of tapping into events like the Met Gala with humor, ease, and just the right amount of sass. Think of:

Wendy’s, who constantly walks the fine line of chaos and brand cohesion

Duolingo, whose owl is practically a pop culture icon in its own right

Ryanair, who’s turned snarky tweets into a brand persona (see also: Wendy’s)

Netflix, which leans into film and celeb culture… because it actually fits their content

These brands succeed because the tone, timing, and tie-ins feel natural. Their audience expects a little chaos, and they deliver it without derailing their brand mission.

Be Effortlessly Cool, Stay Relevant, and Know When to Sit One Out

Trend-based content, like Met Gala memes, can be marketing magic if you know your audience, understand the moment, and actually have something clever to say. But if you’re reaching so hard it hurts… don’t.

In 2025, the internet has zero patience for brands who try to be “hip” and end up being humiliating. Your best bet? Be selective. Be smart. And if a trend makes sense for you, go all in with originality, wit, and relevance.

Otherwise, leave the meme-ing to the pros and the chaos to the group chats. Trust us, your brand’s dignity will thank you.