Keke Palmer sees fashion as a means to send a message. The actress and entrepreneur was inspired by activists from the past for her 2025 Met Gala look — a custom design courtesy of Vera Wang, paying homage to one of classic Hollywood’s trailblazers: Dorothy Dandridge.

“When you’re working on something like the Met Gala, it’s all about collaborating on how everybody is interpreting the theme and, for me, when I’m thinking about Black Dandyism, I’m thinking about fashion as a tool for activism, especially when it comes to Black Americans,” Palmer told WWD, following Monday’s event.

The “One of Them Days” star was intentional with her look, considering how fashion is used “as a way to present and get into doors and break those negative stereotypes. Those are the kinds of things that Dorothy Dandridge did; those are the kinds of things that Coretta Scott King did and the list goes on,” Palmer said.

Palmer observed that while “you can brush up against” respectability politics as they relate to fashion and presentation, they can also be an instrument for transformation. “The idea of how you step into a room, how it can change how you are perceived, is a really cool insight to play with,” she said.

Thinking back to Monday’s Met Gala, Palmer embraced the unique experience. “Artistry, perspective, point of view, how it brings people together — I think it’s really cool. Every Met [Gala] is a good time, and this one was just as good.”

Off the red carpet, Palmer continues to expand her business. She founded KeyTV, a digital network focused on diverse creators, in 2022. She also cofounded Saving Our Cinderellas, a program within the Saving Our Daughters organization, in 2014, and her own record label, Big Bosses ENT, in 2017.

With her ongoing business ventures, the actress recently partnered with American Express’ Business Platinum Card to support her through travel and keep track of her finances.

“I was excited to team up with them and highlight the Business Platinum Card’s benefits because they’re truly designed to elevate business and travel, which is something that I’m always doing,” she said. “The main thing that I love is that I can also get lounge access through the American Express global lounge collection with my business platinum card,” she said.

Palmer is set to star in forthcoming projects like “The Pickup” alongside Oscar nominee Eddie Murphy and more. Despite her busy schedule, the actress said she will “stay focused,” balancing professional and personal commitments.

“The human body sometimes wants to go fight or flight, but if we can push past that and embrace the magnitude of whatever intensity comes our way personally, professionally, relationally, then we have the opportunity to be transformed,” she said. “I think that’s something I’ve learned as I’ve continued to grow. I don’t want to turn away from the opportunity to expand and to evolve. Continue to push through.”