PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Brooklyn — It’s became a yearly tradition, and 2025 did not disappoint.

Before celebrities and the media flocked to the Met Gala’s red carpet, the Brooklyn Public Library hosted its own celebration of fashion for the community on May 4. The 2025 theme for The People’s Ball was “Style is a Revolution.”

The library’s atmosphere shifted as librarians looked the other way while vibrant music resounded, setting the stage for local designers and models to showcase their talents and celebrate artistry, creativity, and community spirit. The event highlighted some of the most remarkable styles from the borough. Designer Rafael Yau Lee viewed the annual occasion as a chance for those who couldn’t attend or afford the Met Gala to join a similar experience. He described it as “a fantastic opportunity to walk the runway, have your photo taken, and feel like you’re at the Met Gala.”

Alicia Rigues, whose dress crafted from banned book covers garnered much attention, values how the Ball fosters community connections. “It’s a wonderful way for the community to come together and express creativity,” expressed Rigues.

Designer Jen Shoemaker’s look was as thoughtful as it was eyecatching. “It’s all sustainable. My whole outfit is either thrifted or upcycled from things that I’ve already worn.”