The Met Gala is one of the boldest stages for fashion experimentation, provocation and re-definition. Every year, the future of luxury fashion uses the Met Gala as an opportunity to challenge the status quo. While some themes highlight outlandish looks and over-the-top elegance, this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” is groundbreaking. Not only does this theme create a long-awaited space to celebrate how Black style has trail-blazed fashion, it also marks the second time the Met Gala has curated an exhibition around menswear since 2003.
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” will focus on a niche yet fascinating aesthetic rising to popularity: dandyism. Dandyism, historically looked down upon, is a menswear genre characterized by aristocratic garments regardless of class identity. It emphasizes a perfectionist dedication to maintaining a refined physical appearance, so much so that many “dandies” were ridiculed.
Though the style originates from Europe, Black men pioneered its future, creating “Black dandyism”, which both embraces and challenges traditional dandyism.
What makes Black dandyism so revolutionary is that it utilized fashion as a political statement, defying racism, classism and stereotypes perpetuated onto Black men during its inception in the 18th century. It dismantles the idea that elegance is limited to certain races and illustrates the variety of fashion in Black culture that extends beyond hip-hop and “baggy clothes”.
20th and 21st-century examples of Black dandyism include Prince‘s iconic Purple Rain suit, actor Billy Porter’s genderfluid looks, Michael Jackson’s glittery military coats and rapper A$AP Rocky’s pink Loewe tux at the 2019 pre-Grammy gala. A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, will be one of the co-chairmen for this Met Gala. Joining him is actor Colman Domingo, British race car driver Lewis Hamilton, multi-talented music icon Pharrell Williams and none other than NBA superstar LeBron James. Of course, fashion executive mogul and Vogue editor-in-chief Ana Wintour will head the group.
As for public reactions, it’s mostly positive, as it should be. Reddit users are excited to see what musician Lil Nas X has to offer and especially hope to see 70s-inspired suits and crop tops, adding a contemporary flair to dandyism.
Though the style focuses on menswear, that doesn’t mean the women attendees won’t slay either. Musician Janelle Monáe is known for her androgynous fashion, often sporting eclectic suits, which is perfect for an event like this. Other prominent celebrities who have rocked suits include Rihanna, Zendaya and Regina King, who could very well make statements on the Met Gala red carpet next year.
— Jza Jza 🫦👸🏿🍜🪺🥀🪽🪐🗼🐩🥡🍷🛵🛸🪞 (@bombshelljj) October 9, 2024
Despite the influx of supportive commentary, some people do worry about cultural appropriation, fearing some non-Black celebrities might appropriate Black hairstyles or even show up in Blackface. For this reason, not only is this Met Gala going to be an opportunity to showcase Black creativity, but also a chance for designers to do so in an earnest and sensitive manner that pays due credit to centuries of overlooked Black trailblazers and artists.
The 2025 Met Gala is set to take place next May 5, with its Costume Institute exhibit running from May 10-October 26 2025 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The gallery will touch on 12 facets of Black dandyism, inspired by historic modernist writer Zora Neale Hurston‘s essay, The Characteristics of Negro Expression, from 1934.
If you want more Met Gala content, check out our list of historic looks and recap of this year’s red carpet theme! You’ll see some funky, dazzling and outright jaw-dropping looks, so don’t skip over it!
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