The world of fashion has long been a place where bold political statements rooted in resistance and self-expression can be made. Where every outfit is an argument and each accessory is a statement, style is bold in nature and a manifestation of the character of the designer, tailor and model. The African-American contribution to the rebellious realm of fashion is hard to be understated, yet more often than not black individuals in fashion have failed to receive their proper credit.
The 2025 Met Gala worked to correct the erasure of black pioneership within fashion by way of its theme. “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” pays homage to black dandyism, a style that lives on exceptional artistry, rejection of the status-quo and empowering African-Americans by redefining their stories.
Exemplified by fine tailoring as well as bold and elegant colors, black dandyism is one of the many ways African-Americans have been able to use fashion as a tool for empowerment. The original black dandies’, specifically black men, defied harmful stereotypes and racist caricatures of African-Americans that depicted them as subhuman and uncultured.
Their impeccable tailored suits, complemented by carefully selected accessories mocked the current power structures and redefined black style as sophisticated and polished.
The contributions of black women to black dandyism are even more fascinating and rebellious. Adopting finely tailored menswear, challenged not only racial stereotypes, but gender norms as well as black women used dandyism to reclaim agency of their own their own destinies.
With such a theme, it was only right that the co-chairs for this year’s Met Gala, who help promote and plan the event, featured many black style icons who each resemble the noncompliant nature that black dandyism was born from.
Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton and honorary co-chair Lebron James, all worked with Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of fashion magazine Vogue, on how to elevate the event and its powerful theme.
As the photographers lined up along the staircase draped in flowers and a striking navy blue carpet, the stars quickly began to find their way to the venue. Cameras flashed and heads were turned as one stunning look was juxtaposed with another jaw-dropping outfit from start to finish of the event.
Many were surprised at how well most of the invited guests were able to not just stay on theme, but make the theme their own while still paying homage to its cultural relevance.
Gender fluidity was a clear element used by designers as finely crafted velvet suits, with asymmetrical design were showcased on both male and female models, challenging gender norms.
Afro-futurism also made its way into many outfits this year. Sleek silhouettes oozing with class made contact with culture as traditional african textiles and patterns complimented the captivating shape of so many looks this year.
A clear example of this can be shown in the outfit of Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, who boasted a bold dress in deep blue contrasted by green patterns along its design.
Duochromatic suits overall dominated the carpet, with many guests such as Savannah James, Keith Powers and Future, opting for the sophisticated black and white look in their suits. Designers added layers of depth to each outfit using different textures and materials such as satin and silk to give a suit more intriguing dimensions.
Overall, the attendees to the 2025 Met Gala found many ways to honor the true rebellious and innovative essence of Black Dandyism while still keeping a modern and personal twist to each outfit. Fascinating in style and intelligent in protest, the legacy of the black dandyism lives on and proves one idea– style is not on you, it is in you.
