An outfit can be a powerful tool. It can unlock and open doors, and give us access to rooms. It can change how we are seen and change how we feel. It can simultaneously act as armor and art. As the steps to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art again transform into our favorite annual runway and what is sure to be a breathtaking tableau of fashion, talent, and artistry, the power of outfits will be on display. This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” dives deep into the history and meaning behind Black dandyism — showing how Black men have used fashion not just to stand out, but also to express themselves, push back against suppression, and shape their identities.
Black dandyism is far more than just sharp outfits — it’s a cultural statement that’s been around since the 1700s. It’s all about carefully crafted style used as a form of rebellion and self-definition. It’s about mannerisms and the way Black men walk and carry themselves. Dandyism is about showing up and showing out, while also taking back and shifting power. It’s about Black excellence, jazz, elegance, attending church, grooming and longstanding personal relationships with your tailor.
Silhouettes, fabrics and patterns have changed over time and in correlation to history, but always unwavering has been the Black inclination to dress to the nines despite political or economic circumstances. Historic figures like Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano dressed with intention, using fashion to fight back against detrimental stereotypes and affirm their dignity. Harlem legend Dapper Dan redefined luxury and what it means to Black people in relation to fashion and how they access it. More recently, icons like André Leon Talley, June Ambrose and Law Roach kept this tradition alive by mixing bold style with cultural messages.
Dapper Dan is seen outside “Good Morning America” on July 9, 2019 in New York City.
Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images.
The Costume Institute’s new exhibit, put together by Andrew Bolton and scholar Monica L. Miller, digs into the evolution of Black men’s style. It takes cues from Zora Neale Hurston’s 1934 essay “Characteristics of Negro Expression,” and looks at how Black men have used fashion to shape and express who they are across the African diaspora. It highlights how important clothing has been to Black identity, especially through the lens of Black dandyism — how it started, what it means, and how it’s spread.
This year’s dress code — “Tailored for You” — is all about putting a personal spin on menswear. Guests are encouraged to get creative, pulling inspiration from styles like the zoot suit, the vibrant fashion of Congolese sapeurs, or timeless pieces like canes and pocket squares. The idea is to show off the depth and variety of Black men’s fashion, with looks that reflect both personal style and cultural roots. Perhaps most interesting to see will be how the female guests, their stylists, and womenswear designers team up to interpret the theme and put their own spin on dandyism.
The 2025 Met Gala will be led by an impressive group of co-chairs: Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky and Colman Domingo, all of whom were a cover star for Vogue’s special May issue focusing on the Met. They will be joined by chairperson Anna Wintour, while LeBron James also steps in as an honorary co-chair. It’s a versatile crew that brings different experiences and styles to the table — perfect for a theme that celebrates the many sides of Black dandyism. The host committee is equally full of excellence, featuring names like Simone Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Usher, Janelle Monáe and André 3000.
Outkast, with Andre 3000, perform at the “18th Annual Soul Train Music Awards” at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on March 20, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
The choice of Black dandyism as this year’s focus shows that the Met Gala is serious about highlighting the connections between style, identity, and culture. By putting the spotlight on Black men’s fashion, it also gives credit where it’s long overdue — acknowledging the major impact Black creatives have had on fashion. The always highly anticipated event is a reminder that clothing isn’t just threads and fabrics — it’s also a powerful form of storytelling, identity, and cultural pride. From the exhibit to the red carpet, this year’s event encourages everyone to dive into the vibrant history behind Black men’s style, highlighting the lasting power of fashion as a form of resistance, pride, and self-expression in the community.
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