The Met Gala is bringing a new kind of fashion statement to the red carpet. One that’s bold, meaningful, and deeply rooted in history.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” puts menswear in the spotlight like never before. But this isn’t just about great suits, it’s about how Black fashion has shaped style, culture, and identity for centuries.
The exhibit is inspired by Barnard College professor, Monica L. Miller‘s book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The book explores how Black men, from the 18th century to today, have used fashion as a way to reclaim identity, power, and freedom.
Forget the usual tuxedos. This is about dressing with intention.
What is Black Dandyism?
At its core, Black dandyism is about style as resistance.
In history, fashion was often a symbol of wealth and class but Black men, even in times of slavery and oppression, used clothing to push back against the limitations society placed on them. They dressed with elegance and flair, not just because they liked fine clothes, but because it was a way to challenge stereotypes and claim their own identity.
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Monica L. Miller describes it as “a strategy to rethink identity, to reimagine the self in a different context.” In other words, it wasn’t just about looking good. It was about proving that Black men belonged in spaces that society tried to keep them out of.
The 2025 Met Gala will showcase this through 12 key characteristics of the Black dandy, inspired by a 1934 essay by Zora Neale Hurston called The Characteristics of Negro Expression. These include:
- Presence – making an entrance and commanding attention
- Distinction – dressing with elegance and personal flair
- Freedom – using style to break societal expectations
- Cool – effortless confidence and charisma in dressing
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From 19th-century enslaved men who used fine tailoring as a form of quiet defiance, to modern-day figures like Pharrell Williams and the late Virgil Abloh, who have redefined what menswear can be, Black dandyism has always been about more than just fashion. It’s about dignity, self-expression, and rewriting the rules.
What to expect on the red carpet
The dress code for this year’s Met Gala is “Tailored for You,” which means attendees won’t just be wearing suits, they’ll be wearing suits with meaning. We’re expecting to see:
- Luxurious fabrics. Velvet, silk, and detailed embroidery.
- Bold colors and patterns. Deep tones, rich textures, and daring combinations.
- Unique silhouettes. Maybe some will go oversized, others might keep it sleek and sculpted.
- Personal touches. Whether it’s cultural references, vintage inspirations, or custom accessories, this year’s looks will surely have a much deeper meaning.
Special mention, we’re expecting Zendaya, Janelle Monáe, and Billy Porter to push boundaries once more.
Meet the hosts
This year’s co-chairs are Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams. Each of them has proven that menswear doesn’t have to be stiff or boring, it can be expressive, artistic, and deeply personal. And with LeBron James as an honorary chair, we might even see sports-meets-fashion moments on the carpet. And of course, Anna Wintour.
More than just fashion
As Andrew Bolton, the Met’s head curator, put it, “This marks an important step in our commitment to diversifying our exhibitions and redressing historical biases within our curatorial practice.”
This year, we’re not just watching for the best-dressed celebs, we’re watching to see how fashion can carry history, identity, and culture into the future.
So when the first Monday of May rolls out, we expect the Met Gala red carpet to be more than just glam, it’s going to be a fashion history lesson for sure.
