Met's 'Superfine' Exhibition Celebrates Black Dandyism's Influence

The 2025 Met Gala and its accompanying exhibition, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' place a spotlight on Black dandyism and its historical and contemporary significance. The event features prominent figures like Colman Domingo and A$AP Rocky, who embody the tradition of using fashion as both personal expression and a statement of political and cultural identity. The exhibition traces Black sartorial innovation over 300 years, showing how styles like the zoot suit evolved from imposed dress codes into acts of resistance and self-definition, influencing global fashion and social movements. British and UK-based Black designers, such as Ozwald Boateng, are recognized for their contributions, highlighting the transatlantic nature of Black style. The celebration at the Met underscores fashion’s role in forging Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, while also reflecting on the complex legacies of performance, race, and resistance. Through over 200 pieces, the show explores how Black dandies have wielded clothing as tools for social mobility, creativity, and community.