Met Gala Celebrates Black Dandyism, 250 Years of Fashion

The 2025 Met Gala centers on the theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' spotlighting Black dandyism as both a historic and contemporary expression of agency, selfhood, and sophistication through fashion. The accompanying exhibition traces Black style from the 18th century to today, highlighting how Black individuals have used sartorial choices to assert autonomy and challenge racialized dehumanization. Key figures such as Frederick Douglass and André Leon Talley are featured, illustrating the evolving narrative of respectability and identity within Black communities. The gala's co-chairs, including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, reflect a deliberate centering of Black talent and influence. The dress code, 'tailored for you,' emphasizes personal expression and multidimensional interpretations beyond traditional costuming. This focus on Black contributions to fashion is widely regarded as long overdue and marks a significant cultural moment for the Met Gala.