{"id":377,"date":"2025-05-01T18:57:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T18:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/?p=377"},"modified":"2025-05-03T14:40:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-03T14:40:23","slug":"what-is-black-dandyism-breaking-down-this-years-met-gala-theme-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/01\/what-is-black-dandyism-breaking-down-this-years-met-gala-theme-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Black Dandyism? Breaking Down This Year\u2019s Met Gala Theme"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The biggest night in fashion is upon us. The 2025 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, best known as the Met Gala<\/a>, is Monday, May 5, and this year\u2019s theme is \u201cSuperfine: Tailoring Black Style<\/a>.\u201d It\u2019s an ode to Black dandyism in all of its refined and sophisticated glory.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The theme is inspired by Barnard professor and guest curator Monica L. Miller\u2019s<\/a> 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity<\/em><\/a>. But prior to the theme reveal, those not in the trenches of fashion may have never even heard of Black dandyism. But most likely, they could identify it: a well-tailored suit, hard-bottom shoes and a flamboyant hat or walking cane to bring it all together.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Met will \u201cillustrate how Black people transformed from being enslaved and stylised as luxury items, acquired like any other signifier of wealth and status, to autonomous self-fashioning individuals who are global trendsetters,\u201d according to Vogue<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Met Gala co-chairs are Colman Domingo<\/a>, A$AP Rocky<\/a>, Lewis Hamilton<\/a> and Pharrell Williams<\/a>. Each of their respective styles is an example of modern day Black dandyism. And even though that may paint a picture, that doesn\u2019t exactly define Black dandyism. Before Monday\u2019s big event, here\u2019s a definitive guide to this year\u2019s theme.<\/p>\n

What is Black dandyism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On its surface, a dandy is defined as \u201ca man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance,\u201d as noted by the Oxford Dictionary<\/a>. But historically, dandyism has roots in 18th century Britain when enslaved Black people were used as accessories for white people to flaunt their wealth. During the transatlantic slave trade, enslavers dressed Black people in extravagant clothing and paraded them around, calling them \u201cluxury slaves<\/a>.\u201d It was used as a dehumanizing form of minstrelsy that further objectified Black men.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As time went on, Black people reclaimed Black dandyism. What once was used to demean us became a subversive tool for resistance throughout the diaspora. Historical giants Booker T. Washington<\/a> and W.E.B. DuBois<\/a> used fashion to command respect, dignity and authority during the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction eras.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

During the Harlem Renaissance<\/a>, Zora Neale Hurston<\/a>, Langston Hughes<\/a>, James Baldwin<\/a> and others continued the tradition of dandyism, pushing for both revolution and agency with their own style. Their fashion wasn\u2019t asking for permission, rather running to the edge of social convention and daring the rest of the world to keep up.<\/p>\n

Fashion historian and assistant curator of The Cleveland Museum of Art Darnell-Jamal Lisby<\/a> told CDFA<\/a> that Black style has long been a tool to communicate and navigate power.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt forges cultural expressions independent of Eurocentric definitions,\u201d he said. \u201cBlack dandyism, in particular, carves out identity \u2013 at times rejecting Eurocentric ideals and at others existing within or alongside them. This refined self-styling conveys Black agency and consciousness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even to this day, we see Black dandyism as a bold form of expression and rejection of the boxes society aims to keep us in. It\u2019s evolved to include more contemporary interpretations, including streetwear and haute couture.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What are some modern examples of Black dandyism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Today\u2019s dandyism emphasizes bold colors, extravagant accessories and unique tailoring, but is still rooted in Black self-expression. Along with the co-chairs, great examples of modern day those who draw from dandism are Janelle Mon\u00e1e<\/a> with her perfectly-fit suits, Ayo Adebiri<\/a> and her red carpet looks (often courtesy of Thom Browne<\/a>), and Jidenna<\/a> in his \u201cClassic Man\u201d era. Vogue\u2019s May issue<\/a>, captured by Tyler Mitchell<\/a> and styled by Law Roach<\/a>, features Domingo, Rocky, Adebiri, Mon\u00e1e, Lakeith Stanfield<\/a>, John Batiste<\/a> and more Black stars breaking down their interpretation of dandyism.<\/p>\n

Pharrell along with Andr\u00e9 3000<\/a>, a host committee member, and Big Boi<\/a> of Outkast<\/a> have helped reshape dandyism from a hip-hop lens, leading to younger acts like Tyler, the Creator<\/a> to adapt the style. Playwright Jeremy O. Harris<\/a> called himself a dandy, in a recent Vogue essay<\/a>, \u201cTo be a Black dandy is to dress as though you know you\u2019re loved and therefore have no use for shame.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Fashion icons Dapper Dan<\/a>, also a host committee member, and June Ambrose<\/a> are also exemplary dandies whose impactful contributions have helped the style evolve over the years.<\/p>\n

It must also be noted that one of the most prolific recent examples was the late Andr\u00e9 Leon Talley<\/a>. The Vogue editor and fashion icon was the magazine\u2019s first Black male creative director. His passion for fashion and tailoring was apparent, as his voice became the one you wanted to hear every Met Gala up until his death in 2022. And it\u2019s a voice that will be deeply missed this year as the theme feels like it was made especially for him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why is this year\u2019s Met gala theme important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On fashion\u2019s biggest night, all eyes will be on the attendees paying homage to a timeless style with roots in Black history. It\u2019s the first time in more than 20 years that the exhibit exclusively features menswear. It\u2019s also the first time in history that the co-chairs of the Met Gala are all Black men, with LeBron James<\/a> as honorary co-shair.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The actual exhibition will tell the story of Black dandyism\u2019s evolution over time through clothing and accessories, showcasing the work of designers like Virgil Abloh<\/a> and Grace Wales Bonner<\/a>. It will also highlight style in living rooms, lecture halls and night clubs. The exhibition opens on May 10 and runs until Oct. 26.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cDandyism can seem frivolous, but it often poses a challenge to or a transcendence of social and cultural hierarchies,\u201d Miller, who\u2019s also\u00a0 professor and chair of Barnard\u2019s Africana Studies Department, said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cIt asks questions about identity, representation, and mobility in relation to race, class, gender, sexuality, and power. This exhibition explores dandyism as both a pronouncement and a provocation.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme also comes at a time when diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are under legislative attack, leaving even non-federal organizations folding under the pressure. Add onto that the fashion industry\u2019s less than welcoming reputation for inclusivity.<\/p>\n

Met curator Andrew Bolton told Vogue<\/a> that this show signifies a big step in the museum\u2019s commitment to diversity \u201cas well as redressing some of the historical biases within our curatorial practice.\u201d He continued, \u201cIt\u2019s very much about making fashion at the Met more of a gateway to access and inclusivity.\u201d<\/p>\n

The theme is Black as hell. What could go wrong?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is the first time a Met Gala theme will be honoring Black style specifically. Though the moment is celebratory and long overdue, it\u2019s giving some pause. Historically speaking, many white people have had a hard time \u2014 or just been plain ignorant \u2014 about the line between appreciation and appropriation of Black culture. From cornrows to trends deemed as \u201cghetto fabulous,\u201d all too often we\u2019ve seen mainstream culture co-opt and capitalize off of Black culture while simultaneously villainizing those who created it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Though the dress code is \u201cTailored for You,\u201d a nod to the exhibition\u2019s focus, some social media users fear there will be non-Black attendees who may make racist and egregious choices. (Blackface isn\u2019t totally outside of the realm of possibilities, unfortunately, some believe<\/a>.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

One person on X said<\/a> \u201cI\u2019m still nervous about this Met Gala theme [because] it can get real racist, REAL fast.\u201d Some have also noted that they will be keeping their eye out for notable figures who should be at this year\u2019s gala but have never been invited in years prior. Bria Van Cooten posted a TikTok video<\/a> calling out the Costume Institution for never inviting Ambrose, an influential dandy and costume designer. While things could go sideways, it is refreshing that this year\u2019s theme is honoring the impact of Black style. Let\u2019s hope white celebs read the room and approach their outfit choices wisely, and with the reverence the theme deserves. Overall, viewers just want to tap into their inner Miranda Priestly, not their inner Jesse Jackson.<\/p>\n

The Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 5 in New York City. Viewers can watch live coverage on Vogue\u2019s YouTube channel, E! and Peacock at 6 p.m. ET. And keep it locked to @r29unbothered<\/a> on Tiktok and Instagram for our coverage! <\/p>\n

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Tribute To The Best Met Gala Looks Of All Time<\/a><\/p>\n

The Best Looks At The 2024 Met Gala<\/a><\/p>\n

Black Celebrities That Slayed The Met Gala 2023<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The biggest night in fashion is upon us. The 2025 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, best known as the Met Gala, is Monday, May 5, and this year\u2019s theme is \u201cSuperfine: Tailoring Black Style.\u201d It\u2019s an ode to Black dandyism in all of its refined and sophisticated glory.\u00a0 The theme is inspired…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":359,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/377"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=377"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/377\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":380,"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/377\/revisions\/380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.machimp.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}