What is "Black Dandyism," the theme of this year's Met Gala

Axios

02-05-2025

The theme of this year's Met Gala, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," centers around Black dandyism, which put simply is about well-tailored, creative men's wear and the attitude of the wearer.
Why it matters: The Super Bowl of fashion will highlight overlooked contributions of Black culture on how we dress.
The theme is inspired by Monica L. Miller's book, " Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity," which documents Black dandies' emergence and evolution.
Fashion writer Ty Gaskins says Black dandyism is"about identity, power, and resistance. In a world where Black people have been marginalized, the dandy became a figure who defied the rigid categories of race and class that sought to confine them."
This year's Met Gala co-chairs are perfect examples: Actor Colman Domingo, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, artist A$AP Rocky, artist Pharrell Williams plus Vogue EIC Anna Wintour. Basketball star LeBron James is an honorary co-chair.
Zoom in: Think of someone who's always put together, perfectly groomed, and wearing clothing that's expertly tailored.
In a sea of traditional tuxes, cummerbunds and bowties, those who own the style have consistently hit red carpets in looks that shake up the men's wear ecosystem, but still prioritize elegance, tailoring and style.
The category is not exclusive to men. Women who embrace the style, like artist Janelle Monáe, can be dandies too.
Between the lines: The theme is a stark contrast to the Trump administration's efforts to scrub mentions of race, sexuality or gender from schools, arts programming and workplace policies.