The 2025 Met Gala Honors Black Dandyism—Here’s a Deeper Look at its History, Style, and Impact

Three dandies posing for a photo - Credit: Harness Hamese

Sierra Pope | Multimedia News Intern 

3-minute Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – A night of elegance is on the horizon, and legendary musicians, famed supermodels, elite athletes, visionary filmmakers, and trailblazing fashionistas are completing last-minute touches to ensure they are picture-perfect for this year’s Met Gala, formally known as The Costume Institute Benefit.

Superfine: Tailoring Black Style is the theme of 2025​​, examining the historical context of Black style over centuries through the concept of dandyism, and exploring the importance of design to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic displacement, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Black dandyism is where self-expression collides with culture. Shelby Ivey Christie, a well-known Fashion and Costume Historian, said the wardrobe could be traced back to slavery. Since the sartorial symbolism was demonstrated in the Harlem Renaissance from female figures like Gladys Bentley and Ma Rainey, a large group of Black women feel empowered to replace society’s traditional standard for creative legacy.

Within the Black church, dandyism thrived as Sunday’s best. From vibrant colors to striking prints, tailored suits and polished hats developed into personal statements across social classes.

“You see a lot of creativity in the history of Black style because it’s our armor,” Jerry Lorenzo, the Creative Director of Fear of God added. “It’s a tool in our toolbox to get through life, to make it easier to get into certain rooms.”

As time evolves, Janelle Monáe, Teyana Taylor, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Pharell Williams have become notable figures of modern dandyism, using fashion as a bold form of identity, and encouraging others to think beyond convention.

Undoubtedly, the Met Gala’s dress code is curated to tell an inspiring story–one that celebrates individuality, freedom, and wit, while shining a spotlight on the impactful influence of Black dandyism for everyone around the world to witness on May 5th.