Met Gala 2025: Celebrating Black Dandyism and the Evolution of Tailored Style
The Met Gala 2025 theme is “Superfine Tailoring Black Style,” which shines a spotlight on Black Dandyism and its evolution from the 18th century to contemporary high fashion.
The theme was inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book “Slaves to Fashion.” The book itself explores how Black style has been a potent form of self–expression, that spanned from the Atlantic Slave Trade to today’s global fashion scenes like New York, Paris, and London.
This exhibit, which is curated by the Costume Institute, will include iconic pieces from influential designers such as Virgil Abloh, Foday Dumbuya, and Pharrell Williams. It will focus on the intersection of fashion, identity, and autonomy within Black communities.
What does the theme mean?
At the core of the theme is the concept of Black Dandyism, a movement that emerged as a means for Black men to assert their identity and autonomy through fashion. Historically, Black Dandyism was a symbol of sophistication, defying societal norms while reclaiming narratives around race and class.
The roots of Black Dandyism can be traced to the 18th and 19th centuries when Black men began to adopt elements of European dandy culture. This was particularly evident during periods of significant social and cultural change such as the Harlem Renaissance, when fashion became a powerful form of resistance against prevailing stereotypes and racism.
Who is hosting?
Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour will co-chair the 2025 Met Gala alongside LeBron James.
When will it take place?
The Met Gala is scheduled to take place on May 5, 2025. The exhibition, which opens shortly after, is divided into 12 segments, that will each be drawing concepts from Black Dandyism, such as ownership, freedom, and transgression.
Guests can expect to see unique installations and artworks by creatives like Torkwase Dyson and Tanda Francis, that’ll enhance the visual experience with custom designers and catalog photography.
The guest list for the Met Gala remains strictly confidential until the night of the event, but it constantly draws some of the industry's biggest names such as Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid, Madonna, and Rihanna. Fashion designers normally arrive with their famous muses, like Marc Jacobs with Kate Moss or Nicolas Ghesquière with Emma Stone.
What is the cultural conversation around the theme?
Social media has already ignited conversations around the theme, with fans and fashion enthusiasts eager to see the execution of this tribute to Black culture. While the Met Gala has faced critiques in the past for not including Black voices, most view this as a positive and respectful choice for celebrating Black culture’s huge influence in the fashion industry.
As the night unfolds, all eyes will be on how designers and attendees embrace the powerful symbolism and strong history behind Black Dandyism and make the theme potentially the most iconic to date.