The Met Gala 2025 theme—‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’—explained

The shot of espresso that fashion enthusiasts woke up with today was the big Met Gala announcement. Set for May 5 next year, the theme is set to be “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. Centred on the Black dandy, the theme will explore the impact of clothing and style on the formation of Black identities throughout the Atlantic diaspora. The exhibit draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. 

So, what can we expect from the exhibition next year? Everything that explores the dynamic style of Black men in the context of dandyism—from past to present and everything in between. 

But what is ‘Black Dandyism’?

To begin with, Black Dandyism goes way back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It emerged as a response to the constraints imposed on the Black community at the time, and later evolved into an identity of resistance. While the term dandyism refers to the manner and dress of a dandy—a man who is elegantly and fashionably dressed—this movement saw African Americans using fashion as a way to form an assertive identity of their own. It was a means of expressing individuality, fighting stereotypes, and celebrating their cultural heritage in a society that constantly marginalised them. Think: tailored suits, bold patterns, accessories like hats, pocket squares, fancy footwear, bow ties, crisp dress shirts, and stylish coats that make an instant statement. 

Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, and James Baldwin are some of the names you will most likely hear when discussing Black dandyism. These poets, social activists, novelists, and writers led the movement by using their distinctive styles as a form of self-expression, challenging the norms while reasserting their dignity through fashion.

Monica Miller, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University, and the author of the book from which the theme of the year is inspired, described dandyism as “dressing wisely and well.”

Of course, the idea of dandyism has evolved since the 18th century. The contemporary definition of dandy men has expanded to include hip-hop artists, fashion icons, and influencers who have taken it up a notch. Black artists today are using hip-hop streetwear—graphic tees, stylish joggers, oversized jackets, and statement sneakers—to convey their strong sense of identities. This exhibition will trace the era of dandyism from the 18th century to today, and will be co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, and Anna Wintour. LeBron James will serve as an honorary co-chair. 

While this is the first Costume Institute exhibition since 2003’s “Braveheart: Men in Skirts” to focus exclusively on menswear, it is safe to say that menswear is in the midst of its biggest revolution. With aspects of gender-fluid clothing, such as bold patterns and innovative silhouettes, designers and artists have been experimenting with and exploring new ideas of identity and self-expression through fashion. And we only hope that next year's Met Gala theme will do more and push these boundaries even further.

Lead image credit: Getty Images/Emma McIntyre

Also read: Everything you need to know about péro’s collaboration with Hello Kitty

Also read: Fashion month 2024 is officially over—and these are the top trends for the coming year