Met Gala 2025: Celebrating Black Dandyism

Adorned with daffodils from head to toe, the Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed into a floral fantasy as it welcomed guests onto a striking blue carpet for the 2025 Met Gala. Beneath the glamour of the event, lies a much deeper cultural recognition and appreciation.

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The theme, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' , celebrated black culture through celebrities' expressive looks and the exhibition inside.  

The event kicked off with an all-black men’s choir performing ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, a song with significance to the movement for racial justice. 

This year, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour was joined by an all-Black lineup of co-chairs, including Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton and Colman Domingo. It was them who helped set an intentional tone for the evening. 

Wicked star, Cynthia Erivo, was dressed in a contemporary fusion of Black fashion, including a corset with red and silver embellishments, creating a richly textured outfit. 

She said to the ABC she considered that Black fashion has been “lost throughout history”, and how this year's theme “means a lot”. 

Many celebrities presented highly-executed looks this evening, with ensembles featuring a wide palette of colours, and confidence being showcased on the carpet.

Zendaya, in an all white outfit, had a very elegant appeal. Teyana Taylor wearing a dramatic red themed suit attire, with a velvet red cape cascading. The Black women on the carpet exhibited a sense of power and adornment, woven seamlessly into their style and flair.

In past Met Galas, Black fashion has often been underrepresented, but this year it took centre stage, earning the recognition it rightfully deserves. The Gala’s theme was an expression of both style and historical legacy. It symbolises the resistance and strength that Black people had to undergo, and references Black dandyism.  

Dandyism refers to individuals letting their fashion and outfits speak for themselves, originally popular within British and European culture in the 1800s.  

This style and aesthetic focuses on tailoring evolving into a rebellion and outlet for Black people. Dandyism has been described in Monica L Miller’s book as ‘Slaves to Fashion’. Miller explains that some former Black slaves, like Julius Soubise, leaned towards flamboyant attire after gaining the freedom to choose how they dress and express themselves. 

This year's theme had a very political nature, with Black people reclaiming dandyism as a part of high fashion and resistance to cultural norms. This is a consequence of the Eurocentric standards of beauty and perception in society, therefore this representation of Black culture remains empowering.  

When considering the conservatism of the U.S. government at the moment, this year’s theme also challenged traditional notions of masculinity, steering guests away from the usual parade of plain suits and encouraging more expressive, flamboyant fashion. This push against conformity, and gender identity created a celebration of diversity.  

Some other standouts include UK actor Damson Idris, singer Andre 3000, designer Dapper Dan, who all wore extravagant suits, bolder than typical menswear at these events. 

This year's Met Gala was a statement for Black peoples' identity and history within America. Through fashion, the evening paid tribute to the evolving style of Black dandyism, celebrated through the artistic attire worn by those who attended.